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30 Coins
30 Coins
30 Coins
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30 Coins
Spanish30 monedas
Genre
Created byÁlex de la Iglesia
Written by
Directed byÁlex de la Iglesia
Starring
ComposerRoque Baños
Country of originSpain
Original languages
  • Spanish
  • Italian
  • English
  • French
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producers
CinematographyPablo Rosso[1]
EditorDomingo González[1]
Production companies
Original release
NetworkHBO Europe
ReleaseNovember 29, 2020 (2020-11-29) –
December 11, 2023 (2023-12-11)

30 Coins (Spanish: 30 monedas) is a Spanish mystery horror television series created by Álex de la Iglesia for HBO Europe.[2] Directed and written by De la Iglesia and co-written by Jorge Guerricaechevarría, the series follows Father Vergara, an exorcist who the church exiles to Pedraza, a remote village in Spain, where he hopes his enemies forget him.[3][4]

The first season premiered on November 29, 2020, on HBO Europe;[4] the second season, whose filming reportedly began in February 2022,[5] premiered on Max on October 23, 2023.[6]

In May 2024, Álex de la Iglesia stated that Max had not renewed the series, but the episodes of what would have been the third and final season were already written, and he intended to find a way to get them produced.[7]

Synopsis

[edit]

Father Vergara is an exorcist and ex-convict residing in the small Spanish town of Pedraza, attempting to move on from a troubled past. As paranormal phenomena start taking place in the village, he finds help in local mayor Paco and town veterinarian Elena, in figuring out the mystery seemingly related to a coin he owns. This coin might be one of the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas Iscariot for betraying Jesus and handing him over to the Romans. The three will find themselves caught in a conspiracy involving the Holy See itself, threatening the world as they know it.

Cast

[edit]
Introduced in season 1
Introduced in season 2

Production

[edit]
The fiction is set in Pedraza and the village was likewise the prime shooting location.

The series was produced by Pokeepsie Films for HBO Europe, with the participation of HBO Latin America.[19] Álex de la Iglesia and Carolina Bang (on behalf of Pokeepsie Films) and Miguel Salvat, Steve Matthews and Antony Root (on behalf of HBO Europe) were the series' executive producers.[20] The musical score was composed by Roque Baños.[21]

Most of the production occurred in Pedraza,[22] province of Segovia. Production also worked in Sepúlveda (also in the province of Segovia), and the Aldeadávila Dam (province of Salamanca).[23][24] Other brief shooting locations include New York, Jerusalem, Paris, Geneva, Rome, Campo Real, Madrid, and Alcalá de Henares (including outdoor shots).[22][24]

Some indoor scenes were shot in the Castle of Calatrava la Nueva in Aldea del Rey and the Palace of the Marquis of Santa Cruz in Viso del Marqués, both in the province of Ciudad Real;[25] the Castle of Guadamur (province of Toledo), the library of the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España [es] and the University of Salamanca's General Historical Library [es].[24]

After months of rumours, social media content published by De la Iglesia regarding a new season and the self-announcement of Najwa Nimri as a cast addition on the red carpet of the 9th Feroz Awards, HBO Max officially confirmed the return of the series for a second season on 11 February 2022, with shooting already underway.[26][27] Footage for season 2 was shot in the city of Toledo.[28]

