How the charismatic thief from Money Heist built his own criminal empire in Paris
In short: Before the high-stakes drama of the original series, Andrés de Fonollosa, known as Berlin, led a daring heist in Paris. This prequel explores his earlier life, shifting the tone toward comedy while maintaining the tension of a complex robbery involving a massive haul of jewels and a dangerous romantic entanglement.
Created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, the series serves as a prequel to the global sensation Money Heist. While the parent show was known for its intense, singular focus, the creators intentionally pivoted with this project, opting for a lighter, more comedic atmosphere. To enhance the visual storytelling, the production utilized a wider 2:1 aspect ratio, designed to immerse viewers in the scenic beauty of the Parisian backdrop.
The narrative follows Berlin as he orchestrates the theft of 44 million euros in jewels. His team includes Keila, Damián, Cameron, Bruce, and Roi. Complications arise when Berlin, while conducting surveillance on his target, becomes infatuated with the victim's wife. The series structure is unique, with each season functioning as a standalone miniseries, such as the debut, Berlin and the Jewels of Paris, and the follow-up, Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine.
The show achieved immediate commercial success upon its 29 December 2023 premiere. Within its first week, it claimed the top spot for viewership worldwide, appearing in the Top 10 lists of 91 countries. By February 2024, it secured its place as the ninth most-watched non-English series in Netflix history, accumulating 53.1 million views. Despite this popularity, critical reception has been mixed, with some reviewers noting that the new ensemble and plot dynamics struggle to match the weight of the original series.
The expansion of the franchise continues with the second season, which features the return of the Professor, played by Álvaro Morte. As Berlin's brother, his inclusion bridges the gap between the prequel and the established timeline of the original heist. The production, which began filming in Paris and Madrid in October 2022, remains a significant investment for Netflix, aiming to capitalize on the enduring appeal of one of its most iconic characters.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Berlin (Spanish TV series)
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