Elite

Elite (2018–): Secrets, Scandals, and the Price of Privilege

Elite is a Spanish teen drama series that debuted on Netflix in 2018 and quickly became a global sensation. Created by Carlos Montero and Darío Madrona, the show is set in Las Encinas, an exclusive private school where Spain's wealthy elite send their children—until three working-class students are admitted on scholarship, setting the stage for culture clashes, secrets, and deadly consequences.

At its core, Elite is a mystery-thriller wrapped in teen drama, touching on themes such as class conflict, identity, sexuality, corruption, and betrayal. Each season revolves around a central crime—usually a murder—unraveled through nonlinear storytelling, flashbacks, and interrogations. This structure keeps viewers hooked, slowly revealing how tightly interwoven secrets lead to tragic outcomes.

The initial trio—Samuel, Nadia, and Christian—struggle to fit in with the privileged students, including the entitled Guzmán, the secretive Carla, and rebellious bad boy Polo. As the seasons unfold, love triangles, betrayals, and dark revelations create a volatile social environment where status and survival are constantly at odds.

Visually, Elite is sleek and stylish, combining the glossy allure of luxury with the grit of emotional realism. The show doesn't shy away from controversial topics—drug abuse, sexual identity, domestic violence, HIV stigma, and immigration issues—all explored through the complex lives of its diverse cast. Characters evolve over time, often blurring the line between villain and victim.

What makes Elite stand out is its unapologetic energy and the way it treats teen viewers as emotionally intelligent. Though melodramatic at times, the series is grounded in strong performances, especially from actors like Itzan Escamilla (Samuel), Ester Expósito (Carla), and Aron Piper (Ander). Its diverse representation, particularly of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships, has also earned praise.

However, critics have pointed out that as the seasons progress, the show leans increasingly into over-the-top drama, occasionally at the expense of character development and realism. The constant reshuffling of the cast—while keeping the series fresh—has also created inconsistency in emotional stakes.

In summary, Elite is a provocative, fast-paced drama that delivers more than just teen angst—it’s a layered look at privilege, justice, and the masks we wear. For fans of murder mysteries, stylish visuals, and scandalous romance, it’s a thrilling and addictive ride through the dark side of high school life.