Episodes

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
11"Cobwebs"
(Telarañas)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaNovember 29, 2020 (2020-11-29)
In Geneva, Switzerland, a gunman nonchalantly shoots every officer at a bank while shrugging off bullets. In the vault, he takes a coin from a safety deposit box. Outside, he is picked up in a car with a sunglass-wearing priest in the back. The priest takes the cash, and removes the charm that kept the gunman alive. In Pedraza, Spain, a cow at the Alonso farm gives birth to a human baby. To prevent bad publicity for the town, Mayor Paco goes with Elena, the veterinarian who delivered him, and the farm workers to the local priest. Padre Manuel Vergara argues that it is not a supernatural event but that the calf and baby were switched to cover the child of an unwanted pregnancy. A young, religious, homeless man, Antonio, believes the baby is evil and takes him to the church's roof to kill him. Instead, he gives it to Elena before jumping, telling the priest it is for his sins. The Alonsos take the child for safekeeping. Elena finds one of the coins on Antonio. Paco and Elena find out that Manuel caused a boy to die doing an exorcism. Elena confronts the priest about his past, who admits the boy is where he got the coin from. Elena visits the Alonsos, where the husband tells her their son died in an accident as a toddler. His wife, Carmen, sees the boy's birth as a blessing. The child is as large as Carmen when Elena goes to his room. Later, Carmen blends liver for the child, making the husband question it all. She repeatedly stabs him. Elena returns with Paco, finding the downstairs covered in cobwebs made from wool. Carmen attacks them, wrapping Paco in the wool cobwebs while Elena escapes. When Manuel and the police return to the house, the police shoot Carmen in defence. Speaking to Manuel, he advises Elena to be rational as she finds the skin the child has shed. Paco and Carmen are taken away in an ambulance. Carmen wakes up and calls her "son", now a spider-like monster, causing the ambulance to crash, and she escapes. At the church, Manuel readies for the beast with Elena there. A seemingly possessed Carmen arrives and asks Manuel for the coin, saying it is from hell and claiming she was at the exorcism. After shooting Carmen with bullets blessed by holy water, the monster comes for the coin which Elena has. Her phone dials Paco in their struggle, and he tells her to destroy a charm Carmen uses to control the Spider monster. It drives the monster away. Manuel explains away the events as a hallucination. He then asks Elena for the coin, but she keeps it, repeating his words that it is "just a piece of metal."
22"Ouija"
(Ouija)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 6, 2020 (2020-12-06)
33"The Mirror"
(El espejo)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 13, 2020 (2020-12-13)
44"Memories"
(Recuerdos)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 20, 2020 (2020-12-20)
55"The Double"
(El doble)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 27, 2020 (2020-12-27)
66"Holy War"
(Guerra Santa)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaJanuary 3, 2021 (2021-01-03)
77"The Glass Box"
(La caja de cristal)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaJanuary 10, 2021 (2021-01-10)
88"Sacrifice"
(Sacrificio)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaJanuary 17, 2021 (2021-01-17)

Season 2

[edit]
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal release date
91"Ghost Town"
(El pueblo fantasma)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaOctober 23, 2023 (2023-10-23)
102"Dreamlands"
(Las tierras del sueño)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaOctober 30, 2023 (2023-10-30)
113"Hellish Creatures"
(Criaturas infernales)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaNovember 6, 2023 (2023-11-06)
124"The Black Book of the Mad Arab"
(El libro negro del árabe loco)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaNovember 13, 2023 (2023-11-13)
135"The Arcane Symbol"
(El símbolo arcano)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaNovember 20, 2023 (2023-11-20)
146"Reset the World"
(Reiniciar el mundo)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaNovember 27, 2023 (2023-11-27)
157"The Two Cores"
(Los Dos Núcleos)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 4, 2023 (2023-12-04)
168"The Eye of God"
(El ojo de Dios)		Álex de la IglesiaÁlex de la Iglesia and Jorge GuerricaechevarríaDecember 11, 2023 (2023-12-11)

Release

[edit]

The first episode of the eight-part first season premiered on HBO Europe on 29 November 2020.[4] The rest of the episodes were released every week. The series aired in the United States via HBO and HBO Max in 2021 before airing on HBO Latin America.[4]

The first episode was screened at the 77th Venice International Film Festival on September 11, 2020.[1]

Reception

[edit]

According to the American review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, season 1 of 30 Coins has a 91% approval rating based on 11 reviews from critics, with an average rating of 7.7/10 and a critics' consensus on the site reading: "propulsive action, effective haunts, and just the right amount of absurdity make 30 Coins a twisty terror treat".[29]

