The great value of "Cuéntame cómo pasó" is not the story itself, but how is it told to viewers. With simplicity, honesty, at times comical, at times tragic, without exaggerating characters or situations, this is the most enjoyable and the best TV series I have ever seen.

It is a true family show, with the added value of stating deep social, moral and ethical questions, which avoids completely "cheap philosophical clichés" presenting realistic circumstances where the different choices often lead to opposite consequences. Furthermore, as in real-life, the characters make the choices influenced by individual emotional feelings frequently contrary to reason and good sense. We see all this happen and understand each character's realistic situation, never knowing what to expect.

There are no good or bad individuals; they are people just like any one of us. Their interactions are not predictable and they don't always act the way they should, making mistakes leading the plot to unexpected outcomes.

Although it is set in a specific time and place, and yes, historical events are carefully embroidered within the plot, the main story is about the human being, jealousy, greed, lust, pride, drive for performance and improvement; and the interactions of every-day individuals within and without the family circle, their double standards in the judgments of others compared to their own; it exposes the weaknesses and strengths of our culture, transcending beyond Spain to all Western cultures and beyond Spanish to non-Spanish speaking audiences.