Narcos is a crime drama that has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and gripping portrayal of the Colombian drug trade. If you’re a fan of this genre and craving more shows that offer a similar thrill, look no further. Here are 19 TV shows like Narcos that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
1. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad follows the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a high school chemistry teacher who turns to manufacturing methamphetamine after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. This critically acclaimed series also stars Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Walter’s former student and business partner.
2. El Chapo
El Chapo chronicles the rise, capture, and escape of JoaquÃn “El Chapo” Guzmán, one of the world’s most notorious drug lords. The series stars Marco de la O as El Chapo and provides a detailed look into the Mexican drug trade.
3. Queen of the South
Queen of the South tells the story of Teresa Mendoza (Alice Braga), who rises from the streets to become the queenpin of a powerful drug cartel. The show is based on the novel “La Reina del Sur” by Arturo Pérez-Reverte.
4. Ozark
Ozark features Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. Laura Linney co-stars as his wife, Wendy, as they navigate the dangerous criminal underworld.
5. Sons of Anarchy
Sons of Anarchy revolves around an outlaw motorcycle club operating in California’s Central Valley. Charlie Hunnam stars as Jax Teller, a man torn between loyalty to the club and his desire for a better life for his family.
6. Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. Cillian Murphy stars as Thomas Shelby, the cunning leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, known for their razor-blade-tipped caps.
7. Power
Power follows James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a nightclub owner leading a double life as a drug kingpin. The series delves into his struggles to balance his criminal enterprise and legitimate business.
8. Gomorrah
Gomorrah is an Italian crime drama based on the book by Roberto Saviano. It explores the inner workings of the Camorra, a powerful Neapolitan crime organization, through the eyes of Ciro Di Marzio (Marco D’Amore).
9. Boardwalk Empire
Boardwalk Empire is set during Prohibition and follows Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi), a political figure who controls Atlantic City. The series showcases the rise of organized crime in the 1920s.
10. The Sopranos
The Sopranos centers on Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini), a New Jersey mob boss trying to balance the demands of his crime family with those of his personal life. The show is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV series of all time.
11. Narcos: Mexico
Narcos: Mexico is a companion series to Narcos, shifting the focus to the rise of the Guadalajara cartel in the 1980s. Starring Diego Luna as Félix Gallardo and Michael Peña as DEA agent Kiki Camarena, this series offers a fresh perspective on the drug trade.
12. Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom follows Joshua “J” Cody (Finn Cole), who moves in with his estranged relatives after his mother’s death. He quickly becomes entangled in their criminal activities, led by the matriarch, Smurf (Ellen Barkin).
13. The Wire
The Wire is a gritty portrayal of life in Baltimore, Maryland, focusing on the interplay between law enforcement, drug dealers, and residents. The ensemble cast includes Dominic West, Idris Elba, and Michael K. Williams.
14. Snowfall
Snowfall is set in 1980s Los Angeles and chronicles the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic. The series follows several characters, including Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), a young drug dealer on the rise.
15. Better Call Saul
Better Call Saul is a prequel to Breaking Bad, focusing on the transformation of Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) into the morally challenged lawyer Saul Goodman. The series also stars Jonathan Banks as Mike Ehrmantraut.
16. True Detective
True Detective is an anthology crime drama with each season featuring a new cast and storyline. The first season stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as detectives investigating a series of ritualistic murders in Louisiana.
17. Weeds
Weeds follows Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), a widowed housewife who turns to selling marijuana to support her family. The series blends dark comedy with drama as Nancy navigates the complexities of her new life.
18. Hannibal
Hannibal explores the early relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) and Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelsen), a brilliant psychiatrist and secret cannibalistic serial killer. The series is a psychological thriller that delves deep into the minds of its characters.
19. The Shield
The Shield centers on Vic Mackey (Michael Chiklis), a corrupt detective in the LAPD’s Strike Team. The series offers a raw and unflinching look at the moral ambiguities of law enforcement and the criminal world they navigate.
These shows, with their intense narratives and complex characters, are sure to satisfy your craving for crime dramas like Narcos. Happy watching!
