Eva Longoria is going deep into her roots with her new CNN docuseries Searching for Spain, and it’s personal in the best way possible.
After giving us a flavor-filled ride through her Mexican heritage in Searching for Mexico, Eva’s back with a fresh journey, this time diving into her Spanish ancestry. And it’s not just about food or travel; it’s about discovering a piece of herself she didn’t fully know until now.
The 50-year-old actress opened up about how this latest project helped her learn more about her family history, and it turns out it was a surprise even to her. While she’s always embraced her Mexican-American identity, Eva shared that she never really connected with the idea of having Spanish roots, until she took a DNA test and confirmed her dad was right all along. “My dad had always said we were also from Spain,” she told Byrdie. “I used to say, ‘No, we’re not.’ Then I took a DNA test, and it was confirmed.”
So when CNN came calling for a follow-up to her hit 2023 docuseries, she didn’t hesitate. “When CNN wanted to do the next season, I said, ‘We should do Spain because my ancestors are from Spain,’” she said. And while she felt at home filming Searching for Mexico because of her familiarity with the country, the experience of shooting in Spain was totally different, and eye-opening.
Eva admitted that heading into Searching for Spain, she didn’t know much about the country firsthand. But that just made her questions and curiosity even more genuine on screen. “In this series, you’ll see that my questions are genuine and my curiosity is heightened. I was excited to learn more about my Spanish heritage.” And that authenticity? It’s exactly what makes the series so compelling.
What really sets Searching for Spain apart is how deeply personal it is for Eva. She’s not just the host, she’s the thread that ties everything together. “Being able to shape the storytelling of the series has been vital because I am the way in for the audience,” she said. “I wanted it to be relevant to my journey and everybody’s journey. Everybody can watch the show and relate to someone.”
For Eva, it’s always been about real storytelling, sharing stories that come from lived experiences, not just scripted narration. And that’s what Searching for Spain delivers. It’s not just a travel show. It’s not just a food show. It’s a look into what it means to find pieces of yourself in places you didn’t expect.
Her move to Europe over the past few years has only deepened that connection. Though born and raised in Texas and having spent years living in Los Angeles, Eva has been living mostly between Mexico and Spain. She made it clear on The View: Behind the Table podcast that her move wasn’t about politics or headlines, it was about following where her work and passion were taking her. “I’ve been in Europe for almost three years,” she said. “I didn’t leave because of the political environment. I left because my work took me there.”
And it’s easy to see how that shift is influencing her projects. From exploring Mexican culture to uncovering Spanish roots, Eva’s using her platform to explore identity, culture, and connection in a way that feels honest and deeply personal.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her journey, Eva Longoria: Searching for Spain offers more than just pretty shots and great food. It’s an invitation to look inward, to ask questions about where we come from, and to understand that discovering your heritage can be one of the most powerful stories you’ll ever tell.
