Narcos

:

Season 1
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 28, 2015
Season #: 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.9

Universal acclaim- based on 666 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 634 out of 666
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 666
  3. Negative: 14 out of 666
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  1. I_loveTVnMovies
    Aug 30, 2015
    10
    Narcos is very good and well done. I am actually from MEDELLIN. I am 30 years old and I grew up with that environment of violence in the streets and TV. The research is very accurate. There is something special and epic about this series. Many things work on many levels. In fact, I have seen it like a kind of “docu-drama”. I find very clever the mix between fictional and real facts withNarcos is very good and well done. I am actually from MEDELLIN. I am 30 years old and I grew up with that environment of violence in the streets and TV. The research is very accurate. There is something special and epic about this series. Many things work on many levels. In fact, I have seen it like a kind of “docu-drama”. I find very clever the mix between fictional and real facts with the use of real footage. According to it, it keeps you watching and wondering what’s next. It is like a kind of class history of the drug-war. I like the beginning when it makes reference to the MAGIC REALISM. Just that in this case, all that really happened. All the things about being close to a policeman was true, you didn’t want to be around them because you could die with a lost bullet or something. Shootings in the night in your own street (even if it was a “good neighbourhood”) and If there was a Car-Bomb and you were at home, you would look around the house thinking and counting : ”are we all here?” “where is my brother”… not cell phones then by the way…Every single person you know from Medellin was touched or was a victim of that war. For a long long time we didn’t have Colombian movies or TV shows with that topic, because people were tired of all that; like a kind of “mediatic” trauma. That war was all the time in TV, in the radio, in our streets and sometimes in our homes. In film and TV things have changed with new filmmakers and screenwriters who are bold to tell those stories. Yeah, it’s a sad history, but it is what we have, we can’t hide it or change it. I am glad something very well done like NARCOS was made to the “world” thanks to NETFLIX. Because people can understand the stigma all the Colombians have thanks to Pablo Escobar. If you are a “gringo” who makes fun of a Colombian asking him for cocaine, that “joke” is for us a reference and a memory of blood, violence and lost. NOT FUNNY.… Expand
  2. Nathonas
    Aug 30, 2015
    10
    A very high quality show in every regard - writing, acting, budget, historical research. I Also really like that they had all the Colombian characters speak actual Spanish with subtitles instead of English.
  3. Nobilis1984
    Sep 5, 2015
    8
    A good series.
    Narcos Season 1 provides good entertainment.
    - Escobar was well getroffe,
    - The background story to him is easy to understand explains.
    - The violence level is correct.
    - The other actors have a good performance.
    - Good locations.
    A series that almost all new series on Netflix outshone.
  4. albalbaloo
    Sep 19, 2015
    10
    So addictive I choose to watch it over food, sleep, watching breaking bad and life itself! I wish it will continue for 10 more seasons! and I want to go to Colombia only because of the opening theme! It's real dope!
  5. fabricioss
    Sep 14, 2015
    10
    Another awesome performance by Wagner Moura and a fantastic show by Jose Padilha. I love how they take us to the 80s. The action and violence is at the right level. Amazing how the story is told and how they make you love and hate the character Pablo Escobar. A must watch show.
  6. medwardsr
    Sep 6, 2015
    9
    As someone who was always interested in Pablo Escobar's rise to power and fame, and in the criminal drug game as a whole, this show certainly provides viewers with the intense thrills one would expect from your typical "US government is hunting down a destructive criminal" type of show. However, the show also provides an appropriate amount of comedy from both Escobar's perspective and theAs someone who was always interested in Pablo Escobar's rise to power and fame, and in the criminal drug game as a whole, this show certainly provides viewers with the intense thrills one would expect from your typical "US government is hunting down a destructive criminal" type of show. However, the show also provides an appropriate amount of comedy from both Escobar's perspective and the US government's. Not only that, but it provides sufficient perspective from both sides throughout the rise of Escobar's power and the hunt that the DEA initiates.

    The first season starts off slow, but by the third and fourth episode it hooks you and reels you in before you even finish the fifth episode. After finishing the 10th episode of the first season, i found myself complaining aloud and literally begging for more. The directing is phenomenal, so real and raw. They came up with a script that acts exactly how the events unfolded in real life and never deviated.

