If you are looking for gripping series that shed light on the brutal life of drug trafficking and organized crime, “Breaking Bad”, “Narcos”, “Ozark” and “The Wire” are an absolute must-see. Each of these series offers its own unique perspective on complex characters and morally complicated conflicts.
Breaking Bad
5 seasons | 62 episodes | stream on Netflix
“Breaking Bad” is a highly acclaimed American television series by Vince Gilligan. The main character is Walter White (Bryan Cranston), who is suffering from lung cancer and is actually a reserved chemistry teacher. In order to provide financial security for his family after his death, he decides to use his knowledge to produce meth. He initially works with former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) to sell it, which presents him with numerous ethical and personal challenges.
Fans of “Breaking Bad” particularly praise the complex character development, a gripping plot and the outstanding acting performances of the actors. In addition to clever dialogues, loyal viewers appreciate the detailed and authentic portrayal of the drug trade along the US-Mexican border. The moral dilemmas that some characters have to go through here also offer a lot of food for thought.
The Wire
5 seasons | 60 episodes | stream on HBO Max
“The Wire” examines the complex problems of the city of Baltimore from different perspectives in order to paint the most realistic picture possible of urban life and everyday challenges. Each season deals with a specific topic, such as drug trafficking, the education system, local politics and media coverage. At the center of the series is the stubborn detective Jimmy McNulty (Dominic West), who overcomes the bureaucratic hurdles that regularly stand in his way.
Avon Barksdale (Wood Harris) reigns supreme at the top of the city’s drug cartel, while the ambitious Stringer Bell (Idris Elba) tries to run the dirty business his own way. “The Wire” is known for its deep characters, authentic portrayal of social problems and critical analysis of institutions. The American series is considered one of the best television shows of all time and is particularly praised by fans for its socially critical themes.
Narcos
3 seasons | 30 episodes | stream on Netflix
“Narcos” deals with the rise and fall of the Colombian drug cartels in the late 1980s. In particular with the notorious Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura). The crime series combines true events with dramatic elements and offers an intensive look at the flourishing drug trade and its effects on the country of Colombia and the United States.
The plot highlights the brutal battle between the Medellín cartel and the authorities, including D.E.A. agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal). Corruption and social problems are portrayed in a vivid way through different perspectives. The mixture of highly dramatic, emotional scenes and authentic historical narration makes “Narcos” a unique experience that immerses viewers in the dangerous world of drug trafficking.
Ozark
4 seasons | 44 episodes | stream on Netflix
“Ozark” also deals with the exciting and dangerous world of money laundering and organized crime. The story follows financial advisor Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), who becomes involved in the shady dealings of a drug cartel. This forces him to flee to Missouri with his family. There are a number of challenges that the Byrdes face as they try to survive in the criminal world and keep their business running.
Marty not only has to fight against the constant threats of the drug cartel, but also overcome complications in his relationship with his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) and their two children. The constant tension, plenty of moral conflicts and the development of the individual characters, as well as the dark atmosphere, ensure that viewers of “Ozark” remain spellbound in front of the screen until the last episode.
