Merlí (2015–2018) User Reviews

A hidden soap opera treasure

[B24 · 10/10 · 11 October 2016]

No reviews to date? Seriously? One supposes that is mainly because it speaks a language (Catalán) with which relatively few Europeans or Americans are familiar. Yet it appears regularly on YouTube with Spanish and even on occasion badly translated English subtitles. No excuses, however. A splendidly scripted, acted, and filmed TV series like this deserves better attention.

The narrative centers on a teacher and his philosophy class in a contemporary Barcelona high school. Each episode follows the teacher's life both at home and in the context of how he interacts with a specific set of acquaintances drawn from that milieu. No punches are pulled where the tone and depth of such relationships are concerned; fine and coarse language intermingle freely, as do sexual tensions involving all the characters.

But the most surprising aspect to me is how thoroughly expert and technically adept an obviously low budget film from a region lying at the northern extremity of its EU country succeeds in every way at generating a first-class production. I like everything about it: the musical track, the use of lighting, the camera work, and the direction. It is equally startling to discover in a minor TV series actors of all ages and kinds delivering top performances. Any language barrier fades away, almost as if it were a silent film with subtitles barely visible.

Now in its second season, this one should be a "must see" for the avid film fan.

Superb!

[tobias-hanggara · 10/10 · 16 October 2016]

At first when i accidentally saw a thumbnail in a video sharing website about two young-good-looking boys looking at each other (probably in love) i thought it's going to be a soap opera cliché contained young gay story who are closeted, with its typical conflicts. I was wrong. Merlí is a 'rich' soap opera, whenever i watch the episodes it feels like i'm taking a class, studying Philosophy, and it is actually teach us about it indeed. Almost everything about this series is super, the directing, the acting, the soundtracks, plot, you name it. I really hope they will be released officially with English subtitle, but you may not be worried if you understand Spanish or Catalan because you can watch them in TV3's website. In summary, Merlí is a classy soap opera which highly recommended to watch. Salutació!

Progressive, Painful, Powerful, Funny, and Real; Nothing Quite Like It

[ratboyfrommars · 10/10 · 17 January 2018]

Nothing, and I mean nothing, has ever messed me up like this brilliant show did, and the best thing about that is that among all the sad moments, there were a lot of really powerful happy moments that brought forth just as much if not more tears. I can't even begin to describe how important this show is, and I'm not sure if it's even possible to put it properly in words. Throughout the show, we see the evolution of each character, Merlí included, partly thanks to Merlí's amazing advice and their own initiative. The suffering and success faced by these characters is all explainable in some way or form, so When his teachings of philosophy go beyond the classroom and the characters apply these ideas to their own lives and relationships, the beauty of having a teacher who actually cares about connecting with their students in a non-superficial way really hit me. Each character that came and went left their mark, but their loss never felt out of place or useless. This show had me feeling nostalgic for characters and memories I've only been aware of for a few days, had me loving each and every one of the characters because an actual effort was made by the writers and actors to make them understandable, and had me sobbing at how absurdly perfect some moments were. This was beautifully written, beautifully filmed, beautifully acted, and powerful in its subtlety. Watch. This. Show. Watch it, fall in love with it, gain an interest in philosophy, pay attention, and allow yourself to really *think*. 10/10!

LIFE CHANGING

[jbuchana-21199 · 10/10 · 20 September 2018]

