Discover The Best Movies and TV Shows Like Merlí. Sapere Aude

Following the tragic death of the charismatic philosopher Merlí Bergeron, his most devoted disciple, Pol Rubio, inherits his mentor's intellectual legacy and enrolls in the University of Barcelona to study philosophy. Determined to honor Merlí, Pol navigates the intimidating academic world, initially struggling with self-doubt and the shadow of his working-class background. His life changes dramatically when he meets María Bolaño, a brilliant, cynical, and fiercely independent philosophy professor who challenges his intellect and forces him to question everything he thought he knew about life, ethics, and desire.At university, Pol forms a close-knit, complicated circle of friends. He connects with Rai, a wealthy, cynical, and deeply troubled aristocrat who hides his profound insecurities behind a mask of arrogance and privilege; Minerva, an ambitious Argentine immigrant fighting tooth and nail for her education while burdened by financial desperation; and Oti, a sweet classmate caught in the monotonous trap of a traditional hometown relationship.Pol’s journey is also defined by his evolving relationship with his sexuality and his complicated romance with Rai. Initially, Pol acts as a mentor and casual partner to Rai, but the dynamic quickly intensifies into a deeply passionate, toxic, and emotionally draining entanglement. Rai’s commitment issues, coupled with his mother’s suffocating control and eventual financial ruin, push him to the psychological brink. Pol struggles to save Rai while simultaneously trying to support Minerva, who falls dangerously behind in her studies and considers resorting to desperate measures to survive in Barcelona.Throughout the series, Bolaño serves as a vital anchor, battling her own demons—namely alcoholism and a fractured relationship with her estranged daughter. Bolaño pushes Pol to move past rote memorization and truly live philosophically, urging him to embrace uncertainty and find meaning in his own experiences rather than relying on Merlí’s teachings.The dramatic tension peaks as final exams approach, forcing the characters to confront harsh realities about adulthood. Rai suffers a severe mental breakdown driven by familial abandonment, pushing Pol to his emotional limit. Meanwhile, Pol receives a devastating personal diagnosis that threatens to derail his future just as he is finally stepping into his own power. Despite the overwhelming sorrow and chaos, Pol stands resilient, embodying the spirit of his fallen mentor. He accepts that life has no inherent script, choosing to face his uncertain future with courage, authenticity, and an unyielding passion for wisdom, permanently transforming the lives of everyone in his orbit.