Elite

Three working class students win places at Spain's most exclusive high school, and their arrival upends the carefully guarded lives of the wealthy pupils who attend Las Encinas. Tensions over money, romance, loyalty and status build quickly, with friendships and alliances forming and breaking under the pressure of parties, rivalries and hidden pasts. Secrets mount until an event shatters the school's veneer of control, triggering an investigation that exposes how far some characters will go to protect their reputations and desires. The show keeps the focus on suspense and social friction, without giving away its key surprises.

Released on Netflix in 2018, the series was created by Darío Madrona and Carlos Montero. Filmed in Spain and performed in Spanish, it blends teen drama with crime and mystery elements, helping Spanish-language television reach a broader international audience.

The series has drawn nominations and attention at various Spanish television award ceremonies, and it helped raise the profiles of several young actors. While it didn't sweep major international prize lists early on, it did secure recognition in national media and industry conversations.

Elite became a cultural touchstone for younger viewers, influencing fashion choices, playlists and social media trends. Its frank treatment of sexuality and identity, alongside glossy school settings and provocative scenes, made it a frequent topic on fan forums, meme streams and streaming-era recaps, expanding its visibility beyond Spain.

Critics and audiences responded positively overall, reflected in a user vote average of 8.015/10 from more than 9,000 ratings. Reviewers often noted the show's mix of soap-operatic twists and murder-mystery plotting, along with strong ensemble performances. Major themes include class conflict, privilege, secrecy, sexual identity and power, all delivered through a tone that alternates between stylish spectacle and darker moral stakes.