There is definitely a before and after watching Merlí in my life, or plenty of reasons. First of all, everything on it -but Merlí itself- It's completely down to earth and very easy to identify with, both characters and plot. There is no quest, no good and eveil, no heroes and villians. Merl'i is about ordinary people struggling with problems of ordinary life (and not for that easy). Characters are deeply developed, with complete absense of stereotypes, and yet, we all know a Pol, a Berta, a Tania, a Bruno. We also know someone dealing with financial problems, or whose parents are getting divorced, or that feels very unsure of their sexuality: Again, all people and problems that hit us just in our heart, because this sh¡t happens to us and in the end, it's what life is about. Merlí himself is the only extraordinary aspect of this show. An unorthodox, rebelious teacher that gets his pupils to really do philosophy. Not just learning names and concepts by hard, but actually thinking, questioning and approaching their daily life from different angles. He is in some way similar to Mr. Keating from the Dead Poets Society (actually the whole show is a bit like the movie). Plus, he has many flaws, what makes him an ordinary man, although he is one of a kind. Each episode has te name of a different philosopher or school and explains basic concepts to us mortals who never read any of that before. It hooked me, and now i'm interested of learning more of it. I felt over and over reflected in characters, relationships and situations in a way that touched me deep inside, as very few books or movies did before. Everything in this show seemed very real, very close to me and very dear. It made me feel i was a teenager again and I started re-thinking many questions we usually ignore. What am I doing with my life? Am i happy with myself? Should i settle with my reality? And on and on. I really wish i could time travel and show this series to my 17 year old me. I would have bolder and crazier decisions, but i would have been happy too. As Thoreau said "and not, when i came to die, discover that i had not lived"

Amazing symbolism, synonymity- philosopher & character

[rkeytech-46721 · 10/10 · 15 December 2016]

For such a gem to exists, one expects this quality from the powers of Hollywood or European origins. But for this to come out of a region in the corner of Europe and from dialectical language, not per se a primary color like English, French or Italian is truly fantastic. Its a beautiful language. I found myself glued to the screen. As a well read and also written author in an architectural genre, I am unfortunately not bi lingual, like many Americans. Catalonian culture brings for me the richness of Antonio Gaudi and art nouveau, but a great connection to the arts. The episodes in this series are named after famous philosophers from history but the plots and character development are well thought out. There-in lives a synonymity of philosophizing, the explanations of each icon like Plato and Aristotle, flowing together. Their theories of life meld with complex character development in a low budget production that doesn't feel that way at all or isn't made obvious. Each character seems to be as developed as the TOS Star Trek characters of Roddenberry. The symbolism of the Owl that appears in each episode speaks words of wisdom at the right time in the flow of the themes imagery and music. But the messages about acceptance and the balance of a carefree liberal approach to life compared to the staunch conservative values and boundaries illuminates the important things in life, our own universal loneliness and how each individual is important to the other. It shows us our strengths and weaknesses and how to recognize each. This is very well done. As an architect, photographer painter and author, I think this series promotes art as holistic and a necessary presence to balance the technical qualities of our everyday life. Form follows function and this show dares to mix the sacred with the profane with much tact and subtle nuance. Bravo Peter Lagomarsino, Satellite Beach FL USA

Brilliant, captivating & inspiring!

[auralarchitect · 10/10 · 31 January 2017]

Having lived in Catalonia for some time many years ago I was automatically drawn to Merlí.

To say that I was pleased, or that it is well-done, would be gross understatements! Truly... "Merlí" is indeed a dazzling gem! Anything lacking due to financial constraints is made-up for fifty times over in so many ways – particularly in the compelling performances of the actors, one can't help but feel what they are portraying!

The show deals with quite a broad spectrum of unique and sensitive topics- a number of which are often considered taboo in certain areas- but I really enjoy the thoughtful and creative way in which they are handled and beautifully woven into the story and philosophical discourse themes in such a natural, believable & organic way.

I especially enjoy the many on-location shoots and cinematic views featuring Barcelona and the local area which are very beautiful and picturesque.

Aside from the normal frustration about the poor decisions of the characters now and then; the reservation I do have about "Merlí" is the prolific use of profanity throughout the dialogue. While it doesn't bother me, I can imagine that especially for a native Spanish speakers it could detract from one's enjoyment- because such words always have so much more emotional gravity for native speakers.

