“Acapulco” Season 4 Bids Farewell with Heart, Humor & Latino Pride

Young Máximo and Julia share a heartfelt moment in Acapulco Season 4, the Apple TV+ series’ final season, celebrating Mexican culture.

Acapulco Season 4 on Apple TV+ brings a bittersweet farewell to Las Colinas, as the story of Máximo Gallardo comes to a heartfelt conclusion. After waiting a little over a year, the time has come to return one last time to the magical seaside resort of Las Colinas and discover how the “self-history” of Máximo Gallardo Ramos ends, jumping back and forth between his youth and maturity. A fan favorite and critical success, Acapulco has been one of the best-rated Apple TV+ series to date, and its farewell undoubtedly leaves a huge void in the streamer’s programming.

Inspired by the movie How to Be a Latin Lover and created by Austin Winsberg (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Eduardo Cisneros (La familia P. Luche) y Jason Shuman (Guerra de likes), the colorful bilingual workplace comedy concludes its run with a season loaded with heartwarming stories, familiar white humor, a great 80’s playlist and a deep love for Mexico. It is gratifying to note that the series continues to be an endearing delight, with a radiant and positive Latino representation.

Since its debut in 2021, Acapulco has been unfolding the life story of Máximo Gallardo in two timelines: one set in the 1980s, and the other in the present day. Máximo’s journey involves discovering who he is, and how far he is willing to go to achieve his dreams, or as Winsberg told Forbes “Young Máximo is someone who wants a better life for himself and his family. The stories that we’re telling are workplace stories, romance stories, underdog stories-these are things that anybody can relate to globally.”

The series has skillfully intertwined past and present to show viewers how some personal decisions have consequences that can shape the rest of our lives. This idea is further deepened in the fourth season, where the importance of personal responsibility and resolving unfinished business is emphasized. The first two episodes are available now on Apple TV+ and a new episode will be released every Wednesday until September 17.

How does the ‘Acapulco’ story end?

Since he was hired as a “pool boy” in the first installment, Máximo Gallardo has given his all for Las Colinas, and this commitment remains intact. In its final season (Acapulco season 4) Apple TV+’s bilingual comedy sees Máximo, both as a young adult and as an adult, facing all kinds of challenges to restore Las Colinas to its former prestige and seductive charm.

In the present day, the installment explores Máximo’s (Eugenio Derbez) firm intention to revitalize Las Colinas. Following Don Pablo’s funeral, Máximo decides it is time to roll up his sleeves and honor his mentor’s legacy. To do so, he acquires the resort and invites former colleagues to collaborate in its recovery. With more money and less happiness, Máximo dreams of mending, much more than just the infrastructure of the beloved resort.

Meanwhile, the story of young Máximo (Enrique Arrizon) picks up in early 1986, when hotel competition threatens his new position as Chief of Operations. Motivated to regain Las Colinas’ place of honor in the ranking of Acapulco’s best hotels, Máximo begins to make decisions that have a significant impact on his loved ones. It is not difficult to guess what happens next: the ambitious dreamer, prone to selfish interests and self-preservation, reaches a turning point that transforms him into the eccentric billionaire we already know.

Cristo Fernández and Eugenio Derbez in “Acapulco,” now streaming on Apple TV+.

Fortunately, the main characters are back and are able to steal scenes and even entire episodes when given the opportunity. A lot is happening: Loyal Memo (Fernando Carsa), eagerly prepares for the arrival of his son. Julia (Camila Perez) thrives with her designs, while questioning Maximo’s loyalties. The former owner of Las Colinas, Diane (Jessica Collins), looks for ways to reinvent herself with Hector (Rafael Cebrian). Don Pablo (Damián Alcázar), now at the helm of the Alma del Mar hotel, leads a brilliant and relentless competition. Sr. Alejandro Vera (Jaime Camil), almost completely insensitive to any reality beyond his own whims, assumes absolute control of Las Colinas, and this means big problems for everyone.

Acapulco season 4 remains essentially the same as its first three seasons, and it does a great job of wrapping up the storylines of its characters. The cast has stepped up its game, and this installment aptly doubles down on everything that has made the comedy work so well over time.

The script by Austin Winsberg and his team not only answers the series’ most persistent questions related to Maximo’s personal and professional conflicts, but also invites reflection on significant life issues. These include the challenges of finding one’s place in the world, the relevance of friendship and chosen family, and in particular, the weight of the choices we make especially during the formative years.

For decades, Acapulco “The Pearl of the Pacific” was the go-to destination for Hollywood stars and tycoons, seduced by its natural surroundings and crystal clear waters, and Apple’s series continues to reimagine that atmosphere in a bold and unique way, with iconic references to fashion, music and culture.

The long-awaited final chapter of Acapulco season 4 deserves special and significant praise for its nuanced portrayal of Mexican culture, its great production values, its catchy musical sequences, and for its talented cast.

So, Should I Watch It?

Many television series tend to fade toward the end, but there are some that are truly outstanding from introduction to farewell, and that’s the case with the bilingual comedy Acapulco. Although the ending leaves us with a lump in our throat, the loose ends are convincingly tied up and wrapped up in a nice bow. So yes, Acapulco has been and continues to be worth the effort and time.

“It’s rare for shows centered on Latino stories to make it this far, and that makes this milestone even more meaningful… Thank you for helping us break barriers and celebrate our culture,” Derbez told Apple TV+ Press.  I think it’s fair to say: thanks to you, it’s been a real pleasure to have all the honest, hard-working Latinos of Las Colinas back in action.

“Ponte las pilas, güey” if you haven’t yet experienced the joyful spirit of this comedy, now is the ideal time to catch up.

What We're Watching

Stay Connected & Sign Up for Our Newsletter!