Money Heist has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most successful Spanish television series of all time. Its captivating storyline, unique characters, and impeccable style have made it a global phenomenon, surpassing even the popularity of other hit series like Stranger Things.
Viewers are drawn into the story of two meticulously planned heists, led by the enigmatic Professor, that take place in the heart of Madrid. The show’s popularity has even spawned a range of branded merchandise and promotional activities, including an official slot game and a single-player action-adventure game. With its immense success, it’s clear that Money Heist has made its mark on both Spanish television and pop culture around the world.
In the last few years, even if you’ve been living under a rock, you must have heard of La Casa de Papel (The House of Paper) or Money Heist, the critically acclaimed Spanish drama series on Netflix created by the genius Álex Pina
The Appeal of the Money Heist Series
The global success of Money Heist is unlike anything seen before for a Spanish television show. Its creative blend of captivating characters, humorous storylines, and impeccable style have made it a worldwide phenomenon. In fact, the show has become so beloved that it has even surpassed the US and global viewer ratings of the beloved Stranger Things, which has been enthralling audiences since 2016.
The Spanish series has gathered a massive number of 30 nominations over the years, winning 26 reputable awards including the Best Drama Series categories at the International Emmy awards, together with numerous Premios Fénix en Premios Iris and other equally prestigious award ceremonies.
Despite not being the first successful Spanish-language original to be aired by Netflix, Money Heist has made its mark in the history of Spanish TV series. In 2015, Club de Cuervos, a Mexican drama comedy, was released by the streaming service, but La Casa de Papel has still managed to gain much success and recognition.
Money Heist: The Plot
Money Heist revolves around two meticulously planned heists that are led by the enigmatic Professor, portrayed by Alvaro Morte. The story is narrated by Tokyo (Ursula Corbero), one of the robbers, but her reliability as a storyteller is called into question, adding to the complexity and intrigue of the plot
Viewers are gradually introduced to the story through real-time action that is cleverly interspersed with time jumps, flashbacks, and hidden character motivations, contributing to the unique narrative tension that the series is known for. The robbers’ signature look, featuring bold red overalls and masks inspired by Salvador Dali, only adds to the show’s allure.
The action takes place in Madrid, where the Professor recruits eight individuals who go by city names as aliases. They are chosen to carry out an incredibly ambitious and dangerous plan that could earn them a staggering €984 million. The group takes 67 people hostage in the Royal Mint of Spain, where they remain for 11 days to print the money and evade the police. After completing the first heist, the group goes into hiding and prepares for a second heist, this time targeting the Bank of Spain’s gold. The tension builds further as the robbers take hostages once again, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Money Heist-Inspired Pop Culture
Money Heist has become a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2017, captivating millions of viewers worldwide and inspiring a wide range of branded merchandise and collectibles.
Fans of the show have dressed up as their favorite characters for Halloween and purchased branded T-shirts, water bottles, mugs, tote bags, sneakers, and poker sets adorned with the iconic logo of the Spanish series. The popularity of La Casa de Papel branded items is not to be underestimated, with even Spanish online casinos offering exclusive promotions and bonuses themed around the show, featuring cash prizes and free spins on selected slot games.
In addition, the show has inspired an official slot game, offered exclusively by a leading casino brand in the industry, where players can infiltrate and rob a billionaire’s casino. A single-player action-adventure game based on the show is also available, challenging players to pick locks, crack safes, and help a friend rob a casino.
Final Thoughts
Money Heist has become a global phenomenon, with its captivating storylines and impeccable style captivating audiences around the world. Its immense success has not only made it a beloved Spanish television show, but it has also spawned a wide range of branded merchandise, collectibles, and promotional activities. It is safe to say that Money Heist is here to stay, with its popularity only set to continue to grow in the future.