Netflix Crime Series Based On Infamous True Story Launched A Franchise

Narcos is set in Colombia and tells the rise of the cocaine trade headed up by the notorious and infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who became a billionaire by producing and distributing cocaine as the leader of the Medellin Cartel. It also follows the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as it targets Escobar and other drug lords. Also, if you are hooked on the series, then you can check out the follow-up series Narcos: Mexico, which is set in Mexico in the 1980s.

Narcos has an all-star cast, including Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar, Boyd Holbrook, and Pedro Pascal as DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Pena. The massive ensemble cast is too long and packed to fully list out, but needless to say, you’ll see some other familiar faces during your binge-watch. If you’re looking for a well-acted show, then this is a series that is going to deliver in that respect.

Narcos is also one of the rare shows that managed to get better over time and ended on its terms rather than drawing out a story that doesn’t need to be drawn out. While the first season has a rather respectable 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, the second and third seasons were reviewed progressively better, with 92 percent and 96 percent, respectively. Many reviews specifically single out Wagner Moura’s performance as Escobar as the reason to watch the series, though Pedro Pascal is given a chance to truly take the lead in the third season with predictably good results.

As mentioned, you technically get five seasons of Narcos if you want to get more of the series. While Narcos: Mexico does feature different lead characters, it still is part of an interconnected story, and the reviews for Mexico are just as good as the original series. Plus, a new all-star cast led by actors Michael Pena, Diego Luna, and Scoot McNairy gives you new characters portrayed by some of the best in the business.

It’s worth saying that while Narcos is based on true events, there are inevitably some liberties taken to make the story work dramatically for a TV series. With that being said, there are plenty of fact-based plotlines if you’re interested in this kind of history, and there’s always the opportunity to do a deep dive into research material after to find the differences. Overall, the reviews and acting in Narcos have made it one of Netflix’s most acclaimed original shows, and you can stream the entire series and its spin-off now.