Fact Check: Is The Accident (El Accidente) on Netflix based on a true story?

The day the tragic event unfolds (Image via Netflix)
The day the tragic event unfolds (Image via Netflix)

No, Netflix's The Accident (El Accidente) isn't based on a true story, but it is inspired by real-life events and social issues. The show's creator, Leonardo Padron, often incorporates these elements into his stories to explore the complexities of human relationships and social challenges.

The Accident is a new Mexican Netflix series that premiered on August 21. The show follows a gripping story that connects the lives of four families after a tragic event. The intense series consists of ten episodes, each ranging from 40 minutes to an hour in length, and explores feelings of guilt, resentment, and violence.

The series, directed by Gracia Querjeta and Klych Lopez, takes place in Mexico. The Accident on Netflix is made available for viewers to watch in over 190 countries and brings forward a talented cast that includes Ana Cladia Talancon, Sebastian Martinez, Alberto Guerra, Erendira Ibarra, Eric Elias, and more.


What is Netflix’s The Accident About?

Birthday takes a tragic turn (Image via Netflix)
Birthday takes a tragic turn (Image via Netflix)

Netflix's The Accident is about regular people who find themselves in a really unusual situation. Something terrible happens on a day that was supposed to be happy, and they're forced to take a hard look at themselves. When three kids die and a fourth goes missing, everyone becomes suspicious and paranoid, wondering who's to blame. They feel all kinds of emotions - pain, guilt, anger - and it is a really tough time.

Here’s what the show’s creator Leorado Padron has to say about his new creation

“An accident is essentially a catalyst for exploring deeper issues, such as how we cope with and recover from personal tragedies. Humans are incredibly resilient, a fact that’s well-documented. I’m focusing on four families to examine how they respond differently to a shared ordeal. This approach is compelling because it combines elements of a thriller, with numerous mysteries to unravel. Accidents often have a human element, and in this case, there’s a clear indication of human responsibility for the incident.”

Is The Accident the first work of Leonardo Padron with Netflix?

No, The Accident is not his first work with Netflix. Leonardo's first production on Netflix was The Marked Heart, which premiered on April 20, 2022. The show explores social complexities and human relationships through a story about a woman whose heart is stolen and transplanted into the wife of a millionaire. The twist: the transplanted woman falls in love with the husband of the murdered woman, leading to a complicated tale of love and issues.

The first season became the most-watched Latin American series on Netflix and the most-watched non-English language production worldwide. After that success, Netflix renewed the series for a second season on April 19, 2023, and it topped the charts with over 46 million hours watched.


Who are the cast in Netflix’s The Accident?

The family grieves after the accident (Image via Netflix)
The family grieves after the accident (Image via Netflix)

Leonardo Padron describes his cast as luxurious and dreamlike. He thanks Netflix and says,

“As a writer, I couldn’t be more thrilled with what Netflix helped me achieve here. Being surrounded by such talented actors.”

The list of the cast includes

  • Sebastián Martínez
  • Ana Claudia Talancón
  • Alberto Guerra
  • Eréndira Ibarra
  • Eric Hayser
  • Erick Elías
  • Shaní Lozano

Along with the fabulous casting and the engaging storylines, the show's backdrops are also super effective in keeping viewers engaged. They're like additional characters that add more depth to the story. Filming of the show has taken place entirely in Mexico, specifically in the town of Tepoztlán.

Now that you're interested in the show, all 10 episodes are available to stream on Netflix.

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Edited by Sezal Srivastava