Berlin: Exploring the Money Heist Universe

The Birth of Berlin: A Spinoff Prequel

Netflix has just premiered Berlin, which is connected with the Money Heist universe, resulting in questions about whether the show is a spinoff or a prequel. The series premiered on Antena 3 in 2017 and was available on Netflix shortly after Money Heist season 1 part 1's finale, with the streaming service acquiring the rights shortly after the end of Part 2. Money Heist was a Spanish crime drama that had the characters orchestrate and commit multiple elaborate heists throughout the show's five seasons. Berlin was easily one of Money Heist's most remarkable characters, and, two years after the series' finale, the character received his own show.

Pedro Alonso as Andrés de Fonollosa (Berlin) in Money Heist (La Casa De Papal)

Throughout its five seasons, Money Heist didn't follow a completely linear story, which came in handy when it came to Berlin. The character was killed off at the end of Money Heist part 2, but he was able to return to the show several times via flashbacks. The popularity of the character resulted in the first spinoff of the popular crime series called Berlin, which premiered as an eight-part drama on Netflix on December 29. Although the new series doesn't replicate the suspense and urgency of the hit show, Berlin embarks on a fun, new adventure with a new crew.

Berlin (Pedro Alonso) stands with his crew behind him in Berlin season 1

Berlin Is A Money Heist Prequel Show

Berlin (Pedro Alonso) and his crew look on in Berlin season 1

Unraveling Berlin's Timeline and Characters

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. The show delves into Andrés de Fonollosa's history, known under the alias of Berlin. He is played by Pedro Alonso, who also portrayed the character in the original show. Described as following the character through his 'golden age,' the series takes place many years before the heists of Money Heist, but also long before Berlin was diagnosed with Helmer’s Myopathy, a degenerative condition he had in the original show.

Berlin (Pedro Alonso) holding a plaque in Money Heist with masked people behind him

In Money Heist, Berlin and his half-brother, The Professor (Alvaro Morte) were close, but the latter doesn't make an appearance on his new show. The events of Berlin are set before Money Heist seasons 1 and 2, and follow Berlin as he tries to steal €44 million worth of jewels in Paris, France with a brand-new team. Although the main characters of the original show aren't featured in the spinoff prequel, Raquel Murillo (Itziar Ituño) and Alicia Sierra (Najwa Nimri) reprise their characters as guest stars.

Berlin (Pedro Alonso) holds up a jewel in Money Heist

How Berlin Fits Into The Money Heist Timeline

Berlin wearing a gas mask in Money Heist Berlin

The Expansion of Money Heist Universe

Since Money Heist's timeline didn't follow a linear story, Berlin fits perfectly into the universe. The prequel Berlin comes from Álex Pina, Money Heist's creator, and Esther Martínez Lobato, who was an executive producer on the show. Although the spin-off prequel doesn't have a defined date, Pina revealed in an interview with SensaCine that the series took place around 2013. Since Money Heist began in 2017, the events of Berlin happened four years before the big heist of the Royal Mint of Spain, which means that there is enough time in between them for Berlin season 2, although there's no confirmation in that sense yet.