He’s surly, unorthodox, unapologetically blunt, and he’s about to change your life. Meet the new philosophy teacher, Merlí, who will help his students view the world in a whole new light, both in and out of the classroom.
Ratings
Curator score: 5.6/10
IMDb: 8.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
TMDB: 8.6/10
Created by
Héctor Lozano
Production
TV3
Cast
Francesc Orella, Carlos Cuevas, David Solans, Elisabet Casanovas, Adrian Grösser, Marcos Franz, Júlia Creus, Albert Baró, Candela Antón, Pau Poch, Iñaki Mur, Laia Manzanares, Marta Marco, Anna Ycobalzeta, Oriol Pla, Boris Ruiz, Anna Maria Barbany, Pere Ponce, Ferran Rañé, Assun Planas
Curator Review
Verdict
A warm, witty, and surprisingly thoughtful coming-of-age drama built around philosophy, friendship, and messy adolescence. It’s especially appealing if you like character-driven school stories with an idealistic streak and a teacher who is abrasive but genuinely transformative.
Best for
fans of smart teen dramas
viewers who like classroom-set ensemble shows
people interested in philosophy made accessible
audiences who enjoy emotional, character-first storytelling
Skip if
you want fast-paced plotting over dialogue and reflection
you dislike teen relationship drama
you prefer darker, more cynical school series
you need every season to feel equally strong
Overview
Merlí is one of those series that sounds niche on paper and ends up being broadly appealing because it understands people first and ideas second. The philosophy lessons are not just a gimmick; they give the show a clear identity and a steady stream of conversation-starters, while the students’ personal lives keep it grounded and emotionally alive.
Worth noting
What makes it work is the balance between humor, tenderness, and bluntness. Merlí is a difficult, often infuriating presence, but the series uses him to push both the characters and the audience toward bigger questions about identity, desire, family, and freedom. It has the easy watchability of a teen ensemble drama, but with more intellectual texture than most shows in the format.
Bottom line
The first two seasons are the essential run, and they’re the reason the series has such a strong reputation. The final season is still worthwhile, though it feels less fresh and a bit more transitional. If you enjoy smart, emotionally open television with a strong sense of place and a memorable central voice, this is an easy recommendation.
2006 · Curator 9.2/10 (79.3K ratings) · Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
An ensemble drama that turns a community institution into a deeply human, emotionally addictive series.
1999 · Curator 9.5/10 (165.1K ratings) · Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, Amazon Prime Video with Ads
A beloved ensemble about adolescence that is funny, observant, and deeply sympathetic to its characters.