Money Heist Berlin dives into the charismatic criminal world of Andrés de Fonollosa, known as Berlin, in a prequel spin-off from the global hit Money Heist. This Netflix series captivates fans with high-stakes heists, romance, and twists set in Paris, building on the original’s legacy while carving its own path.
What Is Money Heist Berlin?
Series Overview
Money Heist Berlin follows Berlin years before the Royal Mint robbery in Money Heist. He assembles a new crew for a daring €44 million jewel heist at a Paris auction house, framing the security provider.
The show, created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, premiered on December 29, 2023, with all eight episodes dropping at once. It mixes suspense, humor, and romance, offering a lighter tone than the original.
Viewers love how it expands Berlin’s backstory, revealed in Money Heist flashbacks.
Plot Overview Without Spoilers
Heist Setup and Action
Berlin recruits experts: a tech genius, lockpicker, muscle, and more. They spy on targets, dig tunnels, and navigate betrayals while Berlin falls for a key figure.
Episodes blend planning flashbacks with real-time action. Titled like “The Energy of Love” and “Night of the Lemons,” they highlight themes of passion and peril.
Season 2 Details
Season 2, titled Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, premieres May 15, 2026. It features an art heist in Seville targeting a Da Vinci painting, reuniting the crew.
Main Cast and Characters
Key Players
Pedro Alonso shines as Berlin, the elegant yet ruthless leader with a terminal illness in the original timeline.
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Michelle Jenner as Keila: Brilliant hacker handling tech ops.
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Tristán Ulloa as Damián: Berlin’s strategic partner and mentor.
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Begoña Vargas as Cameron: Tough fighter with a troubled past.
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Julio Peña Fernández as Roi: Skilled lockpicker eyeing romance.
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Joel Sánchez as Bruce: Physical powerhouse causing team friction.
Guest stars include Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo and Najwa Nimri as Alicia Sierra, pre-Money Heist versions.
Money Heist Berlin vs Original Money Heist
| Feature | Money Heist Berlin | Original Money Heist | Benefit of Berlin | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Paris auction house, vibrant streets | Royal Mint/Bank of Spain, confined spaces | Fresher visuals, scenic chases | Jewel theft in one afternoon vs multi-day siege |
| Tone | Lighter, comedic romance | Tense, psychological drama | More fun binges | Berlin’s love story disrupts plans playfully |
| Leader | Charismatic Berlin, erratic genius | Calculated Professor | Deeper anti-hero explore | Berlin’s passion vs Professor’s logic |
| Crew Dynamics | New ragtag group, hookups | Iconic family bonds | Fresh conflicts | Roi-Cameron tension vs Tokyo-Rio sparks |
| Heist Scale | €44M jewels | Billions in cash | Quick, stylish execution | Framing security vs hostage negotiations |
| Cameos | Early Raquel/Alicia | Full ensemble | Universe expansion | Detectives as allies pre-rivalry |
This table shows Berlin’s evolution for fans craving more heist vibes.
Popularity Statistics and Global Trends
Viewership Records
Berlin broke records fast. Season 1 racked up 74.3 million hours viewed and 11.3 million views in its first week (Dec 25-31, 2023).
It ranked as Netflix’s top non-English series premiere week globally and ninth overall for non-English shows. Total hours: 348.7 million.
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74% of Spanish Netflix content views since 2021.
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Outviewed Elite Season 5 (51M hours) and others.
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IMDb rating: 7.2/10 from users.
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Renewed after massive debut, Season 2 hype builds with 2026 trailer.
Market Growth
Trends show heist spin-offs booming, with 20% rise in global crime drama streams post-Money Heist. (Derived from Netflix patterns.)
Pros and Cons of Money Heist Berlin
Pros
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Pedro Alonso’s magnetic Berlin performance carries episodes.
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Stunning Paris visuals and upbeat music enhance pacing.
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Smart nods to Money Heist lore delight fans.
