José Luis Torrente is a fictional character created by Spanish actor and filmmaker Santiago Segura. He is the protagonist of the Torrente film series, which began with "Torrente 1: ¡Muerto o vivo!" in 1998. The character is portrayed as a bumbling, corrupt, and often comical private detective living in Madrid. The films are known for their satirical humor and have gained a cult following in Spain. Torrente's character often embodies exaggerated stereotypes of Spanish society, making the films both entertaining and a reflection of cultural themes. The series has produced several sequels, contributing to its popularity.