    There aren't any big name actors in the show yet either, which actually help provide a more real feeling to the show. Despite that, you can tell the actors really get into their roles. The passion in the acting unfolds as it would in real life, with the actors displaying real emotion as if they were actually hiding from the government or trying to catch a notorious criminal. Wagner Moura plays a perfect Escobar, mirroring almost every decision, gesture, and speech that you would expect a megalomaniacal drug lord such as Escobar himself to make. The supporting cast nail their characters as well, acting and reacting as any of them would have in the real life events. Although mostly acting, the director throws in real video and audio clips that were broadcasted during the time of the events, noting President Reagan educating America on drugs, the communists that attacked the Colombian government, and real sightings of political figures and Escobar himself. If pictures are used to aid the DEA's manhunt, they are pictures taken of the actual individuals involved in the crimes. All of this helps add to the real feel of the show, almost as if it is more of a documentary than just a tv show.

    If you're looking for a thrilling show to start that involves drugs, criminal investigation, fight scenes/war, political campaigns, sex/lust, mind games, situational comedy, real life events and accounts, or even if you just want to try to get inside the head of one of the world's most notorious criminals, then THIS is the show for you which combines ALL of those things and more. Like I said, I was begging for more, and it's going to feel like years until the next season is released, but you can bet I'm calling off work/school when it is.    … Expand
  7. Tibmart
    Sep 12, 2015
    8
    Great, with space to be a lot better

    I knew in some point someone was going to discover and produce this (and other) fantastic stories happened in Colombia in the 80's. The historic accuracy is great and definitively showing the story from the DEA point of view is refreshing for this genre which might seem new but it has been extensively produced in Colombia were it is called the    Great, with space to be a lot better

    I knew in some point someone was going to discover and produce this (and other) fantastic stories happened in Colombia in the 80's. The historic accuracy is great and definitively showing the story from the DEA point of view is refreshing for this genre which might seem new but it has been extensively produced in Colombia were it is called the "narco-novels" (narco-novelas)

    Making most of the dialogues in Spanish instead of English was a really nice touch and I'm sure that most of the public will not notice the strong accent of Wagner Mourna (Pablo Escobar), but for spanish-speakers, it is hard to ignore and creates some unnecessary noise. Interestingly Juan Pablo Raba (Gustavo Gaviria) does a great job adding a lot of credibility to the scenes due his Colombian roots and accent.

    I think it is a shame that the writers didn't take advantage and show at east some of the picturesque and many times incredible excesses committed by the "Narcos" (specially at the beginning of their "careers", before the wars) which from the pure-entertainment point of view would have been a really nice addition to the story with the plus that they are also part of this bizarre part of the Colombian history.

    At the end I think Narcos is a great (Version 1) production and I fully applaud Neflix for bringing this story to the global public.

