Cuéntame cómo pasó

Cuéntame cómo pasó follows the Alcántara family, a Spanish middle-class household trying to keep up as the country moves from the last years of Francisco Franco's rule into the early Transition to democracy. The story is told through domestic moments, conversations around the kitchen table, and the changing fortunes of parents Antonio and Mercedes, their children Toni and Inés, and grandmother Herminia. Everyday choices and small conflicts reflect larger social shifts, with humor and quiet tension woven through family life. Episodes mix personal dramas, work and school issues, and political developments, showing how national events ripple into ordinary routines without revealing major plot twists or final outcomes.

The series premiered in 2001 and was created by Miguel Ángel Bernardeau. Produced in Spain and presented in Spanish, it launched as a period drama with strong comic elements, aiming to recreate the feel of late 20th century Spanish life for television audiences.

Critics and viewers have generally praised the show's warm, observational tone and its balance of comedy and drama, reflected in a vote average of 7.1/10 from 56 votes. Recurring themes include generational change, memory, social mobility, and how private life and public events intersect. Performances by Imanol Arias and Ana Duato are often highlighted for bringing depth and everyday realism to their roles.

Culturally, the program has become a recognizable reference for portrayals of Spain's Transition era, shaping how many audiences remember that period. Its settings, wardrobe, and soundtrack recreate a sense of nostalgia that has kept the series part of public conversation, and it has influenced later Spanish shows that tackle recent history with a family focus.

Over its long run the show has earned various Spanish television awards and nominations, reflecting its sustained popularity and impact on domestic audiences. Major international awards are limited, but its recognition in Spain underscores its status as a staple of contemporary Spanish TV.