Carlos Cuevas
Alex
Overview
Two men and their friends in Barcelona navigate hesitations, hangups and missed connections as they search for the true love they've been missing.
Seasons
- Status
- Canceled
- Seasons
- 1 season
- Episodes
- 8 episodes
- First aired
- Dec 7, 2022
Cast
12 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Accidental Spark: How Smiley Turns a Wrong Number Into a Love Story
I’ve always been a sucker for stories that begin with a mistake. Not the grand, operatic kind—no, the quiet, everyday blunders that send lives spiraling into the unexpected. A misdirected text.
A missed train. A voice message sent to the wrong person. Smiley, the Spanish romantic comedy that arrived on Netflix in late 2022, takes that last one and runs with it, turning a simple error into the kind of serendipitous collision that rom-coms have been mining for decades. But here’s the thing: it’s not just the premise that charms.
It’s the way the show treats its characters’ flaws—not as obstacles to be overcome, but as the very things that make them worth rooting for.
The setup is deceptively simple. Álex (Carlos Cuevas), nursing a fresh heartbreak, records a furious voice message for his ex-boyfriend, venting all the hurt and humiliation of being left behind. In a moment of digital absentmindedness, he sends it to the wrong number. That number belongs to Bruno (Miki Esparbé), a stranger who, instead of ignoring it or deleting it, does something far more dangerous: he listens.
And then he calls back. What follows isn’t just a meet-cute; it’s a meet-curious, a slow-burn dance of miscommunication, vulnerability, and the kind of awkward humor that feels less like a punchline and more like real life.
The series is adapted from a play by Guillem Clua, and you can feel the stage’s influence in its best moments. The dialogue crackles with the kind of wit that doesn’t announce itself as clever—it just is, the way good conversation often is. There’s a scene early on where Bruno, after hearing Álex’s raw, unfiltered rant, calls him back not to mock or judge, but to offer a perspective that’s equal parts blunt and kind. “You sound like you’re in pain,” he says, and the line lands because it’s not a setup for a joke or a grand romantic gesture.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.5/10
"A charming and heartfelt LGBTQ+ rom-com with standout performances and a fresh take on love stories."
Viewers praise the series for its authentic portrayal of a gay romance, highlighting the chemistry between the leads and the show’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth. While some find the storyline predictable at times, the relatable characters and engaging dialogue keep audiences invested. latestnetflix.com's read is that The Spanish setting and lighthearted tone add to its appeal, though a few note the supporting cast could be more developed.
What viewers praise
- Authentic LGBTQ+ representation The series is celebrated for its genuine and heartfelt depiction of a gay romance, resonating with many viewers.
- Strong lead chemistry Carlos Cuevas and Miki Esparbé deliver compelling performances, making their characters’ relationship feel believable and engaging.
- Charming and witty dialogue The writing is praised for its humor and warmth, keeping the tone light yet emotionally resonant.
- Fresh romantic perspective The show offers a refreshing take on love stories, avoiding clichés and focusing on relatable, modern relationships.
Common complaints
- Predictable plot Some viewers feel the storyline follows familiar rom-com tropes, lacking surprises in its narrative structure.
- Underdeveloped side characters The supporting cast is occasionally seen as thinly written, with less depth compared to the leads.
- Pacing issues A few note that the series occasionally drags, particularly in the middle episodes, before regaining momentum.
Recommended for
LGBTQ+ romance fans Spanish comedy-drama lovers Lighthearted relationship stories Carlos Cuevas admirers Feel-good series seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsNetflix’s "Smiley" Sparks Buzz with Chemistry Between Leads Carlos Cuevas and Miki Esparbé
Netflix’s 2022 Spanish series Smiley has carved out a niche as a heartfelt LGBTQ+ rom-com, but the real talk isn’t just about the story—it’s about the undeniable chemistry between its two male leads. Carlos Cuevas (Merlí) and Miki Esparbé (The Cook of Castamar) play Álex and Bruno, a pair whose on-screen dynamic has fans and critics raving. latestnetflix.com's take is that Behind the scenes, their rapport seems just as electric, fueling speculation about whether their real-life friendship—or something more—is amplifying the show’s charm.
The "Match" That Stole the Show
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-hkvLBGcgE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dAEezjI3gw
The series hinges on Álex and Bruno’s slow-burn romance, a will-they-won’t-they dance that’s become a fan favorite. But what’s making the relationship feel so authentic? According to promotional material and interviews, Cuevas and Esparbé’s off-screen bond is a major factor. In a Netflix Spain behind-the-scenes feature, the actors joke about their characters’ "match" and playfully tease each other, suggesting a camaraderie that translates seamlessly to the screen . Critics have taken note, with one review calling their chemistry "palpable" and a driving force behind the show’s appeal .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE-cfwxO9Ek
The actors’ social media hasn’t hurt the hype, either. Both have shared BTS moments and playful banter, further blurring the line between fiction and reality. While neither has confirmed a romantic connection, their easy rapport has led to rampant speculation among fans, who’ve dubbed them "Cueparbé" (a portmanteau of their last names) .
A Series Built on Queer Joy—and Real Talk
Smiley isn’t just riding on its leads’ chemistry; it’s also earning praise for its fresh take on LGBTQ+ storytelling. Unlike many queer narratives that lean into tragedy or coming-out arcs, Smiley centers on a love story where the characters’ sexuality isn’t the central conflict. Instead, it’s a rom-com about two men navigating modern relationships, miscommunication, and the messiness of love—with a side of Barcelona’s vibrant queer scene.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7K_w7B_L4LQ
The show’s title itself is a nod to its themes. A "smiley" in the series refers to a misdirected voice message that sparks the initial connection between Álex and Bruno, but it’s also a metaphor for the optimism and warmth the show radiates . Reviews highlight this tone as a standout, with one calling it "a breath of fresh air" in a genre often bogged down by clichés .
Season 2 Hype—and Lingering Questions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfNrtaKaLOU
With Smiley’s first season leaving fans hooked, rumors about a second installment have been swirling. While Netflix hasn’t officially confirmed a renewal, the cast and crew have dropped hints. A video titled "Smiley Season 2 Release Date | Trailer | Cast | Expectation | Ending Explained" suggests there’s at least speculation about what’s next, though details remain scarce . If the show does return, expect more of Álex and Bruno’s will-they-won’t-they tension—and, of course, more of Cuevas and Esparbé’s on-screen magic.
For now, the biggest question isn’t whether Smiley will get a second season, but whether its leads’ off-screen chemistry will continue to fuel the hype. If their playful interviews and social media antics are any indication, fans won’t be disappointed.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.
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