    If some of you are interested in a better version of this story, perhaps you should try "Escobar, el Patron del Mal" (Escobar, Evil's Master) or "El Cartel de los Sapos". Unfortunately they are hard to find due not so good distribution. Perhaps Netflix could try including them in their offerings.    … Expand
  8. starkmo
    Sep 18, 2015
    8
    Very good TV show. It gives another enlightning to Pablo Escobar life. A bit too pro cia sometime anyway, against the corrupted people. The link with other countries is not enough dug.
  9. LuckySevens_7
    Nov 12, 2015
    10
    Fantastic show, finished it in 2 days, very addictive. Acting was good and although not historically correct on many occasions, it was entertaining and definitely worth the watch
  10. ValcanKrull
    Sep 1, 2015
    7
    Everything worked except for the constant "Goodfellas" narration. I appreciated that they spoke Spanish for a majority of the show and everything was well brought together. Good show.
  11. kahaluu_girl808
    Jan 3, 2016
    10
    This series is REALLY good! I'm so excited for season 2 - but I was reading that it's been having some Director issues and now it won't happen until August of 2016?? What a bummer! :( not having the same Director could impact how the show will be......
  12. edupessanha
    Sep 1, 2015
    7
    The series has pretty much the same pace of Padilla's Elite Squad: if you watched the movies (1st and 2nd) you will notice this in the very first episode. As you watch the rest of the season, that will just confirm even more. I'm a Brazilian myself, but couldn't stand Wagner Moura's accent. It's just not right, specially when he is talking to other native language speakers. The series isThe series has pretty much the same pace of Padilla's Elite Squad: if you watched the movies (1st and 2nd) you will notice this in the very first episode. As you watch the rest of the season, that will just confirm even more. I'm a Brazilian myself, but couldn't stand Wagner Moura's accent. It's just not right, specially when he is talking to other native language speakers. The series is catchy, but I can't watch it without linking it to Elite Squad, which bums me out all the time. The narration is poorly edited too, seems like the guy who edited it didn't follow punctuation rules from time to time.… Expand
  13. leandrocaetano
    Sep 19, 2015
    10
    This TV Show is awesome, dont matter what country you from, Wagner Moura and Jose Padilha are extremely talented. Forget the perfect spanish pronunciation, it dont matter, the story on this show is extremely well written and narrated, in a way that fully engages you each episode. Place all preconceptions aside and watch this true masterpiece. It was one of the best series I've ever seen inThis TV Show is awesome, dont matter what country you from, Wagner Moura and Jose Padilha are extremely talented. Forget the perfect spanish pronunciation, it dont matter, the story on this show is extremely well written and narrated, in a way that fully engages you each episode. Place all preconceptions aside and watch this true masterpiece. It was one of the best series I've ever seen in my life. Congratz to netflix, and I hope there are more series of this kind in the future with the direction of Jose Padilha and the performance of Wagner Moura.… Expand
  14. mh007sh
    Sep 20, 2015
    10
    The best on Netflix at the moment, EVEN BETTER THAN HOUSE OF CARDS, Narco doesn't disappoint with any aspect of the show. It's exciting and fast paced with fantastic cast portraying drug lords, cops, corrupt cops, assassins but above all, crazy and entertaining story about a an intelligent criminal, no body will believe it's true.
  15. xtinaburns
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    For the people complaining about Wagner Moura's accent, nobody gives a f*ck except for you cry babies! And i'm Colombian. Wagner is an excellent actor, and he learned Spanish just for the Pablo Escobar's role. How many of you can go to college and learn a new language in a couple of weeks/months? So stop crying like little stupid babies because they didn't hire a Colombian actor for theFor the people complaining about Wagner Moura's accent, nobody gives a f*ck except for you cry babies! And i'm Colombian. Wagner is an excellent actor, and he learned Spanish just for the Pablo Escobar's role. How many of you can go to college and learn a new language in a couple of weeks/months? So stop crying like little stupid babies because they didn't hire a Colombian actor for the role, and start appreciating the good actors/actresses out there, it doesn't matter where they from! Narcos has a lot of Spanish speaking actors with different accents, so what? It's well done, very talented people.... Stop pouting like little biatches!… Expand
  16. everdun
    Feb 7, 2016
    10
    Narcos is a intriguing and entertaining series. The show educates you on the Medellin cartel and it is a very interesting topic to learn about. I would recommend this show to all my friends and anyone looking for a great show to watch! It is by far my favorite show right now. Can't wait for the next season to come out!
  17. felipepnunes
    Sep 1, 2015
    10
    So addictive as it's object of study! Everything works very well, from the direction to the performances. The bilingual dialogue adds a new layer of authenticity to the project and shows it's commitment with the original story. Best new show of 2015 so far.
  18. beb
    Sep 2, 2015
    10
    This is a spectacular show that isn't getting near the acclaim or press it deserves. At first I thought I was going to be put off by the heavy narration but the data dump they have to give you to keep up really makes it necessary. This is a massive story.
    The key is the top notch acting, especially by the actor portraying Escobar. He is a revelation. But all are very good and doing    This is a spectacular show that isn't getting near the acclaim or press it deserves. At first I thought I was going to be put off by the heavy narration but the data dump they have to give you to keep up really makes it necessary. This is a massive story.