Scout Tafoya of RogerEbert.com found the series entertaining, writing that de la Iglesia and Guerricaechevarría "peddle a Catholic version of the Cosmic Horrors of William Hope Hodgson and H.P. Lovecraft"; "their style a crispy plait of Luis Buñuel and Alex Cox".[30] Rosie Knight of IGN considers that "much of the strength of 30 Coins comes from [its] trio of leads" and that "easily the best thing about the show is that, aside from the horror, it also works as an Indiana Jones-style artifact quest," giving it 8 out of 10.[31] Marissa de la Cerda, writing for The A.V. Club, writes, "The grotesqueries that de la Iglesia is known for are on full display in the phantasmagoric visuals and viscera". She grades it a B, concluding that it "successfully lean[s] into its drama-horror hybrid to underscore the characters' humanity."[32]

Reviewing for Cinemanía, Miguel Ángel Romero considered De la Iglesia's creation as an immersion in the Lovecraftian universe and also noted an implicit reference to Nyarlathotep in the season finale.[33] Romero praised Cosimo Fusco's chilling performance and the performances of Eduard Fernández and Manolo Solo in antagonist roles,[33] also welcoming the referential nature of De la Iglesia's work (inspired by the likes of Antonio Mercero, Ridley Scott and John Carpenter).[33] Among the negative aspects to be improved, Romero cited the "particularly calamitous CGI" featured in the last episodes and the disjointed plots.[33]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2021 8th Feroz Awards Best Drama Series 30 Coins Nominated [34][35]
Best Main Actor in a Series Eduard Fernández Won
Best Main Actress in a Series Megan Montaner Nominated
Best Supporting Actor in a Series Manolo Solo Nominated
Best Supporting Actress in a Series Macarena Gómez Nominated
Carmen Machi Nominated
71st Fotogramas de Plata Best Television Actor Eduard Fernández Won [36]
2022 9th MiM Series Awards [es] Best Drama Series Won [37]
Best Direction Álex de la Iglesia Nominated
30th Actors and Actresses Union Awards Best TV Actor in a Minor Role Secun de la Rosa Nominated [38]
2023
 29th Forqué Awards Best TV Series Nominated [39]
2024 11th Platino Awards Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or TV series Manolo Solo Nominated
[40]
2024 2024 Premios Aura Best Drama series 30 Coins Nominated
[41]


See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

30 Coins

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
30 Coins (Spanish: 30 monedas) is a Spanish mystery horror television series created, written, and directed by for . The show blends elements of supernatural thriller, religious conspiracy, and gothic horror, centering on the quest for the titular 30 pieces of silver—the biblical payment received for betraying Jesus Christ. The narrative follows Father Isidro Vergara (), a troubled , former boxer, and convicted exiled by the Vatican to the isolated town of Pedraza in central . Haunted by his past and his encounters with demonic forces, Vergara becomes embroiled in a series of bizarre and terrifying events plaguing the village, including possessions, resurrections, and unholy artifacts. He reluctantly allies with local authorities—Mayor Paco (), a pragmatic politician, and veterinarian Elena (), a skeptical —to unravel a global sect's plot to collect the cursed coins and unleash apocalyptic evil. Supporting cast includes as Cardinal Santoro, a Vatican operative, and in a recurring antagonistic role. Produced by Pokeepsie Films in collaboration with , 30 Coins premiered on Movistar+ in on November 29, 2020, with international distribution on HBO Max (later Max). The first season consists of eight episodes, while the second, released in October 2023, features six; the series was cancelled after two seasons in 2024. Critically acclaimed for its atmospheric visuals, blend of campy gore and theological depth, and de la Iglesia's signature stylistic flair—influenced by his films like —Season 1 earned a 91% Tomatometer score on based on 11 reviews, praising its "bone-chilling" scares and inventive storytelling. The series holds an average IMDb rating of 7.1/10 from nearly 12,000 users, though some critiques noted pacing issues and tonal shifts in later episodes.

