Elite– A Netflix Original Spanish Teen Mystery Thriller Drama Series
Elite is a Spanish-language teen drama series created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona, which premiered on Netflix on October 5, 2018. The show is set in Las Encinas, a fictional elite high school in Spain, and revolves around the lives of privileged students and the social dynamics that unfold when three working-class teens are awarded scholarships to attend the school.
The series initially focuses on the interactions between these scholarship students—Samuel, Nadia, and Christian—and their wealthy classmates, exploring themes of class disparity, romance, and the challenges of adolescence. The narrative is marked by its dramatic twists, including crime and murder, which add layers of intrigue to the character-driven storylines.
Elite has been well-received for its engaging writing, strong performances, and its handling of mature themes such as sexuality, drug use, and social issues. The first season consists of eight episodes and set the tone for subsequent seasons, which continued to delve into the complex relationships and moral dilemmas faced by the characters.
Over its run, the series has released a total of eight seasons, with the final season premiering on July 26, 2024. As of April 2024, Elite holds a 93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting its popularity among audiences. The show has garnered a reputation as a "guilty pleasure," appealing to viewers with its blend of drama and suspense.
The series has also expanded its universe with Elite: Short Stories, a collection of vignettes that explore the lives of various characters between the main seasons. This addition has allowed fans to engage more deeply with the characters and their development.
Overall, Elite has made a significant impact on the landscape of teen dramas, combining elements of crime, romance, and social commentary, making it a standout series in Netflix's catalog.