Grachi is a Spanish-language American fantasy TV series produced by Nickelodeon Latin America and created by Mariela Romero. The series stars Isabella Castillo as Grachi and Andrés Mercado as Daniel; also featuring Danilo Carrera, Kimberly Dos Ramos, Mauricio Henao, Sol Rodríguez, Lance Dos Ramos, María Gabriela de Faría, Willy Martin & Jesús Neyra in supporting roles. The series was filmed in Miami, Florida, United States, becoming the first Nickelodeon Latin American series to be recorded out of Latin America, and also the first to be recorded on high definition. It premiered on Nickelodeon Latin America on May 2, 2011. A second season began airing on February 27, 2012 & a third and last season began airing from March 4 to May 10, 2013.
The series follows the adventures of a teenage girl who, while adjusting to a new town, new school, rivalry, love and the everyday problems of being a teenager, discovers she has magical powers.
In 2021 Nickelodeon began plans to film a theater film of Grachi, which was about to be filmed and produced in 2023 at the beach of Cartagena, Colombia, but the project got scrapped after Nickelodeon Latin America decided to stop producing Latin American content, most of Nickelodeon Latin America's workers were fired and the TV signal of Nickelodeon in Latin America changed to the signal of Nickelodeon Scandinavia with a Latin American Spanish dub, members of the cast of Grachi like Isabella Castillo, Sol Rodríguez and Willy Martin talked about the film on their social media and interviews, and also the cast of Grachi dedicated kind messages to all of the Nickelodeon Latin America's workers and head executives who were fired, including the former presidents of Nickelodeon and executive producers of Grachi, JC Acosta and Tatiana Rodríguez.
Contents
Summary
Season 1
The season centers on Grachi (Isabella Castillo), a witch and a new student in Escolarium. She deals with using her magic and trying to find out how to defeat the Principal (an evil witch who tries to steal the powers of Grachi so she can be the most powerful witch). Grachi also deals with her rival, Matilda (Kimberly Dos Ramos) with whom she fights for the love of Daniel (Andrés Mercado). At the end of the season, Matilda celebrates her 16th birthday at the night of the eclipse while the Principal (Martha Pabon) and Sibilo (William Valdes) plan to steal the powers of Matilda and Grachi. The two girls team up and fight the Principal, turning her into a dog, but losing their powers. Matilda finally realizes that Grachi and Daniel are meant to be together.
Season 2
A new witch named Mía arrives in town. Unfortunately, she falls in love with Daniel, Grachi's boyfriend. So she manipulates Grachi into a false friendship in order to win over Daniel (who is not insensitive to her charms).
Along with Mía comes the Witches' Council, who remind Grachi of her responsibilities. But one of them has evil intentions towards Grachi and wants to win the heart of Francisco, who is Matilda's mother along with Ursula. Matilda, for her part, enters into an intermittent relationship with Diego and wants her powers back.
At the end of the season, Grachi dreams of a mysterious boy to whom she seems close: Axel.
Season 3
Grachi's life is turned upside down the day she meets a young wizard: Axel Velez, who will become both her lover and her enemy. Grachi starts school at the wizards' college that Tony had told her about. There, Grachi learns much more about her role as a chosen one, while her heart is caught between her human and witch life, and her relationships with Daniel, her first love, and Axel, her newfound love.
Background
The show was produced by Nickelodeon Latin America and written by Venezuelan author Mariela Romero. Nickelodeon's Vice President of Programming and Creative Strategy, Tatiana Rodriguez commented that:
This project demonstrates our continued commitment to the region and local talent. We are excited to bring a little bit of magic for Latin American fans and we're confident that Grachi will provide many hours of fascinating humor, romance and fun for all our audience
The series uses advanced production technology and 3D effects under the management of FX and animation production house Pixelhangar. Executive producers were Solange Rivero & Yuldor Gutierrez for Season 1 and José Vicente Scheuren for Season 2 and 3.
