There’s something fascinating about seeing a European show cross borders— we’re talking full-fledged remakes, a la ‘the Office’, that mold an original Spanish story into tales that fit different audiences entirely.
And being able to watch these, on one platform, is quite rare and fascinating. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening with Netflix’s “Machos Alfa”, the original Spanish comedy series that’s been given a French and a Dutch treatment already. And what better evidence of NETFLIX being on to something than having have a German and Italian remake lined up too?
A remake is never just a translation; it’s an act of reinvention. The Office, House of Cards, Skam, Married With Children, The Bridge… All of these hit shows have been repurposed for specific markets world-wide. It’s nothing new. But unless you subscribe wisely, you likely never had them running side by side on the same platform simultaneously in a different language and (!) with your subtitles of choice. Now that’s something fresh in terms of availablity. And it’s a tell-tale sign of an interesting new strategy for Netflix. And quite a cultural treat for Europeans.
What do we mean? Well, first things first. The core premise of “Machios Alfa” stays the same—four men navigating a world where traditional masculinity no longer rules— however, the way each country defines, challenges, or even clings to those traditions is where things get interesting. Watching Machos Alfa in multiple languages isn’t just a shift in dialogue; it’s a window into how different European cultures interpret, exaggerate, and satirize modern masculinity, relationships, and social expectations. And perhaps most importantly.. it inspires identity reconsideration and promotes fluency thereof. Because, say you have a Spanish heart, but have lived in the Netherlands all your life.. this show might show you the way home. In addition, what this show does is turn the roles of watcher and watched. We all are very much used to seeing the world through an explicit male gaze in shows and film. This show… really messes with that. And it’s great.
Masculinity Through a Cultural Lens – Super Mâles
Let’s start with France, where the remake is called “Super Mâles.” Here, the humor feels sharper, the existential crises deeper, and the characters lean into a more intellectual, self-aware awkwardness. French comedy often thrives on social critique, and Super Mâles doesn’t hold back—it examines how men reconcile their self-image with the shifting expectations of women, work, and emotional expression. There’s an almost philosophical depth to it, wrapped in witty banter and self-deprecating charm. And, nudity. There’s much more nudity in the French take. And one more thing…. the urgency of wanting, needing desperately, to have sex.. is dialed up to such a high degree that it kind of makes you (if you’re single or the cheating type) consider going to France on holiday for the rest of your life.
Haantjes
Then we have the Dutch adaptation, “Haantjes (Roosters).” If Super Mâles is self-reflective, Roosters is brash, playful, and—true to Dutch humor—unapologetically direct. Dutch culture prides itself on openness and egalitarianism, yet Roosters highlights that even in the “progressive societies, men also struggle with letting go of outdated gender roles. One would think it’d be easier to shed skin if it’s inherent to a cultural norm to do so. Guess not. Moving on, the Dutch comedy is more situational, leaning on awkward social interactions, generational clashes, and a particularly Dutch brand of dry humor that cuts straight to the bone. There’s also another visual aspect that immediately seperates the Dutch edition.. just observe the locations, the interiors of houses and restaurants, the face of public spaces, etc. It’s quite striking how a choice was made to etalage a certain ‘swag’ angle by the Dutch, and that same angle being much more shaded in the other versions. So, why are the Spanish and French hiding their “swag”?
Ze next step ist sehr wichtig, so… fatti valere!
Meanwhile, Italy and Germany are gearing up for their own versions (“Maschi Veri” and “Alphamännchen” respectively), which will no doubt bring their own twists. If we go by trends, perhaps the Italian version might lean into family, tradition, and a bit of fiery, charismatic self-destruction. And maybe the German adaptation could play with the contradictions of modern masculinity with the hyper-efficient, success-driven culture the Germans are known to cultivate?
Why This is More Than Just Comedy
What makes this fascinating isn’t the humor—it’s what these adaptations reveal about how masculinity is perceived across different European cultures. After all, what’s a bro, to and fro? Comedy is one of the best ways to explore social anxieties without making the audience feel like they’re being lectured. It allows us to laugh at the absurdity of our struggles while also recognizing the truths they expose.
More akin, than not.
And….that said, keep in mind that even though each adaptation has its own style, there are undeniable similarities across them all. Men struggling to talk about their emotions? Check. Generational clashes over what being “a man” even means anymore? Absolutely. A feeling of confusion about where they fit in a world where power is no longer guaranteed just because of gender? Across the board. Awkard sex? Double check.
And yet, the differences make the experience even richer. Watching Machos Alfa in Spanish, Super Mâles in French, Roosters in Dutch, and—eventually—Maschi Veri and Alphamännchen, is like a mini crash-course in European culture through the lens of gender and humor, with a dash of architecture, hobbies, and interior styling.
The AIBM Take: A Window into Cultural Learning
At AIBM, we’re all about cultural connections, and this is exactly the kind of thing that gets us excited. These adaptations are an opportunity—not just for language learners, not just for gawkers of stereotypes, but for anyone interested in how culture shapes media, and how media, in turn, reflects back on culture. Watching all versions of Machos Alfa is a chance to see the nuances in European humor, the different ways gender roles are projected and challenged and and how certain themes resonate no matter the language.
It’s proof that Europe is both deeply diverse and yet fundamentally connected by the same questions, struggles, and laughs. And if nothing else, it’s a damn entertaining way to explore that.
