A Protegida

Set in the wide plains of the Alentejo, A Protegida follows the intertwined lives of Mariana and José Diogo, two kids whose backgrounds could not be more different. Mariana grows up inside a caring family with a clear place to return to when life hurts, while José Diogo, an orphan, treats her as his only real refuge. The show traces how that early dependence and intimacy changes as they age, with neighbourhood loyalties, family expectations, and personal ambitions complicating what started as a simple bond. It balances light, comedic moments with tense, dramatic scenes and keeps its surprises for viewers, so I won’t give away how events resolve.

Released in 2025, A Protegida was created by Patrícia Müller and stars Matilde Reymão as Mariana, Pedro Sousa as José Diogo, with Diogo Morgado, Alexandra Lencastre, and Paulo Pires in key roles.

As of this writing the series hasn’t been reported as a recipient of major international awards, though it’s drawing attention in Portuguese TV circles and among festival programmers.

The show has already prompted conversation about rural life and social class in Portugal, thanks to its Alentejo setting and the chemistry between the leads. Certain scenes and lines have been shared on social media, and regional outlets have highlighted its depiction of provincial communities.

Early viewers and critics praise the acting and tonal mix, reflected in an 8.2/10 viewer score from initial ratings. Major themes include dependence and belonging, class differences, and how family shapes identity, all presented with occasional humor that keeps the drama from becoming heavy. The writing tends to favor character moments over plot twists, so the series feels intimate and character-driven.