Language barrier is certainly somewhat of an issue for me- my Spanish is limited (and much more focused on American dialects/pronunciations) and I only have some peripheral familiarity of Catalan vocabulary lingering from my time there. My proficiency in Italian has proved rather helpful before I managed to locate English subtitles. The acting is so fantastic that the most important emotions & concepts are clearly understood. I finally collected English subtitles for all of the episodes now- although they seem to vary significantly in tone, accuracy, quality and style, etc. But they beat nothing all of the place! And I'm anxious to re-watch what I've seen and finish watching the currently available episodes with the translated dialogue.

Virtually all of the original dialogue spoken during filming is Catalan; which is not just a regional, colloquial dialect of Spanish. It is a bonafide, unique language with an instantly recognizably different phonology, and very distinct vocabulary & literature going as far back as Castilian Spanish. In fact Catalan was the official (commercial/governmental) and common spoken language for most of what is now Spain for many centuries; and linguistically it has more in common with Franco-Italo romance languages than it does with Spanish or Portuguese. Currently its use is mostly limited to Catalonia & Valencia where it holds equal legal status as Spanish and nearly everyone is bilingual. This explains how such a seamless Spanish language audio track was also recorded by all the original actors. I watched the first season in Spanish, but have only been able to find the original Catalan version of second season.

A fascinating series - excellent cast, script, acting, mood

[cooverknight · 9/10 · 27 March 2017]

I'd bet that if a commensurate TV series like Merli (Merlin) was in a more familiar European language or an American TV series, it would be a huge hit. It is in Catalan, a language spoken by about 10,000,000 people, most in Barcelona and its surrounding area. The concept is ingenious, but there are lots of ingenious concepts. What makes this a great show is that the realization of the concept is wonderful. Don't take my word for it. The series has already been optioned in the U.S., France, and other countries. A non-conforming high school philosophy teacher (philosophy in high school?) brings classroom learning to life, but also becomes a central agent of change in the lives of his students, their parents, and the other teachers. Life changing is not always positive. Merli is not a do-gooder. He is clever, deceptive, even desperate at times, but he knows who he is, and knows how the world works. The entire cast is terrific. The scripts are so smoothly written that the actors seems to just ease into the action. There is rarely a wrong note in the series. It's nothing like American TV shows about high school students that portray them as brats or goof balls or stereotypes. It's available with English subtitles. If you know a Romance language, you will probably catch some of the dialogue. Catalan seems a mix of Spanish, French and Italian. I am waiting for season two to be available. I binge watched the first season in four days.

Worth Watching

[orbitofroblox · 9/10 · 7 December 2016]

This show is a very enjoyable, the characters are very easy to connect with and get attached to. If you have free time and you need something good to watch, I recommend this show for you.

Sadly it's not in English, it's in (Catalan?). So if you speak English(or anything else) you'll need to find subbing for the show.

Overall, this show does a good job and developing it's characters and plot. It is a bit rushed and all over the place, but it is one of the best shows I have watched in awhile, possible one of the best shows I have ever watched. If you decide to watch this I hope you can enjoy it as much as I have.

A gem

[EpimetheusA1 · 10/10 · 20 March 2019]

One of my favorite television shows. Recently, I've been getting into shows from foreign countries. I happened to come upon this on Netflix after watching "Elite" and binged the first season in a weekend.

Merli is philosophy teacher who moves in with his mother and comes to teach at his son's school. There he builds unforgettable connections with the students as well as their parents and staff, beginning to help mend the broken lives and relationships that surround him. He isn't without his faults though; he's brash, brutally honest and a bit of a playboy. And he learns that sometimes just meaning well isn't enough.

This show is full of heartbreaking moments and moments that'll fill you with joy. Unfortunately Netflix only offers the first season and the last two seasons are hard to find on the internet but don't let this dissuade you. This is definitely something to watch if you're in the mood for a feel good show that teaches lessons of life and philosophy. Don't let the subtitles dissuade you either; if you're not a fan of foreign shows, you might miss out on this gem, which would be a travesty in many ways. Merli is worth the watch because it's the sort of show that will resonate it your heart long after you've finished it. Don't miss out on it!