Cast
Main
Isabella Castillo as Graciela "Grachi" Alonso – A new 16-year-old student at Escolarium, she is a very powerful witch who has inherited her powers from her late mother. At the beginning of season one, she moves to a new neighborhood with her father Francisco, who is the new math professor at Escolarium. Her best friend is Mecha, while she is in love with Daniel. During the second season, Grachi gets a new enemy named Mía, a witch who is determined to steal Daniel's love from her. At the end of the second season, Grachi's powers get stronger, enough to defeat Mía. During the third season, she has a new love interest who is also her enemy, Axel. She is the Latin counterpart of Emma Alonso from Every Witch Way.
Andrés Mercado as Daniel Esquivel – The leader of the swimming team "The Sharks" at Escolarium. He's Chema's cousin and best friend. Daniel's parents are Cristina and Ricardo, and he has three siblings: Melanie, Luis and Roberto. He's introduced as Matilda's boyfriend and the most popular boy in the school, who every girl wants to be with. He and Grachi start a relationship during the first season's last episodes. In season two, he and Leo become enemies, because both want to be with Grachi. During the third season, Daniel befriends Leo, as he faces a new enemy, Axel. He is the Latin counterpart of Daniel Miller from Every Witch Way.
Kimberly Dos Ramos as Matilda Román (Seasons 1–2) – She's the main antagonist of the first season and was the most popular girl at Escolarium before Grachi's arrival. She is also a witch but uses her powers to do bad. She is the leader of the "Red Panthers", a group of girls who dance and respond to all of Matilda's manipulations. Matilda is Daniel's ex-girlfriend, and she is determined to win his love back and destroy Grachi. During the second season, she began dating a new guy named Diego. She and Grachi developed a slight friendship during the season and became stepsisters at the end due to Ursula and Francisco's wedding. Matilda doesn't return for the third season. She is the Latin counterpart of Maddie Van Pelt from Every Witch Way.
Rafael de la Fuente as Diego Forlán – Part of "The Sharks", Matilda's boyfriend in season two and a Kanay, a person who can manipulate the four elements. He was a minor character during the first season and got a prominent role during the following ones. In the third season, he falls in love with Axel's sister, Amaya, and she becomes his girlfriend at the end of the third season. He is the Latin counterpart of Diego Rueda from Every Witch Way.
Recurring
Marisela González as Lolo (Seasons 1–2) – Mecha's mother and Úrsula's personal assistant only in season one. In season two, she leaves Úrsula's house and goes to an apartment with her daughter Mecha. She was the guardian of Ora.
William Valdés as Sibilo/Ora Santisteban (Season 1) – Lolo's ring, former wizard and Oracle.
Adriana Cataño as Cristina de Esquivel (Seasons 1–2) – Daniel's mother.
Manuel Carrillo as Ricardo Esquivel – Daniel's father. He is the Latin counterpart of Rick Miller
Virginia Nuñez as Kim Kanay(Seasons 2–3) – Diego's friend and a Kanay.
Martha Pabón as Mrs. Director (Season 1) – Principal of Escolarium and main antagonist in season one.
Nicole Apollonio as Diana (Season 1–2) – Friend of Melanie and Guillermo's sister.
Raquel Rojas as Rosa Forlán – Leader of the pink gossips, Diego's sister and also Guillermo's girlfriend during the second and third season. She is the Latin counterpart of Gigi Rueda.
Wendy Regalado as Lucía – Member of the pink gossips. She is in love with Tony.
Erika Navarro as Veronica (Season 1) – Member of the pink gossips.
Andreina Santander as Marta (Season 1) – Member of the pink gossips.
Elizabeth Lazo as Carolina (Season 1) – Member of the pink gossips.
Angela Rincon as Silvia – Member of the pink gossips.
TV specials
A Wonderfully Magical Story (2011)
It is the first special broadcast on TV of the series. It premiered on Thursday, April 28, 2011, and was re-aired days later on Monday, May 2, 2011, before season one's first episode. The main characters introduce themselves to the audience, talking about themselves, their friends, their neighborhood and their school. It was released on DVD under the title "Un Especial de Grachi" (A Grachi Special) on August 1, 2011, in Mexico and July 14, 2012, in Argentina. A limited edition of the DVD exists that includes a microphone as a gift. It was also broadcast in Italy, Spain, the Philippines, France and Poland.
