Rewatching, Reworking and Reselling: Iconicity and Fan Art Around Aquí no hay quien viva

Abstract

This chapter examines the enduring legacy of Aquí no hay quien viva (ANHQV) (Antena 3, 2003–2006), a Spanish television comedy that continues to captivate new generations of viewers 20 years after its first release. This chapter explores the intersection of participatory fandom and entrepreneurial practice through the work of two graphic designers: Sara Benito and Iván Ramosky. Their fan art ranges from minimalist illustrations on everyday objects to tarot decks that symbolically reinterpret the show’s characters. Their work demonstrates how ANHQV has been reimagined through digital aesthetics, platform economies and nostalgic engagement. These practices are situated within broader shifts in Spanish media culture, including the long tail of reruns, the rise of video-on-demand platforms and the emergence of ‘comfort viewing’. The study argues that fan art functions not only as a paratextual extension of the original series but also as a mode of critical reinterpretation and economic agency. By analysing how Benito and Ramosky navigate social media, design and merchandising, this chapter highlights how fan labour is increasingly valued by media institutions and monetised by creators. Ultimately, ANHQV proves to still be a dynamic, living text sustained by fan creativity across generations.