Merlí

[celticknight-79041 · 10/10 · 27 February 2017]

I happened to come across this while searching my ROKU for shows. I forget how or why this came across but, I don't know if I can add anything of value, that has not, already been stated. Being, that some, of my ancestors came from Spain and Portugal,I at first, wasn't sure where this was filmed at. At the 10th episode, I figured it out at the end of the shows credits. That prompted me, be inquisitive, to find out more about the Catalan language. I speak English, being in the US, and I do know some German. What confuses me is, there were words that dang near sounded like German. In fact, the use of a German umlaut in the Catalan language confuses me. Is this punctuation correct? I even see not only does a character in the show, have the last name of Grau (grey in German), two the actors also have German last names. Those two being Grösser and Franz. Can anyone explain this being that this part of Spain is in the Eastern section. I do see, when searching the Frence influences as well. My ancestors would have spoken Portuguese and/or proper Spanish. That aside, I think one, pays more attention to foreign TV/shows when it's not a language you understand. Yes, some the English translations/subs are not the best but, the characters do a terrific job with emotions and characters that one can understand. I wish MORE people, would see this show. I wish more people in general would take away these life seasons and take them to heart. You can't watch this show and not get emotional. Europe has always been a head of the US in social "graces". This is a prime example. I don't have to know what the actor/s are always saying, when you can FEEL the emotions. When you've been in similar circumstances as these characters portray, it pulls the heart strings! THIS...IS A MUST SEE show! Thank you to all who make this show what it is!

Amazing

[x-edgar · 10/10 · 24 November 2022]

Cried at the end, sad that it finished.

The show is so good. The actors play their characters with such good quality that you forget that they are, indeed, only acting. The writers did a good job as well, it gives the soul of the show.

I think it will take a long time until I find a show that I can be so emotionally connected.

The current rating is 8.6 but I feel like this could be easily above 9. The best of it is that I did not even need to pay to watch it. In Portugal, the state network channel streams it for free to their population.

I wish there was more seasons but I understand why they decided to not do more.

The main character is a revolting, sexist, gross old man which is the opposite to Philosophy actually

[jere_zabala · 6/10 · 18 April 2020]

Of course nobody will like my review cause I always tell the truth and Im one of the few critics in the world who actually use philosophy to make objective reviews that are not influenced for savage publicity or violent marketing. Ironic how the show is about philosophy but just 1 episode was more than enough to make me angry of how this show represents all the wrong and antique things in society that urgently need to change.I've been fighting with this BAD things in society since I'm a kid, to advance and help becoming a better, smarter, healthier, stronger and cult society, but the disgusting sexist attitudes of the old man to young women almost made me puke, THIS SHOW ITSELF IS AN EPIC PITCH OF CONTRADICTION.I'm amazed of how children who ranked this show with 10 don't think enough to know what they are actually ranking, ironically, those people who put 10, need urgently a philosophy class :/ 1/10!!! I'VE SAID.

Is this Merlì supposed to be a model?

[stcostanzo · 2/10 · 19 June 2020]

After watching the first episode this is what I can say about the main character: In just a couple of days after started teaching he's already the hero of his students without the least effort, he criticized and spoke low of all of his colleagues in the new school he was just appointed to, he proclaimed himself to be the best teacher ever, he revealed to a student what another professor secretly thinks about him leaving the poor boy upset, finally he stole to another colleague (who has done absolutely nothing to him) his girlfriend, just because he's horny and she's beautiful. How did he manage to do it? Just pretending that he loves pets after discovering that she does. And she looks less than 30, while this Merlì is surely around 60, and not exactly good looking. How is it possible to think about this gross and arrogant character as a role model?

Better Than Head of the Class

[dantaylor-28803 · 9/10 · 8 July 2017]

A lot of people don't remember the America TV show Head of the Class from the 1980's but if you were a fan of that and don't mind reading subtitles then Merlí is a good show for you to watch. I think it is a lot better than the 80's show Head of the Class. Merlí is well written and packed full of modern day drama. As must watch if you ask me.

