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Money Heist: Season 6, Cast Pay, Questions Answered

Jack Charlie Wilson White • 2026-07-16 • Reviewed by Hanna Berg

It started as a Spanish heist series on Antena 3 and within a few years became Netflix’s most-watched non-English series — Part 4 alone drew over 65 million households in its first month. Money Heist turned a masked crew and a master planner into global icons. But with the story concluded after five parts, fans still have unanswered questions: Will there be a season 6? Was the show a hit or a flop? And who took home the biggest paycheck?

Series title: Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) ·
Original network: Antena 3 (Spain), then Netflix ·
Total episodes: 5 parts (41 episodes) ·
Original run: 2017–2021 ·
Creator: Álex Pina ·
Global audience (Netflix): Over 65 million households in first month of Part 4

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact actor salaries are not officially disclosed; reported figures vary between media outlets.
  • Total viewership for the entire series after Part 5 has not been publicly released.
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • The main series is finished; a spin-off, ‘Berlin,’ is planned (no official release date yet).

Five key stats chart the show’s journey from local hit to global phenomenon.

First episode date May 2, 2017 (Antena 3)
Netflix release International debut December 2017
Final episode December 3, 2021
IMDB rating 8.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes audience score 82%

Is Money Heist season 6 coming?

Why the show ended after season 5

Netflix confirmed that Part 5 would be the final season, a decision driven by creative intent rather than low ratings. Creator Álex Pina has stated in multiple interviews that the story arc was always designed to end after the Royal Mint heists.

Bottom line: Season 6 is not coming. The story wrapped with Part 5. For fans who want closure: accept the finale. For those eager for more heist action: the ‘Berlin’ spin-off is the next stop.

The Berlin spin-off as a continuation

Netflix announced a spin-off centered on the character Berlin (Pedro Alonso). Set before the events of the original show, the spin-off is expected to expand the universe without revisiting the Professor’s crew. No firm release date has been given.

Why this matters

The spin-off signals Netflix’s appetite for the franchise, even as the main story rests. It offers new entry points for viewers who missed the original.

The implication: Netflix treats Money Heist as a finished story, not an open-ended property.

Is Money Heist a hit or a flop?

Global viewership numbers

  • Part 4 became the most-watched non-English series on Netflix (Netflix press room).
  • The show drew over 65 million households in Part 4’s first month.

Those numbers put Money Heist in the same league as big English-language hits like Stranger Things and The Crown.

Critical reception and awards

Money Heist won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2018. It holds an 8.2/10 score on IMDB and an 82% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes (figures from the show’s official pages).

Cultural impact

The red jumpsuit and Dali mask became Halloween staples worldwide. The series sparked parodies, fan theories, and even a tourism boost for Madrid. It was a genuine cultural phenomenon.

The paradox

Despite being a massive hit, Money Heist did not spawn endless seasons — a rarity in the streaming age where hits are often milked dry.

The pattern: the show’s success was measured in cultural footprint, not just episode count.

Who is the highest paid actor in Money Heist?

Main cast members and their roles

The ensemble cast included Álvaro Morte as the Professor, Úrsula Corberó as Tokyo, Pedro Alonso as Berlin, Itziar Ituño as Lisbon, and many more. According to media reports, salaries varied widely.

Reported salaries and contract renegotiations

Below is a table of reported per-episode salaries from two entertainment news outlets. These figures are not officially confirmed.

Actor Role Reported salary per episode
Álvaro Morte Professor ~$150,000
Úrsula Corberó Tokyo ~$120,000
Pedro Alonso Berlin ~$120,000
Esther Acebo Stockholm ~$100,000
Alba Flores Nairobi ~$85,000
Rodrigo de la Serna Palermo ~$85,000
Enrique Arce Arturo Román ~$80,000
Darko Perić Helsinki ~$80,000
Itziar Ituño Lisbon ~$75,000
Jaime Lorente Denver ~$75,000
Miguel Herrán Rio ~$65,000

Sources: Business Upturn (entertainment news) and IndiaGlitz (entertainment portal).

The catch

These numbers come from third-party estimates, not official contracts. The actors themselves have not confirmed their paychecks.

The trade-off: while the cast reportedly earned well, the disparity between top and supporting roles is large.

Why did Money Heist get cancelled?

Official reason for ending

  • Netflix and Álex Pina planned 5 seasons as a complete narrative arc (Netflix official page).

Was it cancelled or intended ending?

The series was not cancelled. Netflix marketed the final season with closure messaging, and the creator has repeatedly stated that the story reached its natural conclusion. No internal documents suggest a cancellation due to low performance.

What to watch

If a channel cancels a hit show without warning, that’s a cancellation. Money Heist had a planned finale with months of promotion — a textbook example of an intended ending.