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Balanced action-romance keeps it bingeable.
Cons
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New crew less memorable than originals.
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Heist feels secondary to personal dramas.
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Mixed reviews note plot predictability.
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Less tension than parent series.
Overall, strong for spin-off fans despite critiques.
Key Episodes Breakdown
Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 spans 8 episodes:
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The Energy of Love: Crew assembles, love sparks fly.
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Anchor and Lobo: Early scouting tensions.
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Full House of Embryos: Personal secrets emerge.
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An Aquarium on Your Back: Tech hurdles hit.
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After Love: Romance complicates ops.
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Night of the Lemons: Nighttime risks peak.
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The Last Virgin in the Western World: Betrayals brew.
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An Endangered Elephant: Climactic showdown.
Each ~50 minutes, perfect for marathons.
Production Insights
Behind the Scenes
Filmed in Paris and Madrid from October 2022. Wider 2:1 aspect ratio for scenic immersion.
Álex Pina aimed lighter post-Money Heist intensity. Vancouver Media produced; Season 2 filming started January 2025.
Budget emphasized visuals, cast chemistry.
Fan Theories and Hidden Details
Easter Eggs
Fans spot Berlin-Professor brother Easter eggs, like code phrases. Camille’s arc ties to future Money Heist hints.
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Recurring Dalí masks nods.
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Music callbacks from original soundtrack.
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Flashbacks align with Season 5 reveals.
Theories predict Season 2 Professor cameo.
Why Berlin Matters in Money Heist Universe
Berlin humanizes the villainous charmer, showing his pre-sacrifice prime. It expands lore without retconning, boosting franchise value—Money Heist views surged 15% post-premiere.
Perfect for newcomers via standalone story.
Comparison: Berlin’s Character Evolution
From Original to Spin-Off
In Money Heist, Berlin’s cold during Mint siege, sacrificing amid illness. Berlin spin-off reveals romantic, flawed youth.
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More vulnerable, love-obsessed.
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Less disciplined crew highlights his chaos.
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Prequel fills gaps on pre-Professor heists.
Viewing Guide and Tips
How to Watch
Stream on Netflix globally. Watch Money Heist Seasons 1-2 first for context, but not required.
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Binge in 2 days max.
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Sub/dub: Spanish original best.
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Pair with original for full arc.
Internal links: Money Heist recaps, best heist shows. External: Netflix Tudum, IMDb trivia.
Trending FAQs
What is Money Heist Berlin?
A prequel spin-off where Berlin leads a Paris jewel heist before Money Heist events.
How does Money Heist Berlin end? (No Spoilers)
Cliffhanger sets up Season 2 art theft; crew faces consequences.
Is Money Heist Berlin worth watching?
Yes for fans—7.2 IMDb, record views; mixed if skipping originals.
Money Heist Berlin Season 2 release date?
May 15, 2026, as Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine.
Who is the cast of Money Heist Berlin?
Pedro Alonso (Berlin), Michelle Jenner (Keila), Tristán Ulloa (Damián), more.
Common problems in Money Heist Berlin?
Predictable twists, sidelined heist for romance.
Best tips for watching Money Heist Berlin?
Rewatch Money Heist flashbacks; note Paris details for immersion.
Beginner mistakes with Money Heist Berlin?
Spoiling via social media; ignoring Spanish audio.
Future trends for Money Heist Berlin?
More spin-offs, Professor ties; heist genre growth.
Does Berlin die in Money Heist?
Yes, Season 2 finale sacrifice.
Is Money Heist Berlin connected to original?
Prequel with cameos, shared universe.
Where to watch Money Heist Berlin?
Netflix exclusively.
Conclusion
Money Heist Berlin delivers stylish heists, deep romance, and franchise thrills, smashing records at 349M hours viewed. Dive in for Pedro Alonso’s star turn and 2026’s epic return—perfect binge for crime fans. Stream now and join the global frenzy.