Overview

Premise

30 Coins centers on Father Manuel Vergara, an , former boxer, and ex-convict exiled by the to the remote Spanish village of Pedraza, where he encounters a series of disturbances linked to one of the 30 pieces of silver paid to for betraying Christ. Teaming up with local mayor Paco and veterinarian Elena, Vergara investigates these eerie phenomena, which draw them into a web of ancient artifacts and hidden powers associated with the infamous coins. The series unfolds as a serialized horror mystery, revealing a global conspiracy orchestrated by factions within the intent on collecting all 30 coins to harness their malevolent influence. Spanning two seasons, the narrative escalates from localized hauntings in Pedraza to broader international threats, introducing infernal adversaries and raising the stakes for the protagonists' battle against demonic forces. Thematically, 30 Coins delves into faith, betrayal, and the clash between divine and demonic realms, using Catholic mythology as a framework and the Judas coins as central MacGuffins that symbolize corruption and unholy ambition.

Genre and style

30 Coins is classified as a Spanish-language mystery horror-thriller, incorporating elements of drama, religious horror, and . Created by , the series draws on his signature approach to the , blending graphic gore, dark humor, and Catholic to explore themes of good versus evil rooted in biblical lore. This classification aligns with de la Iglesia's reputation as Spain's leading horror director, whose works often fuse visceral terror with satirical undertones. Stylistically, the show features fast-paced editing that heightens tension during action sequences, paired with depicted through buckets of blood and brutal confrontations. Demonic manifestations are realized via a combination of practical effects and CGI, such as tangible sets for supernatural portals and digital enhancements for monstrous entities, creating a seamless blend of the tangible and otherworldly. The aesthetic evokes a gothic atmosphere in its rural Spanish settings, where Christianity permeates the landscape, characters' behaviors, and environmental details, amplifying the sense of impending apocalypse. Influences from classic films like —in its rituals—and —through child-related horrors and Vatican intrigue—are evident, reimagined with de la Iglesia's penchant for cult cinema flair. The tone balances intense horror with dark and character-driven , using humor to underscore the absurdity of cosmic battles. Structurally, it adopts a modular format reminiscent of tabletop games, with episodes delving into distinct horror subgenres, while non-linear flashbacks interweave to reveal the Father Vergara's haunted past. This approach builds emotional depth amid the involving the legendary Judas coins.

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of 30 Coins consists of three central performers who anchor the series' supernatural thriller narrative through their portrayal of a core ensemble in a remote Spanish village. Eduard Fernández stars as Father Manuel Vergara, an , boxer, and ex-convict exiled by the church to the town of Pedraza, where he grapples with his haunted past while confronting demonic forces that resurface from his history. As the and primary narrative driver, Vergara's character embodies a tormented authority figure whose expertise in propels the investigation into mysteries, drawing reluctant allies into his orbit. Megan Montaner portrays Elena Martín, the local veterinarian whose scientific mindset and fierce independence provide emotional grounding amid the escalating horrors, often serving as the voice of reason in the face of inexplicable events. Elena's role introduces romantic tension within the group, particularly through her evolving relationship with , while her personal encounters with the strange throughout her life deepen her involvement in the conflicts. Her contributions to the ensemble highlight themes of clashing with , as she transitions from an outsider to a key collaborator in combating the threats. Miguel Ángel Silvestre plays Paco, the well-meaning but often inept mayor of Pedraza, who owns a local butchery and was initially pushed into by his wife, adding layers of through his awkward loyalty and everyday blunders. As a central figure in the village's leadership, Paco's character injects humor and human vulnerability into the high-stakes drama, while his unrequited affection for Elena fuels personal stakes in the group's dynamics. His portrayal emphasizes steadfast support, making him an essential pillar of the ensemble's reluctant camaraderie. Across the two seasons, Vergara, Elena, and evolve from isolated individuals—each burdened by personal demons or routines—into a cohesive, if uneasy, team united against the series' perils, forging bonds through shared trials that test their faith, reason, and resilience. This transformation underscores the show's exploration of collective resistance to ancient evils, with the trio's interplay driving the core narrative progression.

