Netflix Crime Drama Based on Terrifying True Events Hailed as Exceptional
Few crime dramas have managed to turn one of the most notorious chapters in modern criminal history into television as grippingly as Narcos. The Netflix series follows the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, whose violent reign and enormous cocaine empire made him one of the most feared criminals in the world.
Escobar, a drug lord and narcoterrorist, was killed in 1993 when police attempted to arrest him. He was 44 years old. Despite his death more than three decades ago, his story continues to have a powerful presence in popular culture.
The rise of Pablo Escobar
Narcos, which helped launch Pedro Pascal’s career as a major Hollywood star, chronicles Escobar’s rise from the early days of his criminal career to his position as leader of the notorious Medellin cartel.
Beginning in the 1970s, Escobar built a fortune worth billions of dollars while gaining control of a significant share of the world’s cocaine supply, according to Wales Online.
The first two seasons, which premiered in 2015, focus heavily on Escobar’s rise and eventual downfall. Wagner Moura plays Escobar, while Pedro Pascal portrays DEA agent Javier Pena in one of his early major roles.
The series explores not only Escobar himself but also the wider conflict surrounding the international war on drugs and the forces attempting to bring his operation down.
Critics praised the series
Narcos quickly attracted both audiences and critics, earning a 93 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and widespread praise for its performances and storytelling.
One critic highlighted Moura’s performance as the defining strength of the series, arguing that while the show may not rely heavily on visual spectacle, his portrayal of Escobar gives the drama its most memorable central element.
Another critic praised the way Narcos examines the wider drug war, particularly when the series steps back from individual characters to show how different forces become intertwined in the pursuit of the notorious cocaine kingpin.
The second season received further acclaim for raising the stakes and delivering larger moments and devastating deaths. One review described the season as setting an exceptionally high standard for what could follow.
Viewers couldn’t stop watching
The enthusiasm wasn’t limited to professional critics. Viewers also praised the series, with many saying they found it almost impossible to stop watching once they had started.
One fan described the show as “Awesome” and said they had watched the first two seasons in a week, adding that they would miss the chaos surrounding Pablo Escobar but were eager to continue with the third season.
Another viewer called the series “Sensational” and singled out Wagner Moura’s performance as “absolutely spectacular,” saying they had watched every episode in a single day.
A third viewer acknowledged that Escobar’s story was already well known but praised Narcos for what they considered the strongest dramatic portrayal of his downfall, alongside its strong acting.
With its combination of real events, violent criminal history and acclaimed performances, Narcos has established itself as one of Netflix’s most successful crime dramas.
Narcos is streaming now on Netflix.