Netflix’s Latest Spanish Thriller Hits Global Top 2 Despite Horrible Reviews
Netflix’s latest Spanish series, Billionaires’ Bunker (original title El refugio atómico), has quickly climbed to become the second most-watched show worldwide, even though critics have been far from impressed.
The thriller, created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, was released on September 19, 2025, and is produced by Vancouver Media. It consists of eight hour-long episodes.
The series centers on a group of billionaires who take shelter in a high-tech bunker called the Kimera Underground Park, preparing for an imminent nuclear war.
Tensions rise between two powerful families trapped inside, adding layers of drama and conflict. The cast includes Pau Simón as Max Varela, Alícia Falcó as Asia, Miren Ibarguren as Minerva, and Almudena Salort as Cindy, alongside several other Spanish actors.
Despite its popularity on Netflix, critics have slammed the show. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 38% Tomatometer score from eight reviews and a 57% audience score on Popcornmeter.
Some reviewers argue that the show starts with an interesting premise but quickly turns into a soap opera-style drama. One critic wrote, “Billionaires’ Bunker is marketed as a survival dystopia, but it ends up playing as a glossy soap opera with a bargain-bin apocalypse.” Others noted the series’ long runtime and repetitive subplots, saying it abandons the suspense that could have made it compelling.
Fans of Spanish thrillers like Silo and Paradise may find Billionaires’ Bunker disappointing. Some reviewers also pointed out inconsistencies and unrealistic technology in the storyline. One comment bluntly said, “Don’t waste your time… there’s really no reason to watch another season or even one episode.”
Billionaires' Bunker, a new series from the creators of La Casa de Papel, premieres September 19.
— Netflix (@netflix) September 2, 2025
A group of billionaires are forced to coexist after locking themselves in a luxury bunker due to the threat of an unprecedented global conflict. pic.twitter.com/tAwi2R6cq6
Even with these critiques, the series continues to attract viewers, proving that strong marketing and an appealing concept can outweigh critical reception, at least temporarily.
Billionaires’ Bunker is a show that might grab attention for a few episodes but struggles to maintain it. The premise is interesting, but the execution seems overblown and uneven. I’m curious what viewers think, is this a must-watch series, or just hype? Share your thoughts in the comments.