Supporting cast

In the first season, plays Merche, the wife of Mayor Paco, whose involvement in the village's escalating disturbances leads her to ally with antagonistic forces, culminating in a possession arc that deepens the themes of temptation and betrayal. portrays Sargento Lagunas, the pragmatic local police whose investigative efforts alongside the protagonists uncover connections between the Judas coins and broader conspiracies, providing grounded support amid the horror. Pablo Zito appears as Sacerdote Bruno, a whose recurring presence highlights internal church politics and the Vatican's secretive maneuvers against the coin-related threats across both seasons. Manolo Solo recurs as Cardinal Santoro, a high-ranking Vatican official whose manipulative schemes introduce subplots of institutional corruption and demonic pacts, influencing the protagonists' battles from afar. The second season expands the supporting ensemble with as Christian Barbrow, a wealthy American tech mogul and sci-fi author who serves as the primary antagonist, orchestrating a global conspiracy to harness the coins' power and escalating the stakes beyond the Spanish village. joins as Haruka, a tech-savvy podcaster and hunter whose expertise in phenomena aids in unraveling international threats, while her interactions with the core trio reveal new layers of the supernatural network. These characters collectively drive subplots involving Vatican intrigue, personal possessions, and worldwide conspiracies, enriching the series' exploration of faith and evil without overshadowing the main protagonists.

Production

Development

30 Coins was developed by Spanish filmmaker and his longtime writing partner Jorge Guerricaechevarría for , with the project announced in February 2019. The series draws inspiration from the biblical account of the 30 pieces of silver paid to for betraying , reimagining these coins as cursed artifacts possessing supernatural powers that drive a global conspiracy. De la Iglesia envisioned the narrative as a three-season arc from the outset, allowing for an expansive exploration of theological horror elements structured around the relics' dark legacy. Commissioned that same year, the production was handled by De la Iglesia's company, Pokeepsie Films, marking Europe's investment in original Spanish content with an emphasis on local talent and expertise. The scripts for the first season were completed prior to the onset of the , enabling principal photography to begin in May 2019 and wrap in December 2019, which facilitated a contained rural setting to heighten the story's isolation and intimacy. Key pre-production decisions prioritized a substantial budget allocation for practical effects and visual storytelling, reflecting De la Iglesia's signature style of blending horror with religious , while centering themes deeply rooted in Spanish Catholicism to resonate with cultural and historical contexts. Following the first season's critical and audience success upon its European premiere in late 2020, HBO Max greenlit the second season in February 2022, continuing the commitment to De la Iglesia's vision and expanding the production's international scope. This renewal underscored the series' appeal as a high-impact contribution to global horror television, leveraging Spanish creative talent to deliver a uniquely fervent take on , , and the .

Filming and design

Principal photography for the first season of 30 Coins primarily occurred in Pedraza, a medieval town in , Castilla y León, , serving as the main location to capture the remote village setting central to the narrative. Additional filming took place across various Spanish sites, including the in , and select international locales such as , , New York, , and , though the majority of the work remained in . The production spanned approximately six months in 2019, utilizing on-location shoots enhanced by scenes in studios and parks. For the second season, commenced in February 2022 and extended over 27 weeks, concluding around late 2022, with expanded filming in core Spanish areas like Pedraza and alongside international sets in (including and the Vatican), the (New York), (), and the (). This broader scope allowed for more dynamic horror sequences, building on the isolated rural aesthetic while incorporating urban and global elements. , including VFX enhancements, wrapped by mid-2023 ahead of the premiere. The production design, overseen by Arturo García and José Luis Arrizabalaga, emphasized authentic medieval , leveraging Pedraza's historic stone walls, narrow streets, and fortified structures to evoke a timeless, eerie atmosphere that grounded the elements. Practical challenges arose from the rural isolation of these locations, which fostered immersion but complicated logistics, alongside frequent night shoots to heighten tension in horror scenes. integrated practical prosthetics for demonic entities with CGI for apparitions and otherworldly phenomena, supervised by Óscar Abades for on-set work and Curro Muñoz for at Deluxe , resulting in hyper-realistic sequences that blended seamlessly with the live-action footage.

