If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out how many episodes in La Palma there actually are, you’ve likely run into a bit of a digital mess. It’s annoying. You want to settle in for a binge-watch, but one site says one thing, and a random forum says another. Let’s just cut through the noise right now: the 2024 Netflix thriller series La Palma consists of exactly six episodes.
That’s it. Six.
It is a tight, high-stakes limited series. There isn't a secret "Part 2" hiding behind a paywall, and there aren't ten episodes padded with filler scenes of people staring at the ocean. This show is designed to be a "one-and-done" experience, which is honestly a relief in an era where some shows overstay their welcome by about four years.
Why the Confusion Over the Number of Episodes?
People get confused. It happens because there are actually multiple productions named after the Canary Island. You’ve got travel documentaries, news specials about the 2021 volcanic eruption, and then this specific fictional drama.
When people ask how many episodes in La Palma, they are almost always referring to the Spanish-language disaster thriller that hit streaming platforms recently. This show focuses on a group of characters facing a catastrophic event on the island. Because it’s a "limited series," the story is self-contained. The creators—led by showrunner Kasper Barfoed—knew exactly where the story started and where the volcanic ash would eventually settle.
I’ve noticed that some viewers confuse it with other Spanish thrillers like The Snow Girl or Burning Body. Those shows have different counts. La Palma sticks to the six-episode format, which usually clocks in at around 45 to 50 minutes per installment. It’s the perfect length for a rainy weekend.
What Actually Happens in Those Six Episodes?
Without spoiling the ending, because that would be a jerk move, the structure is pretty deliberate. You aren't just watching a volcano explode for five hours.
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The first two episodes are all about the "slow burn." We meet the protagonists, who are mostly Norwegian expats and locals living on the island. There is this underlying tension that feels like a physical weight. You know something is wrong. The scientists know something is wrong. But, as is usually the case in these dramas, the people in power are hesitant to hit the panic button because—you guessed it—tourism money.
By episode three, the pace shifts. The "will they, won't they" regarding the eruption turns into a "run for your life."
- Episode 1: Introduces the seismic warnings and the central family.
- Episodes 2-3: The bureaucratic struggle to evacuate and the first signs of real danger.
- Episodes 4-5: Pure chaos. This is where the budget really shows up on screen.
- Episode 6: The resolution. Or, well, as much of a resolution as you can have when a mountain falls into the sea.
The series is loosely inspired by the "Cumbre Vieja" landslide theory. This is a real-life scientific hypothesis that suggests a massive chunk of the island could slide into the Atlantic, potentially causing a mega-tsunami. Scientists like Simon Day and Steven Ward have written extensively on this. While most modern geologists think the "mega-tsunami" theory is a bit exaggerated for the sake of Hollywood drama, it makes for incredible television.
Is Six Episodes Enough for This Story?
Honestly? Yes.
If this were ten episodes, we would spend way too much time on subplots that don't matter. We don't need to see the backstory of every person in the local grocery store. By keeping the count to six, the director maintains a sense of claustrophobia. You feel trapped on the island with the characters.
The show was filmed on location, which adds a layer of authenticity you can't get on a backlot in Burbank. If you've ever been to the Canary Islands, you recognize the stark, volcanic beauty. It’s gorgeous. It’s also terrifying when you realize you’re standing on a ticking time bomb.
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Comparing La Palma to Other Disaster Miniseries
If you liked Chernobyl or The Days (the Japanese series about Fukushima), you’ll appreciate the pacing here. Those were also short. Chernobyl was five episodes. The Days was eight. La Palma sits right in that sweet spot.
Some people complain. They want more. They want a Season 2. But let’s be real: how do you do a second season of a show where the entire premise is the destruction of the setting? You can't really have La Palma 2: The Volcano Returns. It’s a closed loop.
Technical Details You Might Care About
The series was produced by Fantefilm, the same Norwegian production house behind The Wave (Bølgen) and The Quake (Skjelvet). These guys are the undisputed kings of "Scandi-disaster" cinema. They know how to make a low-budget project look like a $200 million Michael Bay film.
- Director: Kasper Barfoed.
- Key Cast: Anders Baasmo, Ingrid Bolsø Berdal (you might recognize her from Westworld).
- Language: Mostly Norwegian and Spanish, with subtitles.
- Streaming Home: Primarily Netflix (depending on your region).
Watching it in the original language is better. Seriously. The dubbing can be a bit wooden and takes away from the frantic energy of the performances. When someone is screaming about lava in their native tongue, it just hits different.
Why You Should Binge It This Weekend
We live in an age of "content bloat." Shows are too long. Movies are too long. Podcasts are too long. Knowing exactly how many episodes in La Palma are waiting for you makes it easier to commit. You can start on a Saturday night and be finished by lunch on Sunday.
The show handles the science-versus-politics angle remarkably well. It doesn't treat the audience like they're stupid. It explains the seismic activity through the eyes of the experts, and then it shows the human cost through the eyes of the families.
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One thing that stands out is the cinematography. The contrast between the lush greenery of the island and the black volcanic rock is striking. It’s a visual treat even if you aren't a fan of the disaster genre. But if you are a fan, the practical effects and CGI integration are top-notch for a European production.
Common Misconceptions About the Show
I've seen people asking if this is a documentary about the 2021 eruption. It isn't. While the real-life 2021 Tajogaite eruption was devastating and is certainly fresh in everyone's minds, this show is a fictionalized "what if" scenario based on the landslide theory.
Don't go into this expecting a 1:1 retelling of historical events. It’s a thriller. It’s meant to scare you and keep you on the edge of your seat. It uses the real geography of the island—Santa Cruz de La Palma, Los Llanos de Aridane—but the events are heightened for drama.
Also, some people think there is a missing episode because the ending feels abrupt to some. It’s not missing. That was a creative choice. In a disaster, not everyone gets a neat, tidy ending. Sometimes things just... end.
Practical Steps for Your Watch Party
If you’re planning to dive into these six episodes, here is the best way to do it.
- Check your region: While it’s a Netflix global release, some territories might have different licensing windows. Search "La Palma" on your app first.
- Adjust your settings: Turn on the original Norwegian/Spanish audio track. Select your preferred subtitle language. Avoid the "English Dub" if you can; it loses the emotional nuances.
- Prepare for a cliffhanger: Each episode ends with a hook. This is why most people end up watching all six episodes in one sitting. Clear your schedule.
- Do a little pre-reading: If you’re a nerd like me, look up the "Cumbre Vieja tsunami hazard." Knowing the real science behind the fictional threat makes the show ten times more terrifying.
- Watch the credits: The music and the post-episode visuals are actually quite haunting and help you decompress after the tension of the episode.
By the time you reach the end of episode six, you'll understand why they stopped there. The story reaches its natural conclusion. It’s a punchy, effective piece of television that doesn't waste your time.
Now that you know there are exactly six episodes, you can plan your snacks accordingly. Grab some popcorn, maybe some Mojo Picon (the famous Canary Island sauce) if you want to be thematic, and enjoy the ride. It’s a wild one.
The reality is that how many episodes in La Palma you watch won't change the fact that the island's history is written in fire. This series is just one more chapter in our fascination with the power of nature. Whether you're there for the science or the survival story, those six episodes deliver exactly what they promise. No more, no less.