Netflix has officially announced the conclusion of one of its most popular series, the Spanish teen drama, Elite.
In what might be described as an unsurprising move, just days before the launch of Elite’s seventh season, Netflix has revealed that the eighth season will be its last.
Launched in 2018, Elite swiftly rose to prominence as one of Netflix’s most-watched Spanish-language titles. Set in the exclusive high school of Las Encinas, the narrative commenced with the introduction of three working-class students – Samuel García, Christian Varela Expósito, and Nadia Shanaa – who gained admission through a scholarship program. As they navigated the labyrinth of relationships with their affluent peers, viewers were drawn by the intrigue, drama, and suspense. Each season introduced a fresh mystery, set within the school’s hallowed halls.
Unfortunately, as the years rolled by, the series faced its share of ups and downs. The initial trio of seasons, marked by engaging storylines and charismatic performances, set a benchmark that subsequent seasons struggled to match. While the initial narrative bore resemblances to hits like Big Little Lies, featuring interviews with the characters interspersed with flashback sequences, later seasons faltered in retaining the same momentum. A significant portion of the original cast, including luminaries like María Pedraza, Itzan Escamilla, Miguel Bernardeau, and Miguel Herrán, departed after the third season. Attempts to reintroduce familiar characters into new storylines with novel characters didn’t always hit the mark. In fact, the show was often critiqued for losing sight of the captivating mysteries that had originally defined its success.
Despite these challenges, Elite remains a beacon of transformative storytelling. Its influence transcends mere viewership numbers. The show’s creator, Carlos Montero, at a recent press event, emotionally remarked on the journey: “We ended on a high note. Jaime [Vaca, co-showrunner for Season 7], Netflix and I thought it was time to end it. I say this with great regret because it’s been several incredible years in which I’ve met wonderful actors, we’ve worked with all the directors we wanted to work with… ‘Elite’ changed everyone’s life.”
In fact, Montero’s sentiments highlight the profound impact the series had, not just on its viewers, but also the cast and crew. Many of the actors who began their journey with Elite found it to be a springboard to global stardom. The series introduced the world to a plethora of talent, transforming them into international sensations.
The upcoming seasons promise a blend of the old and the new. Fans will witness the return of some familiar faces, with Mina el Hammani reprising her role as Nadia. In addition to this, Omar Ayuso, who played the role of Omar during the initial five seasons, returns for Season 7. Viewers can look forward to the addition of new characters portrayed by the likes of Mirela Balic, Gleb Abrosimov, Iván Mendes, Alejandro Albarracín, and Maribel Verdú. Netflix has also teased the inclusion of talent from other Netflix ventures, with Anne Rot from Killer Book Club and Nuno Gallego from UPA Next slated to join Elite.
As the series gears up for its grand finale next year, expectations are soaring. Fans across the globe are hoping for it to end in a way that recaptures the essence of the show’s initial success.
While Netflix might be in the habit of canceling popular shows, it has renewed a handful in recent memory, including Castlevania: Nocturne and One Piece.