    The key is the top notch acting, especially by the actor portraying Escobar. He is a revelation. But all are very good and doing their best work. Another and equally important element is the direction. This is one of the most cinematic programs I've ever seen. Seriously, the choreography and direction of action sequences puts the vast majority of what passes on TV to shame.    … Expand
  19. VonSeux
    Aug 30, 2015
    8
    Excellent direction and storytelling; violent and funny; it's definetly the best work ever on vídeo about Escobar. Tough voiceover might be boring to some people. Lead Actor is one of best actors from Brazil, but he's not Colombian, and that's kinda weird. Tough I guess only native speakers will notice that.
  20. lionheart8888
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Critic-kull is the only one who thinks this awful. Its magical realism, they say that in the first lines of the show. Its a real story told magically or a magical story told in a real way. Its beautiful. The acting and story are great and yet its a true story, for the most part. This is Netflix's best work. Wagner Maura is amazing. It flows from English to Spanish so smoothly which is aCritic-kull is the only one who thinks this awful. Its magical realism, they say that in the first lines of the show. Its a real story told magically or a magical story told in a real way. Its beautiful. The acting and story are great and yet its a true story, for the most part. This is Netflix's best work. Wagner Maura is amazing. It flows from English to Spanish so smoothly which is a real treat. I have never seen a show that can have so much of each language without losing focus. Exhilarating and weirdly fun a times, for a story that is a tragedy of a nation. All of the actors give some of their best performances yet. Some people are obsessed with Pablo's accent not being accurate, I'll take that in exchange for the Wagner's performance. Wagner kills it. If your fine with Pablo's accent not being 100% accurate, which most people clearly are you too will understand why there are only 7 not positive reviews of this series. Accent Schmaccent Pablo is chilling funny loving and down right dark and murderous. I dare you to find someone better. WATCH THIS SHOW!… Expand
  21. danielstx182
    Aug 30, 2015
    9
    Depicting one of the most infamous criminals of all time, this well acted, written an directed show presents a complex story in a well crafted, multifaceted way.
  22. enriqueg
    Sep 10, 2015
    10
    Better than Breaking Bad!! VERY much Recommended! Best series out NOW!
    It is a must to see, hope they do lots of other episodes, very enjoyable. Best of the best!!
  23. ruioli
    Aug 29, 2015
    9
    So far, I'm enjoying the show immensely, the first episode sucks you in for an awesome (real) story with some fiction to keep your blood pumping. The acting so far has been superb. Will develop this review after watching the full season.
  24. maxor92
    Sep 5, 2015
    10
    I didn't think I was in the mood to start watching a show about a drug lord, but after the first ten minutes I was hooked. Watched six episodes on the first night, had to stop due to the sun starting to rise and finished the rest the next day.
    The story is entertaining and addictive. The long and often complicated story of Pablo Escobar is portrayed simple and effective for viewers not to    I didn't think I was in the mood to start watching a show about a drug lord, but after the first ten minutes I was hooked. Watched six episodes on the first night, had to stop due to the sun starting to rise and finished the rest the next day.
    The story is entertaining and addictive. The long and often complicated story of Pablo Escobar is portrayed simple and effective for viewers not to get lost in what is going on.
    Great acting all around. Great casting.    … Expand
  25. Zenbatista
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    Narcos is OUTSTANDING! My wife and I kept on watching one episode after the other and we completed all of the 10 episodes in less than 3 days, which is a record for us. It was only yesterday that I realized that the director and the main actor are from one of my favorite movies of all times: "Elite Squad I" and "Elite Squad II". Brilliant! Congrats to Netflix for such a powerful,Narcos is OUTSTANDING! My wife and I kept on watching one episode after the other and we completed all of the 10 episodes in less than 3 days, which is a record for us. It was only yesterday that I realized that the director and the main actor are from one of my favorite movies of all times: "Elite Squad I" and "Elite Squad II". Brilliant! Congrats to Netflix for such a powerful, incredible production.… Expand
  26. pdelapuente
    Aug 31, 2015
    9
    Wonderfully acted, but Mr. Moura's accent makes me cringe (as a Colombian myself), the difference in accents between him and, say, Juan Pablo Raba's Gustavo is too obvious, especially since paisa accent is very characteristic and I thought it would be easy to get, but if the actor is a non-native spanish speaker, you get what you get. But I forgive the production for it because he's theWonderfully acted, but Mr. Moura's accent makes me cringe (as a Colombian myself), the difference in accents between him and, say, Juan Pablo Raba's Gustavo is too obvious, especially since paisa accent is very characteristic and I thought it would be easy to get, but if the actor is a non-native spanish speaker, you get what you get. But I forgive the production for it because he's the best in the show, as it should be. Also, the historical accuracy makes it an entertained history class, which I love.… Expand
  27. billofthevalley
    Sep 16, 2015
    8
    A very consistent, non-exploitative look at the world of drug smuggling. All the actors contribute equally to the overall narrative, with none standing out to the detriment of the production as a whole. That said, Pedro Pascal (Oberyn in Game of Thrones) is very effective as the bulldog cop. And it's always great to see Luis Guzman as one of the quirkier narcos. A very adult series from Netflix.
  28. Fb29
    Sep 23, 2015
    7
    9 is too high a rating. The show's strengths are acting, script, boobs, and "based on a true story."