Release and distribution

Broadcast history

30 Coins premiered its first season on HBO España on November 29, 2020, with the eight-episode run airing weekly on Sundays and concluding on January 17, 2021. The pilot episode received its world premiere out of competition at the on September 11, 2020, followed by a screening at the 2020 International Fantastic on October 11, 2020. The series originated as a production under the banner, which handled its initial distribution in and other European territories. The second season premiered on Max—formerly HBO Max—in on , 2023, shifting to a release schedule for its eight episodes, which aired weekly and ended on December 11, 2023. This release coincided with the platform's rebranding in , part of Warner Bros. Discovery's broader merger integration that unified HBO Max and Discovery+ content under the Max name starting in 2023. The early episodes of season 2 were screened as a special event at on October 8, 2023.

International availability

In the United States, the first season of 30 Coins premiered on HBO and HBO Max on January 4, 2021, with subsequent episodes airing weekly, and was available with English subtitles and a dubbed version. The second season became available on Max starting October 23, 2023, continuing with English subtitles and dubbing options. In , both seasons streamed on Max following its regional launch in late 2021, with Spanish audio and English subtitles provided, though specific dates varied by country. Across outside , availability has been through partner platforms; in , the series streams on Canal+ with French subtitles and , starting from the 2020 . In the and , current streaming access is limited or unavailable on major platforms as of November 2025. In , select markets accessed the series via , with English subtitles available from 2021 onward, but coverage remains limited to HBO-affiliated regions like parts of . No official release occurred in or several other major Asian markets, leaving gaps in formal distribution. By 2023, the series reached viewers in over two dozen countries primarily through HBO's international networks.

Episodes

Season 1

The first season of 30 Coins consists of eight episodes, all directed by and co-written by Iglesia and Jorge Guerricaechevarría. It premiered on España on November 29, 2020, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Sundays until January 17, 2021. Each episode runs between 50 and 60 minutes. The season establishes the core narrative in the isolated town of Pedraza, beginning with localized disturbances tied to exorcisms and gradually unveiling hints of a larger conspiracy involving the biblical 30 pieces of silver.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1CobwebsNovember 29, 2020An unsettling birth disrupts a quiet rural community, prompting Elena, Paco, and the enigmatic Father Vergara to investigate potential causes.
2OuijaDecember 6, 2020A young woman becomes possessed following a board session, unleashing malevolent forces that challenge the town's fragile peace.
3The MirrorDecember 13, 2020A strange mirror reveals disturbing reflections, drawing Vergara deeper into secrets hidden within Pedraza's history.
4MemoriesDecember 20, 2020Vergara confronts fragments of his troubled past while pursuing leads on a relic that connects to ancient betrayals.
5The DoubleDecember 27, 2020Deceptive apparitions and temptations test the alliances between Vergara, Elena, and Paco as they evade shadowy pursuers.
6Holy WarJanuary 3, 2021Escalating demonic influences force the protagonists into a desperate flight, highlighting the ongoing battle between faith and evil.
7The Glass BoxJanuary 10, 2021A confining trap concentrates dark energies in Pedraza, compelling the group to return and confront mounting threats.
8SacrificeJanuary 17, 2021The season culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Vergara, Elena, and Paco unite against the invading forces of darkness in Pedraza.
Throughout the season, the storyline progresses from intimate demonic encounters to suggestions of a global hunt for the cursed coins, laying the foundation for the series' central motif.

