Gender-inclusive romantic comedy set against a Christmas backdrop, this film has become a timeless classic in Anglo-Saxon culture and has conquered screens worldwide. The beloved movie actually titled Love is a chorus of storytelling, drama, and humor. Netflix now brings its own twist, turning it into a series called Smiley, an adaptation of a TV show by Guillem Clua. Its success knows no bounds.
The playwright personally selected the two protagonists, both men, charting a tale of chance encounters and disagreements that opens a window into the diverse ways couples experience love. The cast includes lesbians, older characters, a heterosexual couple, and more, all brought to life with striking visuals in the city of Barcelona. The eight-episode platform premiere arrives this Wednesday, adding new dimensions to the story.
new references
“The impulse to search for love is a powerful engine, driving stories across films and TV. What changes is the way it’s told,” explains Guillem Clua, the creator. Although a narrative inspired by early-21st-century fiction reclaims classic romantic comedy tropes, it also brings fresh references to the table.
“There were many romantic comedies in the nineties, but this project needed a contemporary touch, which means embracing the LGBT movement,” says Carlos Cuevas, known for Merlí and Merlí: sapere aude, who stars in the show. “By simply swapping the traditional boy and girl for two male leads, a genuine shift occurs,” he adds. “Yet Smiley explores universal themes that resonate broadly,” notes Miki Esparbé, of Innocent, who plays another central character.
bias lock
The entanglement typical of the genre unfolds from the opening scene. Alex, a good-looking waiter focused on fitness and electronic music, and Bruno, an architect who loves literature and cinema, connect after a voicemail lands in the wrong mailbox. They fall for each other deeply. Prejudices test their bond, but neither is willing to settle for a casual encounter. They both crave something more enduring, even as physical chemistry remains intense.
Other stories in the show follow a lesbian couple, Vero and Patri, whose relationship faces its own trials, while a transvestite character brings a family thread to life with warmth and humor. The creators pay homage to diverse figures who often go unseen after fifty, acknowledging the nuanced realities of love at every stage of life.
Introduction to bilingualism
The mature exploration of love includes Álex’s mother and a childhood friend, portrayed by Pepón Nieto, in a heterosexual subplot that mirrors family life and parenting challenges. Eduardo Lloveras and Ruth Llopis contribute to the Spanish version, with the series naturally bilingual, reflecting the way conversations flow between Catalan and Spanish. The show mirrors Barcelona’s multilingual texture, showing how language shapes relationships and everyday interactions.
Producing for a global audience, the project aims to reach more than 190 countries with a language-driven plot. Bilingualism is a core element, recognizing that Esparbé’s character embodies a real linguistic reality in Barcelona. The production company Minoria Absoluta initially considered a fully Catalan Netflix edition but ultimately chose a bilingual approach. In the Catalan version, actors performed the dubbing themselves, preserving authenticity.
Smiley delivers episodes that run roughly 30 to 35 minutes each. It’s not merely a gay love story meant for quick binge watching. The series also explores friendship, ambition, and projection—broad, universal themes that invite viewers to fall in love all over again. It’s a narrative crafted to be watched from start to finish, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across cultures.