Merlí

Merlí introduces a gruff, unconventional philosophy teacher whose blunt honesty upends the routines of a high school and its students. He uses provocative lessons to challenge how his pupils think, pushing them to question authority, ethics, and their own choices. Outside class he gets entangled with his young son, colleagues, and a group of students who react in different ways to his methods. The show mixes wit and drama as relationships shift, friendships are tested, and adolescent concerns like identity, family, and desire are examined alongside lively classroom debates.

Created by Héctor Lozano and first released in 2015, the Catalan-language series stars Francesc Orella as Merlí, with Carlos Cuevas, David Solans, Elisabet Casanovas, and Adrian Grösser among the young cast, and quickly became a standout on regional television.

Critics and viewers responded well, reflected in an 8.6 user rating on major databases, praising the writing and strong ensemble performances. The series treats themes like moral reasoning, mentorship, teenage sexuality, and fractured family life with steady realism, balancing humor and tension without easy answers.

Merlí had a noticeable cultural effect in Spanish and Catalan media, making philosophy feel unexpectedly relevant to younger audiences and sparking conversations on social media and in classrooms. Its memorable classroom scenes and Merlí's unfiltered approach made the show a frequent topic among educators and viewers who appreciated a TV series that treated teen concerns seriously and with sharp dialogue.

The series also drew industry attention, earning critical recognition and a number of awards and nominations within Spain's television community, while Francesc Orella's lead performance was singled out repeatedly for praise. Overall, Merlí stands out as a drama-comedy that turned a philosophy classroom into fertile ground for character drama and public debate.