Season 2

The second season of 30 Coins premiered on Max on October 23, 2023, consisting of eight episodes that continue the story one year after the events of the first season. The narrative escalates the conspiracy surrounding the 30 pieces of silver, expanding beyond the isolated of Pedraza to involve international locations including the Vatican and elements tied to U.S. interests, while introducing psychedelic horror tones and resolving select threads from season 1 amid new cliffhangers. Filming took place across , , the , , and the , reflecting an increased production budget to accommodate these global arcs. Episodes run approximately 55 to 70 minutes each. The season was directed by Álex de la Iglesia throughout, with co-writing by Álex de la Iglesia and Jorge Guerricaechevarría. Guest stars include Paul Giamatti as a formidable antagonist and Najwa Nimri in a supporting role, integrated alongside the returning core cast.
No.Title (English/Original)Air DateDirectorSynopsis
1Ghost Town / El Pueblo FantasmaOctober 23, 2023Álex de la IglesiaAfter a shocking incident in Pedraza, Inspector Salcedo investigates the surrounding mysteries while Paco cares for the hospitalized Elena, and Father Vergara awakens.
2Dreamlands / Las Tierras del SueñoOctober 30, 2023Álex de la IglesiaDespite pressure from higher authorities, Merche embraces her emerging powers and holds onto her coin.
3Hellish Creatures / Criaturas InfernalesNovember 6, 2023Álex de la IglesiaElena and Paco adapt to their altered circumstances amid ongoing threats.
4The Black Book of the Mad Arab / El Libro Negro del Árabe LocoNovember 13, 2023Álex de la IglesiaElena grapples with the disturbing reality tied to her condition.
5The Arcane Symbol / El Símbolo ArcanoNovember 20, 2023Álex de la IglesiaPaco and Elena evade surveillance from the enigmatic Barbrow.
6Reset the World / Resetear el MundoNovember 27, 2023Álex de la IglesiaAs Barbrow reveals his broader scheme, Merche encounters an unforeseen visitor at the Highclaire Forum.
7The Two Cores / Los Dos NúcleosDecember 4, 2023Álex de la IglesiaAntonio rallies forces to target the Second Nucleus in a bid for disruption.
8The Eye of God / El Ojo de DiosDecember 11, 2023Álex de la IglesiaLombardi, Salcedo, Haruka, and Antonio hurry to counter a supercomputer as a critical ritual approaches.

Reception

Critical reviews

30 Coins garnered strong critical reception for its first season, achieving a 91% approval rating on from 11 reviews, with an average score of 7.7/10. Critics praised the series for its tense horror elements and effective atmospheric dread, particularly highlighting director Álex de la Iglesia's distinctive style that blends propulsive action with just the right amount of absurdity. Lead actor Eduard Fernández's performance as the tormented Father Vergara was frequently lauded for anchoring the chaos with raw intensity. However, some reviewers noted criticisms regarding uneven pacing, as the narrative oscillates between small-town drama and expansive conspiracy, occasionally diluting the scares. The use of CGI in sequences was also faulted at times for appearing less polished amid the practical effects. The second season received more mixed responses. As of November 2025, it has only 3 critic reviews on , insufficient for a Tomatometer score. It was lauded for its bolder narrative scope, expanding the global stakes of the coin-hunting and introducing ambitious mashups of religious, , and sci-fi horror. The addition of as the enigmatic antagonist Christian Barbrow was a highlight, bringing complex characterization and a villainous flair that elevated the ensemble. Yet, detractors pointed to convoluted plots that grew increasingly outlandish, leading to resolution issues that left some arcs feeling unresolved or overly ambitious. Overall, the series maintains a 7.1/10 rating on from over 12,000 user ratings. Across both seasons, common strengths lie in the show's atmospheric dread and its specificity to Spanish cultural and religious motifs, drawing on Catholic lore to infuse horror with theological depth. Weaknesses often center on underdeveloped supporting characters, whose arcs can feel secondary to the spectacle. Audience reception tends to skew higher among fans of gore-heavy horror, appreciating the visceral confrontations despite mixed critical notes on narrative cohesion.