Unaired Episode: Kanay (2011)
It is a lost episode showing deleted scenes from the series. It premiered months after the end of the first season, on August 19, 2011, on Nickelodeon. The episode focuses on the character Diego Forlán, the 'Churi Kanay' (elemental wizard) and his magical powers. It is the only episode in the entire series where the protagonist Isabella Castillo does not appear. On streaming services and on the DVD of Grachi's first season it is shown as the final episode '#75'.
I Want My Sweet 16: Matilda (2011)
It is a TV film focused on Matilda's sixteenth birthday, but it also reveals itself to be an undercover investigation by a journalist named Alejandro Carrión to prove the existence of witches. The film is a parody of the TV series My Super Sweet 16 and Quiero Mis Quinces from MTV, so Matilda is filmed by cameras during the planning of her birthday party. It premiered on August 25, 2011, on Nickelodeon Latin America and was released on DVD on November 11, 2011, in Mexico and July 14, 2012, in Argentina, a limited edition of the DVD was also released, including a microphone as a gift and a code for a 25% discount on other Grachi products and experiences. It was re-aired as part of a Halloween celebration on October 12, 2016, on Nickelodeon Latin America. It was also broadcast in Italy on the channel RaiGulp, and on Nickelodeon Portugal.
Grachi: On Tour in Colombia... Part I and II (2011)
These are two documentaries about the tour the series' cast did in Bogotá, Colombia, where "NickCity" reporters Stephania Duque and Tatiana Fernandez follow the cast from their arrival at the airport, through various autograph signings, and as they sing for their fans. It contains interviews with the characters and fans of the series. It premiered on December 3 and 7, 2011, respectively, during the NickCity block on the Colombian TV channel Citytv.
The Best of Grachi (2012)
It is a TV special that only aired in the Philippines at the end of the last episode of Grachi's first season, where the main cast of the series reunites and talks about their favorite moments from all the episodes. It premiered on April 27, 2012, dubbed into English on Nickelodeon Philippines.
Life is Wonderfully Musical (2012)
This TV film presents several musical acts performed by the main protagonists while they dance. The musicals presented are "Magia" (Magic), "La Estrella Soy Yo" (I Am the Star), "Somos Las Panteras" (We Are the Panthers), "Tiburones" (Sharks), "Amor de Película" (Movie Love), among others. This film premiered on the TV channel Nickelodeon Latin America on May 10, 2012, and was released on DVD on June 15, 2012. The DVD omits two musical numbers from the "Grachi: La Vida es Maravillosamente Mágica" album of the series, which are "¿Qué Sabes?" (What Do You Know?) and "Tú y Yo" (You and I), which were aired during its original premiere on Nickelodeon.
Nick at Home: Grachi Reunion (2020)
It is a special where Nickelodeon reunites the main cast from all seasons to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Grachi, which began production in 2010. It premiered on May 28, 2020, on the Instagram and Facebook profiles and the YouTube channel of Nickelodeon Latin America. It is hosted by the young influencer La Bala. The cast shares anecdotes from filming and international tours, plays games, sings, and talks about the possibility of a fourth season and a film.
Nick Playlist: Special 'Super Friends Edition' (2020)
It is a special where Mexican popstar Sofía Reyes, along with the cast of Grachi and other Latin Nickelodeon series such as Kally's Mashup, Club 57, and Yo Soy Franky, present several visual musicals during the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [1] In this special, the songs "Magia" (Magic), "Grachi", and "Amor de Película" (Movie Love) are presented.
Reception
It is considered one of the 50 most talked about and cataloged series in Latin America, winning more than 47 awards. It also holds the record of being Latin American Nickelodeon's highest debut (in general) gaining 10.7 million viewers on its premiere in Mexico alone, surpassing the 6.8 million viewers that had the before record holder Big Time Rush. Season 2 of Grachi grew 4% more on ratings, gaining 11.1 million viewers on its first episode through Nickelodeon in Mexico.
