The Spanish crime-drama series Money Heist is one of the most-watched Netflix shows of all time. It was the most viewed non-English series on Netflix in 2018 and remained in their Top 10 for several months.
However, the series was not such a big international sensation when it first premiered in 2017. Money Heist debuted in 2017 on the Spanish TV channel Antena 3 but did not gain the necessary momentum.
The crime drama series was first created as La Casa de Paper by Alex Pina. Although it began well, it started losing viewers and could not make a profit. Netflix picked up the series at this point when the creators had already given up on it.
The success story of Money Heist is intriguing, especially when you find out how much Netflix paid for the series when they first acquired it. It was a brilliant business decision on Netflix’s part, which was proven by the show’s monumental success today.
1. How much did Netflix pay for Money Heist?
As per UK Express, Netflix paid only $2 to buy Money Heist in 2017. Andy Harries, the head of Left Bank Pictures, confirmed the news during a BAFTA interview.
Netflix bought La Casa de Papel in 2017 when it was facing losses. The platform revamped the series by cutting it into 22 episodes of 50 minutes each in two seasons.
Season 1 consisted of 13 episodes, while season 2 featured 9 episodes. The first two parts wrapped up the Professor’s plan to rob the Royal Mint.
Netflix also renamed the series in English to cater to the international audience. The series quickly started gaining popularity, leading Netflix to increase its budget and renew the show for 16 more episodes.
The next 16 episodes were released in 2 seasons, with 8 episodes each. Parts 3 and 4 focus on the Professor’s next plan to rob the Royal Bank of Spain.
Netflix further renewed the series for its fifth and final season, which comprised 10 episodes. The series ended in 2021, becoming one of Netflix’s most successful ventures.
2. Why did Money Heist flop in Spain?
La Casa de Papel began its journey on a high note but lost its viewership by the second season. It could be due to the lack of an international audience or the show not being promoted properly. The show’s low budget also restricted its creative output.
Once Netflix acquired Money Heist, the streaming platform invested more in the show. It also added English subtitles and dubbed it into English and other international languages to cater to a larger audience.
Once the series found its audience, it did not have to look back. Money Heist is not the only series to start slow and gain momentum later. Sometimes, the timing does not work out for certain productions, or it cannot find the right audience.
However, not every series is lucky enough to be adopted by Netflix. Money Heist found the right takers at the right time, leading to its massive popularity even today.
3. About Money Heist
Money Heist (Spanish: La casa de papel, meaning “The House of Paper”) is a Spanish heist crime drama television series created by Álex Pina.
The series traces two long-prepared heists led by the Professor (Álvaro Morte), one on the Royal Mint of Spain, and one on the Bank of Spain. The narrative is told in a real-time-like fashion and relies on flashbacks, time-jumps, hidden character motivations, and an unreliable narrator for complexity.
The show focuses on the meticulous plans and the specific contingencies of the Professor who has prepared his group of robbers dressed in red jumpsuits and Dali masks.
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