We have grown up watching a bunch of Catalan tv shows. But if we had to choose some of the best Catalan tv shows of all times, which ones would we pick? After going back in time to remember all the TV shows we have watched, these are the ones that made it to our top list:
“Plats Bruts”, iconic Catalan TV show
Probably the most iconic Catalan tv show in the form of a sitcom which reflects Catalan traditions and Catalan stereotyped behaviors at its finest. And it does that through two main characters sharing the same apartment, David Guell and “Lopes”. Their personalities couldn’t be more opposite, so they conform such a great couple (specially when it comes to confronting both characters in the most hilarious situations).
Watching this Catalan tv show is actually one of the best ways to learn about the Catalan culture. And the best part is that David and Lopes will probably make you laugh for hours. To be honest, we couldn’t love this show more. Plats Bruts is definitely our favorite Catalan tv show, and definitely one of the best Catalan tv shows of all times.
You can watch it on Youtube – Plats Bruts or TV3 a la carta – Plats Bruts.
“Cites”, to rediscover Barcelona from the couch
If you live in Barcelona, this is a Catalan show you MUST watch. Especially because you get that Barcelona city vibe of experiencing new adventures in this dreamy city. This love stories, friendship, endings and new beginnings of Barcelonian characters take place on different scenarios in the city. So you will easily identify some of the places that appear on this tv show (bars, streets, iconic places in Barcelona…). And the truth is that we can’t get tired of rewatching this Catalan tv show.
You can watch “Cites” as well through Catalonia’s Public Television at TV3 a la carta – Cites and on Amazon Prime.
“Ventdelplà”, family life in a little village
“Ventdelplà” is the name of the village where Teresa decides to move in with her two little children, fleeing from her husbands’ mistreatment. After settling down at their new house in the countryside, a new life begins for this family.
Certainly a different life full of new adventures that you might want to follow at TV3 a la carta as well.
“Infidels”, independent Catalan women take the stage
Women get the leading role in this Catalan tv show. Thus Infidels is based on the life of five strong and independent women, all of them dealing with their own struggles in life. But they somehow manage to end up seeing the bright side of life, most of the time with the help of that true friendship built among them. A beautiful feeling of sorority is easily perceived while watching this Catalan TV show. And that is actually something that reminds us of the American TV show “Big Little Lies” (a must-watch tv show as well ;-)).
You can watch Infidels on TV3 a la carta – Infidels.
“Merlí”, High School life in Barcelona
How is the difference a teacher is able to make in their students, when it comes to critical thinking? Huge. For instance Dead Poets Society film starring Robin Williams in the role of a genuine teacher is proof. Merlí is based on that idea too: a philosophy teacher inspiring high school students to build their own judgments.
You can watch this tv show on Netflix and at TV3 a la carta – Merlí.
BONUS: “Arròs covat”, the conflict of growing up
A Catalan animated series created by designer Joanjo Sáez is based on the life of Xavi Masdéu, a guy in his thirties who is trying to recover after splitting with his girlfriend. And that also means dealing with some social conventions at that age. Actually “Arròs covat” is linked to Spanish expression “Se te va a pasar el arroz”, which means you are running late to get married or have children.
Xavi Masdéu is also a stereotyped “modernet”, kind of a hipster who has this “cool” life but deep inside he is just a normal guy dealing with the same issues of most of the young people. As the creator defines it, “Arròs Covat explains the conflict of growing up”. And that conflict is cleverly explained through humor, revealing the healing power of laughing at oneself miseries. That was probably one of the secrets that made this Catalan tv show achieve a high popularity among young people.
You can also watch Arròs Covat at TV3 a la carta – Arròs covat.
And if you want to keep exploring the Catalan scene in terms of audiovisual production, here is an article that might be of your interest as well: Our favorite cinema festivals in Barcelona.