Season 1

The first season of 30 Coins garnered significant recognition within Spanish television awards, highlighting its impact in the drama and horror genres. At the 8th Feroz Awards held in 2021, the series received seven nominations, including Best Drama Series, Best Lead Actor (won by ), Best Lead Actress (), Best Supporting Actress (), Best Supporting Actor (), Best Screenplay, and Best Direction. These nods underscored the ensemble's performances and the creative vision of director . In 2022, 30 Coins won the Dama Award for Best Drama Series at the 9th MiM Series Awards, recognizing its excellence in Spanish fiction production. Additionally, at the 71st Fotogramas de Plata awards in 2021, Eduard Fernández secured the win for Best Television , with the series also earning nominations in related categories. The series further received multiple nominations from the Spanish Actors Union Awards, including for Best TV in a Minor Role ().

Season 2

The second season, released in 2023, continued to earn accolades, particularly for acting achievements. Eduard Fernández won Best Television Actor at the 74th Fotogramas de Plata awards in 2024 for his portrayal of Father Vergara. At the 29th Forqué Awards in 2023, the season was nominated for Best Television Series, affirming its standing among contemporary Spanish productions. Nominations extended to technical aspects, such as production design at the Iris Awards, though no major wins were recorded following the 2023 release. The season also saw additional nods from the Spanish Actors Union, building on the series' reputation for strong ensemble work.

Overall

Across both seasons, 30 Coins accumulated over 15 nominations and 6 wins from prestigious Spanish institutions, with a focus on Álex de la Iglesia's direction and the lead performances by Eduard Fernández. International recognition remained limited, primarily to festival selections rather than formal awards. The series was canceled in May 2024 after two seasons, with creator Álex de la Iglesia expressing interest in continuing the story elsewhere.

Legacy

Cancellation and future

In May 2024, series creator announced via his X (formerly ) account that Max had declined to renew 30 Coins for a third season, despite the scripts for all episodes having already been completed. The series was originally envisioned by de la Iglesia as a intended to fully resolve the overarching storyline involving the 30 pieces of silver from Judas's . Following the May 2024 announcement, as of late 2025, there have been no indications of another network or platform picking up production for a third season, leaving the narrative—particularly the cliffhangers from Season 2—unresolved. De la Iglesia expressed disappointment over the decision but affirmed his commitment to the project, stating that 30 Coins was "part of my life" and vowing to "do the impossible to finish it" by seeking opportunities with other platforms. As of November 2025, no revival or adaptation prospects have materialized, with de la Iglesia focusing on new endeavors including a comedic series titled Entrepreneurs and a 2026 thriller film La Cuidadora.

Cultural impact

"30 Coins" has cultivated a dedicated , particularly among enthusiasts of director Álex de la Iglesia's signature blend of visceral horror, dark humor, and subversive genre elements, building on his established reputation from cult classics like "." The series played a pivotal role in HBO Europe's strategy to bolster original programming from , emphasizing high-risk, ambitious projects that differentiate the platform in a crowded market and appeal to audiences continent-wide with its innovative fusion of religious mythology and cosmic terror. By premiering at the and trending on in for weeks after its release, "30 Coins" elevated Spanish horror to international prominence, wowing local critics and showcasing everyday rural life intertwined with apocalyptic stakes. Its narrative structure, modeled after role-playing game campaigns like those in "Call of Cthulhu," has inspired analyses and discussions in horror communities, including podcasts that explore its reimagining of Christian lore—such as the 30 pieces of silver paid to Judas—with Lovecraftian influences, thereby revitalizing interest in biblical horror themes within Spanish television. The show's emphasis on faith, evil, and institutional corruption resonated in the post-pandemic era, prompting media examinations of its timely commentary on spiritual doubt amid global crises. Fans have embraced merchandise inspired by the series, including replicas of the titular Judas coins, which have become collectible items symbolizing the show's allure. In horror retrospectives, "30 Coins" was highlighted as an underappreciated gem for its gonzo religious scares, blending tropes with fantastical creatures. By 2025, following the series' cancellation after two seasons, retrospectives lamented the abrupt end to de la Iglesia's envisioned , underscoring its lasting influence on European TV and calls for potential revival to complete the narrative arc.

References

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