The hit Spanish thriller series Billionaires’ Bunker (also known as El Refugio Atómico) has taken Netflix by storm since its release on September 19, 2025. Created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, the minds behind Money Heist, the show explores the tensions and secrets of ultra-rich families hiding in a luxury bunker during a global crisis. But where was this gripping series actually filmed? Here’s a complete breakdown of the filming locations and production details, along with everything you need to know about watching the show.
Primary Filming Location: Madrid, Spain
The entire first season of Billionaires’ Bunker was filmed in Madrid, Spain. The primary production took place at Netflix’s Tres Cantos production hub, one of the largest studio complexes in Europe. Located in the Ciudad de la Tele (TV City) area, this facility opened in 2019 and has been the filming site for several popular Spanish series, including Money Heist, Élite, and Sky Rojo.
The Tres Cantos hub features 10 large sound stages and a 22,000 m² multipurpose area, making it ideal for constructing the elaborate sets required for the series. The bunker set, known as Kimera Underground Park, was built here and spans over 7,000 square meters. Designed with a minimalist post-World War II aesthetic, the set included luxury lounges, spa areas, secret rooms, and even a Zen garden with an 8-meter-tall bonsai tree. The production team used advanced technology to create a claustrophobic yet luxurious atmosphere, essential for the show’s storyline.
Virtual Production and Innovative Techniques
One of the standout features of the production was the use of virtual production technology. The series is the first Netflix Spanish original to fully utilize in-camera VFX, similar to techniques used in The Mandalorian. A massive 30 x 6 meter virtual screen and an 8 x 4 meter ceiling screen were employed to simulate the bunker’s environment and the apocalyptic world outside. This allowed the actors to perform against realistic digital backgrounds, reducing the need for extensive post-production work.
Miguel Amoedo, co-executive producer and visual designer at Vancouver Media, highlighted the creative benefits of this approach:
“With showrunners, the potential of in-camera VFX means that their creativity explodes.”
The production also used 360-degree cameras to capture the dome-like feel of the bunker, enhancing the immersive experience for viewers.
External Filming Spots
While most of the series was filmed indoors at Tres Cantos, some brief external shots were captured in nearby locations. These included Playa de la Barrosa, a beach area used to create a moody atmosphere, and Colmenar Viejo, a town close to Madrid that provided additional setting details. These exterior scenes were seamlessly integrated with the main bunker set to reinforce the show’s apocalyptic tone.
How to Watch Billionaires’ Bunker
Billionaires’ Bunker is available exclusively on Netflix. The first season consists of 8 episodes, each with a runtime of approximately 45 to 70 minutes. The series is streaming in multiple languages, including the original Spanish and an English dub, with subtitles available for global audiences. Viewers can watch it in HD or 4K Ultra HD quality, depending on their subscription plan.
The show is included with all Netflix plans, including the ad-supported tier. However, there is no free streaming option available. Offline viewing is supported for subscribers who want to download episodes to their devices.
Plot and Cast Overview
The series is set in a world on the brink of World War III. A group of billionaires seeks refuge in the luxurious Kimera Underground Park, a bunker equipped with every amenity imaginable, from a gym and spa to a cocktail bar. However, tensions rise as old family secrets and rivalries resurface in the claustrophobic environment.
The cast includes:
- Miren Ibarguren as Minerva, the mysterious bunker director.
- Joaquín Furriel as Guillermo, a grieving father.
- Natalia Verbeke as Frida, a strong-willed matriarch.
- Pau Simón as Max, a young man haunted by a tragic accident.
- Alícia Falcó as Asia, Guillermo’s daughter.
Production Timeline and Scale
Filming for Billionaires’ Bunker began in February 2024 and wrapped up in July 2024. The production involved over 4,800 extras and utilized more than 160 set pieces. The bunker megaset took seven months to construct and included over 100 interconnected spaces, allowing three filming teams to work simultaneously.
Álex Pina emphasized the importance of visual identity for international appeal:
“We were looking for a strong visual identity. We’d learnt that from Money Heist. Visual identity is a way to reach the international market. It’s a selling point as strong as the star system.”
Episode Guide
Here’s a quick overview of the episodes:
- Return from Hell (56 mins)
- The Greatest Con Ever Pulled on Humanity (56 mins)
- I Hate the Rich (45 mins)
- The Millionaire’s Paradox (56 mins)
- The Truth Is Overrated (55 mins)
- The Woman of Numbered Days (45 mins)
- Learn to Live Without Me (54 mins)
- Two Minutes Without Roxan (70 mins)
Critical Response
The series has received mixed reviews. Some critics praised its high-concept premise and production values, while others found the character development and plot twists somewhat formulaic. Despite this, the show has garnered significant viewership and is currently ranked high on Netflix’s streaming charts.
Also Read: Prisoner of War Cast and Characters: A Full Guide
