Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Smiley, which completely surprised me with its heartwarming approach to modern love and connection in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.
Released on Netflix on December 7, 2022, Smiley is an 8-episode Spanish romantic comedy series with approximately 37-minute episodes. Based on the play of the same name by Guillem Clua, this Barcelona-set series revolves around the love story between two men, bartender Álex and architect Bruno. What starts as a simple case of mistaken identity through a misdirected voicemail evolves into something much deeper and more meaningful.
The series strikes a perfect balance between light-hearted comedy and genuine emotional depth. Smiley follows two men and their friends in Barcelona looking for love, but it’s so much more than your typical romantic comedy. The show explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the courage it takes to open your heart to unexpected possibilities.
A Love Story Born from Digital Mistakes
The central plot kicks off when Álex has just suffered a love disappointment and sends an angry voice message to his boyfriend, but the voice is accidentally received by Bruno. This misplaced voicemail connects hunky bartender Álex with Bruno, a movie-loving architect. What could have been an embarrassing mistake becomes the foundation for something beautiful. The series cleverly uses this modern communication mishap to explore how genuine connections can emerge from the most unexpected circumstances, showing how technology can both complicate and facilitate human relationships in today’s world.
Carlos Cuevas as Álex: The Charismatic Bartender’s Journey
Carlos Cuevas, who is known for his performances in Catalan TV shows including Ventdelplà and Merlí, plays bartender Álex with incredible authenticity. His portrayal brings depth to a character dealing with heartbreak and the vulnerability of opening up to someone new. Álex’s evolution throughout the series is beautifully crafted, showing his transformation from a guarded individual nursing emotional wounds to someone willing to take genuine risks for love. Cuevas delivers a performance that balances humor with raw emotional honesty, making Álex’s journey both relatable and inspiring.
Miki Esparbé as Bruno: The Architect of New Possibilities
Miki Esparbé brings depth and maturity to Bruno, the movie-loving architect who represents stability and thoughtfulness. Bruno serves as the perfect counterbalance to Álex’s more impulsive nature. Esparbé’s portrayal provides the emotional anchor that grounds the entire series. His character’s genuine curiosity about life and love creates a magnetic chemistry that drives the central relationship forward, showing how two very different people can complement each other perfectly.
When Worlds Collide: The Turning Point
The series reaches its most compelling moments when both characters must confront their fears about commitment and vulnerability. What begins as a simple date evolves into something with much greater significance, transforming from a romantic encounter into a deeper exploration of what it means to truly connect with another person. The show skillfully builds tension around whether these two very different individuals can overcome their personal baggage and social expectations to build something lasting together.
Supporting Cast: Barcelona’s Vibrant Community
The supporting ensemble includes Pepón Nieto as Javier/Keena, Meritxell Calvo as Veronica ‘Vero’, Giannina Fruttero as Patricia ‘Patri’, and Eduardo Lloveras as Albert. Álex’s friend Vero mulls over big next steps in her life, creating parallel storylines that enrich the main narrative. These characters don’t just serve as comic relief; they represent the diverse, supportive community that surrounds the main couple, each dealing with their own romantic and personal challenges while providing different perspectives on love and relationships.
Success on Netflix
Smiley has earned strong audience appreciation for its authentic storytelling and compelling performances, receiving an impressive 8.0 rating on IMDb. The series received praise for its well-produced presentation and innovative use of split-screen technique that intrigues rather than irritates viewers. The show’s format allows for intimate character development while showcasing Barcelona’s stunning backdrop, creating a viewing experience that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Smiley has resonated particularly well with audiences seeking LGBTQ+ representation that feels genuine and unforced.
Why This Barcelona Romance Deserves Your Attention
If you love authentic LGBTQ+ romance with a Spanish flair, Smiley is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show manages to be both universally relatable and specifically cultural, offering viewers a window into contemporary Barcelona while telling a timeless story about finding love when you least expect it. The series proves that the best romantic comedies are those that balance humor with genuine heart, creating characters you’ll root for long after the credits roll.
A Love Story Worth Every Smile
Smiley delivers exactly what its title promises: a series that will leave you smiling from beginning to end. With its perfect blend of humor, heart, and authentic LGBTQ+ representation, this Barcelona-set gem proves that love can find you in the most unexpected ways, making every moment of connection precious and every smile genuinely earned.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 8
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2022
Current IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, LGBTQ+ Drama
Status: Completed series
Protagonists: Carlos Cuevas (Álex), Miki Esparbé (Bruno)
Antagonist: No traditional antagonist (internal conflicts and past relationships serve as obstacles)