This Apple TV+ Show Is a Delightful ’80 Fever Dream and There Are Already 30 Episodes to Binge

Acapulco starts with present-day Maximo recounting his life story to his tween nephew, but the vast majority of the scenes take place in the early ‘80s at the Las Colinas resort in Acapulco, Mexico. The resort setting is a total throwback, with super-saturated colors covering every corner of the hotel—bright pink walls, a glistening aqua-hued pool, teal striped cabanas, etc. Even the hotel uniforms feel “of the era” with ruffled off-the-shoulder tops for the ladies and pink-trimmed polos for the guys (many with the collar popped). Maximo’s home, which he shares with his overprotective mother and rebellious sister, is equally vibrant, albeit in a much less flashy manner.

And while I would leap at any opportunity to explore the setting of Acapulco IRL—I could almost watch this show with the sound off and still be enamored with the gorgeous visuals—it’s the huge cast of charming characters that ultimately stole my heart and made me want to watch all 30 episodes.

Young Maximo (played by Enrique Arrizon) toes the line between idiotically optimistic and realistically hopeful, always believing that he can make a difference or that things can get better if only he can find a way. He’s balanced by best-friend Memo (Fernando Carsa) who is pure comedy and slapstick, and whip-smart Julia (Camila Perez) who works at the front desk of the resort. With Julia, it’s love at first sight for Maximo, but as it turns out she’s is already dating none other than Chad (Chord Overstreet), the son of resort-owner and retired soap opera star Diane Davies (Jessica Collins).

Even the minor characters feel fabulously fun and richly played including Hector Valero the head pool boy who excessively and extravagantly rolls his R’s at every turn; Maximo’s rebellious sister Sara who is determined to set her mom up on a date almost entirely for selfish reasons; the somber Don Pablo Banilla, Maximo’s mentor and idol, who comes from the same poor background; and the two poolside singers who belt out Spanish versions of all the top ‘80s pop hits while wearing the most deliciously tacky outfits.

True, it’s a lot. But it somehow all comes together. Yes, sometimes the finer details end up getting pushed aside for the sake of expediency—how did Maximo find time in his busy workday as a pool boy to set up fireworks, lights and flowers for a last-minute proposal? Or time to train in the art of setting a table blind folded? Honestly, who cares? This is not The Bear or Presumed Innocent. It’s a comedy dedicated to telling stories about overcoming odds, and I will happily suspend my disbelief in favor of joy and triumph.

There’s no word yet on if or when a fourth season would be released. But my fingers are crossed we get another ten episodes (or more) of neon-drenched ‘80s fun from this charming crew sooner rather than later.

Watch ‘Acapulco‘ Now on Apple TV+.