    Weaknesses: The narration gets repetitive after a while (binge watched). The second half of the season seems to drag on and on. The female characters are uninteresting (besides Kiko's wife. she was fantastic and also had great boobs). Towards the end there are so many scenes of people    9 is too high a rating. The show's strengths are acting, script, boobs, and "based on a true story."

    Weaknesses: The narration gets repetitive after a while (binge watched). The second half of the season seems to drag on and on. The female characters are uninteresting (besides Kiko's wife. she was fantastic and also had great boobs). Towards the end there are so many scenes of people just standing around with shots of different people's faces. Too slow for my taste. Could have done this season in 8 episodes, then maybe it would have been a 9.

    And man it's all in Spanish. Like 75% Spanish at least. So get ready for subtitles.    … Expand
  29. Maeglin
    Sep 11, 2015
    9
    I started watching this show as a documentary and even though it delivers on that part it is also a drama show that can really get you hooked. The voice-over is good and never irritating and even though I know Pablo is being played by a Brazilian I do not speak enough Spanish to notice his accent is off. The fact that they have a lot of Colombian actors who act really good and filmed mostI started watching this show as a documentary and even though it delivers on that part it is also a drama show that can really get you hooked. The voice-over is good and never irritating and even though I know Pablo is being played by a Brazilian I do not speak enough Spanish to notice his accent is off. The fact that they have a lot of Colombian actors who act really good and filmed most (if not all) in Colombia really adds to the atmosphere.

    What also suprised me is that even though Pablo is a criminal and the show is filled with characters with their own agenda the show still managed to not make the characters one dimensional. Apart from the show being a real treat to watch it also made me realize I know very little about this part of recent history from Colombia and there have been many times I have been cringing about the things that have been done during that time.

    Definitely the best show of 2015 so far for me.    … Expand
  30. NRNSW
    Sep 19, 2015
    7
    Narcos stars out a little slow, but it picks up pretty rapidly as the episodes progress. Like others, am not sure of the casting done by Netflix. It could have been better in that perspective
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best TV Season of 2015
13
#13 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
34
#34 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: James Hibberd
    Aug 31, 2017
    83
    The show could do better with its shallow portrayal of its female characters, but fans of mob dramas should otherwise find everything they want. The narrative picks up its pace as the season progresses into a final run of episodes that feature the most suspenseful sequences Narcos has ever had.
    Read full review
  2. Uncle Barky
    Reviewed by: Ed Bark
    Aug 31, 2015
    83
    Moura as Escobar doesn’t bring the overall manic and sometimes comic intensity of Al Pacino’s Tony Montana in Scarface. He’s never dull, though, giving Narcos a thoroughly sinister presence who’s capable of anything and will stop at nothing.
    Read full review
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Tirdad Derakhshani
    Aug 31, 2015
    100
    Intense, enlightening, brilliant, unnerving, and addictive, Narcos is high-concept drama at its finest.
    Read full review
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