The implication: the end was always part of the plan, not a reaction to ratings.

Which is better, Peaky Blinders or Money Heist?

Genre and tone differences

The table below compares the two series across several criteria.

Criteria Money Heist Peaky Blinders
Genre Spanish heist crime drama British period crime drama
Number of seasons 5 parts (41 episodes) 6 seasons (36 episodes)
Main setting Madrid, Spain Birmingham, England
Tone High-stakes heist with emotional arcs Gangster family saga with historical backdrop
IMDB rating 8.2/10 8.8/10

Both shows command passionate fanbases. Money Heist leans into heist mechanics and emotional drama; Peaky Blinders offers slow-burn empire-building and sharp dialogue.

Critical acclaim comparison

Peaky Blinders has a higher IMDB score and multiple BAFTA nominations. Money Heist won an International Emmy. Their appeal depends on taste: if you prefer fast-paced twists, choose Money Heist; if you like layered character development over many seasons, Peaky Blinders is likely your show.

Bottom line: There’s no objective “better.” Money Heist puts the Professor’s crew through a shorter, punchier ride; Peaky Blinders immerses Tommy Shelby’s world in a longer, denser saga. For a quick binge, follow the Professor; for a layered period piece, follow Tommy Shelby.

The choice ultimately depends on the viewer’s preference for pacing and depth.

Timeline of Money Heist

  • 2017: La Casa de Papel premieres on Antena 3 in Spain. Netflix licenses the first two parts later that year.
  • December 2017: Netflix releases Parts 1 and 2 globally under the title Money Heist (Netflix official page).
  • 2018: Netflix orders Part 3 as an original production.
  • April 2020: Part 4 released; becomes the most-watched non-English series on Netflix (Netflix press room).
  • 2021: Part 5 (Volumes 1 and 2) released; final season marketed as the conclusion (Netflix press room).
  • 2023: Spin-off ‘Berlin’ slated for release.
The upshot

The timeline shows a clear pattern: local success led to global acquisition, then Netflix commissioned more seasons until the story reached its planned endpoint.

Confirmed facts vs. rumors

Confirmed facts

  • The series concluded after Part 5; no season 6 was produced (Netflix official page).
  • Netflix acquired global rights in December 2017 (Netflix official page).
  • Part 4 became the most-watched non-English series on Netflix (Netflix press room).

What’s unclear

  • Exact actor salaries — media reports vary widely and are not official.
  • Total series viewership after Part 5 has not been released by Netflix.
  • The exact budget for the final seasons is not publicly known.

“We always knew the story would end after five parts. It was never meant to be a never-ending series.”

— Álex Pina (creator), as told to press during the final season promotion

“Money Heist exceeded our expectations and became a cultural moment. We’re proud of the franchise and excited for what’s next.”

— Netflix executive, via Netflix press room

Summary

Money Heist rode a wave from Spanish broadcast to global streaming glory, ending on its own terms after a planned five-part run. The show leaves behind a legacy of record viewership, a devoted fan base, and a franchise that continues with spin-offs. The Professor’s story is complete, but fans can revisit Berlin’s adventures in the upcoming spin-off.

For a deeper analysis of why the series ended after five parts, see our detailed breakdown of the Money Heist season 6 cancellation and whether it was a hit or flop.

Frequently asked questions

Is Money Heist based on a true story?

No. Money Heist is a fictional story created by Álex Pina. It is not based on a specific real-life heist, though it draws inspiration from classic heist films.

How many episodes are in Money Heist?

The series has 5 parts totaling 41 episodes: Parts 1 and 2 have 9 and 6 episodes (originally on Antena 3), Parts 3 and 4 have 8 episodes each, and Part 5 has 10 episodes split into two volumes.

Where was Money Heist filmed?

Filming took place primarily in Madrid, Spain, with some scenes at the Royal Mint of Spain and a reproduction of the Bank of Spain. Other locations include Toledo, Alcalá de Henares, and various Spanish landmarks.

Who is the smartest character in Money Heist?

The Professor (Álvaro Morte) is widely considered the genius behind the heists. His meticulous planning and ability to adapt under pressure set him apart from the rest of the crew.

Is Money Heist suitable for children?

Money Heist is rated TV-MA for mature audiences due to violence, language, and sexual content. It is not suitable for children under 17.

What order should I watch Money Heist and its spin-offs?

Watch Money Heist Parts 1–5 first. The spin-off ‘Berlin’ is a prequel, so it can be watched before or after the main series, though watching the main series first provides better context for the character.

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Jack Charlie Wilson White

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Jack Charlie Wilson White

Coverage is updated through the day with transparent source checks.