Music
La Vida es Maravillosamente Mágica
The soundtrack of the first season was released in Latin America on June 7, 2011. The album includes 14 songs used in the series sang mostly by Isabella Castillo, some others of the cast and Latin artists. The simple theme of the series was released on April 1, 2011, with its accompanying video. The second single from the album, Tu Eres Para Mi, was released on July 21, 2011. Distributed by Universal Music and Warner Music. A live concert tour was created to promote the album in North America, South America and Europe. The album peaked No. 1 in Mexico and achieved a triple diamond certification for one million physical copies sold in that country, it also gained a double platinum certification in Brazil for 80.000 copies sold.
La Vida es Maravillosamente Mágica, Vol. 2
The second soundtrack was released on April 11, 2012, in Latin America and it contains the season 2 songs, this time all sang by the entire cast from the series. Distributed by Warner Music. A live concert tour was created to promote the album in North America, South America and Europe. The song "Lagrimas" won a Latin Grammy nomination. This album peaked No. 1 in 14 countries and won many diamond, platinum and gold certifications around the world. It has sold more than 3 million copies and its Nickelodeon Latin America's most sold and successful album ever released.
Soñar No Cuesta Nada
On March 21, 2013, Warner Music signed Nickelodeon Latin American star Isabella Castillo. The album Soñar No Cuesta Nada was released on Latin America on April 23, 2013, and it contains 4 songs from the third season of Grachi. Nickelodeon, MTV, MTV Hits & VH1 promoted the album. This album peaked No. 14 in the Billboard Latin Hot 100. It also contains a new version of the Latin Grammy nominated song from Grachi season 2 "Lágrimas".
Tours
Due to the success of the series, the cast of Grachi embarked on multiple promotional and concert tours throughout Latin America, Europe, and the United States, offering autograph signings, meet & greets, theatrical plays, and showcases, as well as attending interviews on television programs, radio stations, and press conferences. The cast of Grachi also held multiple online meetings with their fans through video calls on social media platforms, such as X and Instagram. In 2025, Sol Rodríguez confirmed through her TikTok profile that an exclusive concert tour in Europe was also planned, but it did not take place due to lack of time. Finally in 2013 some members visited Venezuela, and in 2016 Isabella Castillo toured in Dominican Republic. In May 2020 the cast of Grachi confessed desires to tour again together and film a new season and a movie, while they were promoting the sixth rebroadcast and 10th anniversary of Grachi on Nickelodeon Latin America's TV channel.
Grachi: El Show en Vivo (2012)
On June 8, 2011, Nickelodeon head executives announced a tour of theatrical plays of Grachi while on a press conference at Hotel W in Mexico City. The tickets for the live show started being sold on December 19, 2011 The show's setlist contains all the songs from Grachi's first soundtrack album, and also (then) new songs from the Season 2 and a couple exclusive songs which only appeared on the live show. VIP packages were sold, with these the fans could take a photo with Isabella Castillo, Andrés Mercado and María Gabriela de Faría by the end of the show.
The first live show opened at Teatro Metropolitan in Mexico City on February 10, 2012. The show received mixed reviews, generally positive, but some people did not like the use of playback by some members of the cast.
Fans could also get merchandise of Grachi at the theaters and auditoriums where the live show was presented.
Adaptation
In 2014 after Grachi's international success, Nickelodeon United States decided to produce a remake. It was remade as Every Witch Way and it gained 4 seasons which were broadcast around the world too. And in 2015 Nickelodeon produced a spin-off of Grachi & Every Witch Way called W.I.T.S Academy, both, the remake and the spin-off were co-produced between Nickelodeon U.S. & Nickelodeon Latin America and recorded at the same studios where Grachi was filmed, both were premiered on every Nickelodeon channel through the world, just as Grachi did (but in the U.S.).
Distribution
In the United States it premiered on February 3, 2014, on Azteca América.