Berlin’s Connection to Money Heist and Timeline Explained

Netflix recently debuted a new show called Berlin, tied to the popular Money Heist universe. This has sparked a debate among fans, questioning whether the show is a spinoff or a prequel.

Originally airing on Antena 3 in 2017, the series quickly became available on Netflix following the finale of Part 1 of Money Heist. It wasn’t long before the streaming giant secured the rights to the show after Part 2 concluded.

Berlin was killed off at the end of Money Heist Part 2, but he was able to return to the show several times via flashbacks.

Given that Money Heist’s narrative does not follow a straightforward chronology, Berlin makes for a seamless addition to the already-established universe.

1. How does Netflix’s Berlin fit into the Money Heist Timeline?

As per creator Alex Pina, the events in Netflix’s Berlin occurred around 2013, four years before the events of Money Heist. The series takes place many years before Berlin was diagnosed with Helmer’s Myopathy, a degenerative condition he had in the original show.

This means that the second season of Berlin could bridge the four-year gap between the events of Money Heist, which kicked off in 2017, and the monumental heist at the Royal Mint of Spain.

Berlin's Connection to Money Heist and Timeline Explained
Pedro Alonso, Tristán Ulloa, Julio Peña, Michelle Jenner, Álex Pina, Joel Sánchez, Esther Martínez Lobato, and Begoña Vargas in Berlin (2023) | Source: IMDb

2. Is Berlin a spinoff or prequel?

Berlin is both a spinoff and a prequel to Money Heist, as it follows the titular character’s adventures before the events of the original series. 

Berlin takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the origins of Money Heist’s notorious character, Andrés de Fonollosa, portrayed expertly by Actor Pedro Alonso, both in this series and in the original.

Berlin and The Professor strongly bonded in Money Heist, but The Professor (Alvaro Morte) does not appear in his brother’s latest project.

The plot of the spinoff prequel takes place before the events of Money Heist seasons 1 and 2, following Berlin’s attempts to steal jewels worth €44 million in Paris, France, with a fresh team. 

While the familiar faces from the original show do not appear, we can still look forward to seeing Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituño) and Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) reprise their roles as guest stars.

The prequel, crafted by the masterminds behind the original series, Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, brings a sense of continuity. There has been no confirmation regarding a second season for Berlin, but the possibility certainly exists.

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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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