Superb Series Deserving World Stage

[redisle · 10/10 · 11 April 2018]

I begin with a caution: this wonderful series is currenly only available (as far as I know) in its original language, Catalan, and, to some extent in Spanish. More about that later. English does not yet figure in the options!

This has to rank as one of the best TV series I have seen in a long time. It is uplifting, funny and serious all at the same time. It's the story of a free-thinking philosophy teacher in a secondary school in Barcelona. Not every country includes philosophy among its subjects and Merlí would present a good argument for its inclusion. Philosophy also provides an excellent back-drop for the different story lines and, indeed, it is an appropriate subject for a rebel teacher.

The story-telling is first-class: the editing, photography, music, mixture of serious topics and great humour. The "Making of" reveals that serious time was spent on bonding the young cast before the first shoot. This is a series that has professionalism stamped all over it, made by a team that knows how to mix detailed planning with great flexibility. Each episode is self-contained to some extent with themes that run throughout the series. This multi-theme story-telling is very well managed by the "Previously ..." section at the start of each episode. Similarly, and I'm sure this was intentional, the character names are easy to remember.

One small flaw for me is that one character´s promiscuity is not well fleshed out (excuse the pun). It fits uncomfortably with other aspects of this individual's profile.

Having worked as an educator, I found the representation of school life quite authentic. Naturally there is some exaggeration and some developments happen a lot more quickly than they might in real life but it is a TV series, made for entertainment. The fact that it deals with an older student population (17-19) ideally sets the stage for all sorts of psycho-social development issues. That very fact would seem to pose a problem for the making of a third series but I'm sure they will find a way to deal with that.

I have just completed viewing series one on DVD using the Spanish dubbing sound track. Unlike a lot of recent video productions, the dialogue is exceptionally clear and the dubbing is perfect, as you would expect from a bi-lingual cast. On starting the second series on DVD I find that there is no Spanish soundtrack! Oops! Now whose idea was that omission? I do love hearing these actors in their native Catalan but the fast dialogue does not lend itself well to reading subtitles (currently in Spanish and Catalan). This series deserves a world stage and, for that to happen, all episodes need to be dubbed into the major world languages starting with English and Spanish. Merlí is fully deserving of a world-wide audience.

Regret not watching this sooner

[isabelatomain · 10/10 · 3 August 2018]

When a friend told me about this TV show, I gave no attention. I had never heard of television spanish productions, so I assumed they wheren't good and didn't feel like giving it a chance. Two years have passed since that and boy do I a regret not watching this sooner. Although, I'm also very happy I watched this just now.

For me, inspiring is the best word to describe Merlí. Everybody can learn a thing or two with this TV show. The story behind it is beautifully written, the casting is amazing and the way everything is put together makes this an amazing tv show.

You will laugh, ugly cry and spend a lot of time thinking about this TV show after you're done with it. I really like the way it makes me think about life and things in general. I'm also very glad I have just finished the first season and that 2 more are waiting for me. If they are as good as the first, it's a shame there aren't more seasons.

Best Catalan TV has to Offer

[gabrimelul · 9/10 · 6 May 2019]

Merlí, the best show Spanish TV has to offer. This brilliant series follows a philosophy teacher and a handful of his students during their bachelorette years of high school (the last two years).

A teacher that is unorthodox, captivating, and sincere to his students.

Everyone that watches this show has to remember it's meant for a Spanish audience, this means: Public school systems in Spain are horrible compared to the US, Philosophy is a mandatory class to pass, and the majority of low socioeconomic status families are the ones described by the show.

It's a truly amazing show, showing social, economic, and most importantly personal problems.

I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll finish the review right here. Do watch this in Catalan with subtitles if necessary.

I do want to state, I've lived in Barcelona for the majority of my life, and I know the cultural context too well.

Anims Peripatètics

Really Recommended! For teachers and parents with teen kids!

[hakra1 · 9/10 · 19 March 2023]

A hedonistic, sometimes machiavelic but good hearted philosophy teacher wants his pupils to think for themselves, using not very common teaching methods and opens relationships to them with mutual respect what brings him critics in the institute but also from his teenage son who is also one of his pupils.

