Actress Kate del Castillo will return as Teresa Mendoza in a fourth season of the series "La Reina del Sur" on Telemundo [1].
The return of the hit franchise serves as a centerpiece for Telemundo's 2026-27 scripted programming slate [2]. By positioning the series as a flagship summer offering, the network aims to capture viewers alongside other major hits and the World Cup tournament [2].
Del Castillo said that the upcoming season will take a darker turn for her character. She said that Teresa Mendoza will be "touching hell" [1]. This suggests a significant shift in the protagonist's journey as the story progresses into its fourth installment [1].
Telemundo is utilizing the series to anchor its broader power play within the U.S. Spanish-language broadcast market [3]. The network is loading its schedule with high-profile content to maintain dominance during the 2026-27 television year [2].
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the announcement confirms that the series will maintain its presence as a primary driver of viewership for the network [3]. The production continues to build on the established popularity of the franchise, ensuring a high-stakes environment for Mendoza's return [1].
“Teresa Mendoza will be “touching hell.””
The decision to revive "La Reina del Sur" for a fourth season indicates Telemundo's strategy of leveraging proven intellectual property to stabilize its viewership during major global events like the World Cup. By pairing a high-draw star like del Castillo with a darker, more intense narrative arc, the network is attempting to maintain its competitive edge in the U.S. Spanish-language market against increasing competition from streaming platforms.
