Merlí (2015)
A rebellious philosophy teacher storms into a Barcelona high school and dares his students — and viewers — to think for themselves.
Merlí - Series Information
- Original Title: Merlí
- First Air Year: 2015
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: Héctor Lozano
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (40 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Catalan
- Spoken Languages: Catalan, Spanish
- First Air Date: September 14, 2015 (United States - TV-MA), September 14, 2015 (Germany - 18), September 14, 2015 (France - 18), September 14, 2015 (Brazil - L), September 14, 2015 (Mexico - B-15), September 14, 2015 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: TV3
- Production Companies: TV3
- Production Countries: Spain
Merlí - Plot
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.
Merlí - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get your first look at Merlí in action:
Merlí - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Héctor Lozano
Main Cast
- Francesc Orella
- Carlos Cuevas
- David Solans
- Elisabet Casanovas
- Adrian Grösser
- Marcos Franz
- Júlia Creus
- Albert Baró
- Candela Antón
- Pau Poch
Merlí - FAQs
What is Merlí about?
Merlí follows a provocative, free-spirited philosophy teacher named Merlí Bergeron who arrives at a Barcelona high school and upends his students' thinking. Through Socrates, Nietzsche, and Aristotle, he pushes teenagers to question everything — love, identity, family, and society — while navigating his own complicated personal life.
Is Merlí based on a true story?
Merlí is not based on a specific true story, but creator Héctor Lozano drew heavily from his own experiences as a student in Barcelona. The characters and philosophical debates feel grounded in real adolescent life, giving the series an authenticity that resonated deeply with audiences across Spain and beyond.
Who plays the main character in Merlí?
Francesc Orella brings the title character, Merlí Bergeron Calduch, to life with remarkable charisma and depth. His portrayal of the rebellious, philosophy-obsessed teacher earned widespread praise and became one of the most beloved performances in recent Spanish-language television.
How many seasons and episodes does Merlí have?
Merlí ran for three seasons and 40 episodes in total. Season 1 and Season 2 each contained 13 episodes, while Season 3 wrapped up the story with 14 episodes. The series aired on TV3 from 2015 to 2018 before concluding.
What themes does Merlí explore?
Beyond philosophy lessons, Merlí dives into friendship, coming of age, bisexuality, unrequited love, and identity. The series handles LGBTQ+ storylines with particular sensitivity, especially through Pol Rubio's arc, making it one of the more progressive and emotionally honest teen dramas to emerge from Spain.
Is Merlí worth watching for non-Spanish speakers?
Absolutely. Merlí earned a passionate international fanbase despite being filmed primarily in Catalan. The emotional storytelling, sharp writing, and compelling characters transcend language barriers. Critics praised its intelligent blend of philosophy and teen drama, and it holds strong ratings on IMDb, reflecting its broad global appeal.
What language is Merlí filmed in?
Merlí is primarily filmed in Catalan, making it one of the most prominent Catalan-language series to gain international recognition. Spanish is also spoken throughout the series. It was produced by TV3, the public broadcaster of Catalonia, and is set in Barcelona.
Are there similar shows to Merlí worth watching?
If Merlí resonated with you, SKAM, Skins, and My So-Called Life offer similarly raw and honest portrayals of teenage life. For lighter coming-of-age fun, Never Have I Ever and Love, Victor are strong picks. Boston Public also explores a school setting with complex, morally ambiguous teachers.
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