The first season is great, ends perfectly, while 2 and 3 gets a bit exagerated, especially when almost everybody has sexual relations with almost everybdoy within the college. Also the ending that shows the future of the students is a bit childishly written and trys to satsify some viewers.

But in total very nice series, that you should watch with your teenage kids and will enjoy for sure, especially because of the actors. The great Orella and the charismatic Cueva (who got the leading role in an - unfortunately terrible - spin-off) lead the series in harmony, but also all the side characters doing a perfect and believable job.

A concept that's been done many times over

[qui_j · 8/10 · 17 December 2016]

This comes across as a Catalan version of the Scandinavian series "Rita". The main character is sufficiently flawed to make him more human, and the intrigues, and interactions between the students keeps the show interesting. The characters are all easy to identify with, complex, and developed throughout the season. The problem with all these school based series comes after a couple of years when the reality kicks in that the students are getting older, and still haven't left high school. There's a lot of (and a variety of) sexual situations, which is portrayed in a more explicit manner than one would find in a US TV series. However, as long as one realizes that this is made for a Europe where censorship is somewhat less restrictive, it all fits in well with the story line. Overall, it's a good watch, and the series is well done. I'll certainly be looking out for Season 2 when it comes.

Best tv series I have EVER seen!!

[henryllama · 10/10 · 29 May 2020]

Almost too good to be true...I was crushed as the series ended. I've watched the entire series several times...and find new ideas to admire each time I see it. Probably the best series I have ever seen...the writing, the acting, the philosophy lessons--I recommend this series--truly the BEST of the BEST!!

The most amazing series ever!!

[magno_castelo · 10/10 · 31 May 2018]

The series is the most incredible one I've ever seen! It have united all the qualities of an amazing series (even if it is dichotomic): It is intelligent and also it is funny; It is deep and also it is light; It's reflective and also it's fun. But most important of all, it's exciting from the start to the end! I already finished it and I will not lie that I cried a lot in the last episode (and that is difficult for a series or film to provoke in me). It is a shame that contemporary society does not value better the rich teachings and values inserted in this series than the poor narrative of some "fashionable" series and movies. But as long as there are lovers of this kind of television and cinematographic productions (with this wealth of script, content and acting), we can find oasis (like Merlí) in our contemporary cultural desert. And I go further, as long as there are people like Merlí, one can have faith in humanity!

Poor script, poor direction, poor acting

[dragos-dumitriu · 2/10 · 28 June 2020]

This is so bad it may actually create a cult. It is an industrialized version of what we call "vergüenza ajena". The story has no subtlety, arguments are superficial and poorly reflected in the script, and the acting has the level of a high school performance. The music is not bad, though. You may as well just buy the soundtrack.

Otima Serie, um belo material inclusive para indicação escolar

[mastercwb · 10/10 · 17 May 2018]

Gostei muito,

Empolgante!

3 temporadas na medida exata

Gem of a series. Watch it in Catalan with subtitles. It'll breathe a new perspective of life into you.

[krishchase · 9/10 · 15 May 2021]

Merlí will make you laugh, cry, feel every emotion that we humans can embody. But above all it will make you think. Teach you to question everything you are made to believe. Don't let the 9 fool you. It's given only because of what Merlí said. There's always scope for improvement. Every character is splendidly interwoven into one masterpiece of a story with philosophy ebbing throughout the series. You'll never get bored. I'll conclude with the opening of Merli's class intro, "I want you to get ha** with philosphy"

Beautiful Catalan drama

[davidmiller_uk · 10/10 · 9 July 2022]

I'm only three episodes in, but felt compelled to write a review already; the understated beauty of every performance is utterly beguiling. I'm hooked. The characters are so believable, their frailties and vulnerabilities, it's quite a revelation from the usual youth/college dramas. It is effortlessly authentic, but I know huge effort has gone into each aspect of this drama. Ben fet a tots els implicats.