Netflix Portugal debuts tomorrow the new season Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine, betting once again on the franchise's most polarizing character despite mixed critical reception and a saturated heist genre. The streaming platform simultaneously confirmed it is expanding the La Casa de Papel universe further, though details remain scarce on whether fans will see familiar faces or entirely new crews.
The gamble comes as Netflix attempts to capitalize on the original series' extraordinary global performance—La Casa de Papel became the platform's most-watched non-English production before Squid Game dethroned it—while navigating audience fatigue with a spin-off that critics describe as significantly weaker than its predecessor. For subscribers in Portugal, where the original series topped viewership charts, the question is whether nostalgia for Berlin's cynicism outweighs declining narrative quality.
Why This Matters
• Streaming value: All episodes of Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine drop tomorrow (May 15) on Netflix Portugal, offering binge-worthy content for the long weekend.
• Franchise expansion: A new La Casa de Papel continuation is confirmed, but Netflix has not disclosed cast, setting, or timeline—leaving fans guessing whether Tokyo's crew returns or a clean slate begins.
• Critical divide: The first Berlin season drew 50.1M views in 31 days (historical performance from December 2023), yet user reviews skew negative, citing "amateur" scripts and excessive romance over heist mechanics.
The Seville Heist: What to Expect
Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine relocates the action to Seville, where Andrés de Fonollosa (Pedro Alonso) and his crew target Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting. According to Netflix's synopsis, "a meticulous plan won't be enough this time"—the team must now manage emotions, bonds, and impulsive decisions, or risk losing everything.
The second season introduces Inma Cuesta as Candela, alongside returning cast members Michelle Jenner (Keila, electronics specialist), Tristán Ulloa (Damián, Berlin's confidant), Begoña Vargas (Cameron), Julio Peña Fernández (Roi), and Joel Sánchez (Bruce). Notably, Itziar Ituño and Najwa Nimri reprise their Money Heist roles as inspectors Raquel Murillo and Alicia Sierra, creating direct continuity with the original series.
The addition of aristocratic characters—José Luis García-Pérez as the Duke of Málaga and Marta Nieto as the Duchess—suggests the plot veers into high-society intrigue, a departure from the working-class underdog narrative that made La Casa de Papel resonate across Latin America and Southern Europe.
Audience vs. Critics: A Widening Gap
The Berlin spin-off presents a commercial release that has generated significant viewership numbers, though critical reception has been more divided. Platform reviews frequently describe the show as moving away from heist-focused narratives. Viewers cite a shift from meticulous heist planning toward romantic subplots, with some noting the series emphasizes character relationships over the technical execution of robberies—the very DNA that made the original compulsive viewing.
Brazilian audiences and Portuguese fans have expressed similar perspectives, noting the series takes a different creative direction than the original La Casa de Papel storylines. Some critics note the show resembles romance-driven telenovelas rather than hard-hitting crime narratives.
Defenders argue the spin-off intentionally adopts a lighter tone—more humor, less existential dread—and that Pedro Alonso's charisma alone justifies the nostalgia trip. For subscribers who adored Berlin's sarcasm and theatrical flair, the series delivers character-driven storytelling with strong production values.
The Bigger Franchise Play
Netflix's announcement of a broader La Casa de Papel continuation signals the platform views the universe as a long-term asset, akin to its strategy with The Witcher or Bridgerton. The promotional video emphasized that "the revolution continues," leaning heavily on the red jumpsuit iconography and Bella Ciao cultural cache.
What remains unclear is the creative direction. Will the continuation follow surviving crew members post-Bank of Spain? Or will Netflix commission an anthology format, with each season tackling a new heist in a different country? The latter approach could capitalize on the series' international appeal—La Casa de Papel broke viewership records in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.
For context, the original series was nearly canceled after disappointing ratings on Spain's Antena 3 in 2017. Netflix acquired the rights, re-edited the episodes, and transformed it into a global phenomenon. The third season alone drew 34M subscribers worldwide in its first week, with 70% completing all episodes—a completion rate that Hollywood studios envy.
What This Means for Portuguese Subscribers
For viewers in Portugal, the Berlin franchise offers weekend entertainment with several considerations. The original La Casa de Papel tapped into economic anxieties—working-class antiheroes robbing institutions—that resonated deeply in Southern Europe. The spin-off, set among Seville's aristocracy and focused on romantic entanglements, explores different themes.
That said, Pedro Alonso remains a draw, and the Seville setting provides visual appeal for those familiar with Andalusian architecture. The simultaneous release of all episodes means no week-to-week commitment, allowing subscribers to sample a few episodes without obligation.
The broader franchise expansion raises a question: will Netflix Portugal invest in local heist narratives, or continue importing Spanish-language content? The platform's recent push for Portuguese originals demonstrates appetite for homegrown thrillers. A series set in Lisbon, exploring Portugal's own economic tensions, could offer fresh territory for future development.
Streaming Alternatives in Portugal
While Netflix dominates heist content, other platforms continue releasing new productions. Prime Video has various titles in development, and Disney+ maintains an expanding content slate.
For those seeking Portuguese-language content, RTP Play recently launched new series offerings exploring diverse narratives and perspectives in Portuguese media, addressing representation and storytelling opportunities in the local industry.
The Verdict on Berlin's Return
Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine will likely appeal to fans of Pedro Alonso and the La Casa de Papel universe while offering its own creative direction. The series represents Netflix's strategy to expand established franchises with new seasons and spin-offs.
For subscribers in Portugal deciding whether to invest tomorrow, expect strong production values, charismatic performances, and character-driven storytelling. The confirmed La Casa de Papel continuation remains the opportunity for future creative directions that could capture different regional stories and perspectives across the Portuguese-speaking world.
