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Entertainment • Television

Narcos

Narcos is an American crime drama television series created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Narcos is an American crime drama television series created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. It dramatizes the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and later stories involving other drug cartels, including the Cali Cartel, with a documentary-style presentation. The series premiered on Netflix on August 28, 2015, and ran for three seasons, concluding in 2017.

Premise

Narcos portrays the growth of the cocaine trade and the efforts of the DEA and Colombian authorities to dismantle major cartels. Its early narrative follows Pablo Escobar closely before expanding to other criminal organizations.

Production

The series was created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro and produced for Netflix. It was filmed in Colombia and presented in both English and Spanish.

Reception and style

Narcos was noted for its gritty tone, strong performances, and documentary-like approach. The series blends dramatized events with archival-style material to support its historical framing.

Key facts

  • The series centers on the cocaine trade in Colombia and law-enforcement efforts to stop it.
  • The first two seasons focus on Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel.
  • The third season shifts to the Cali Cartel.
  • The show uses a semi-documentary style and incorporates real footage with dramatized scenes.
  • Netflix renewed the series for third and fourth seasons in 2016, but the original series ended after three seasons.
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Canadian context

Narcos has been widely available to Canadian audiences through Netflix, and its true-crime subject matter has made it familiar to viewers in Canada as part of the platform’s international drama lineup.

Frequently asked questions

What is Narcos about?
It is a crime drama about the cocaine trade in Colombia, especially the rise of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel, followed by later cartel conflicts.
Who created Narcos?
Narcos was created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro.
When did Narcos first air?
It premiered on Netflix on August 28, 2015.
How many seasons does Narcos have?
The original series ran for three seasons.
What language is Narcos in?
It uses both English and Spanish.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcos
    Supports: Creator names, premise, setting, Netflix renewal note
  2. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/80025172
    Supports: Series description, genre framing, platform availability
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2707408/
    Supports: Series premise and format
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/arts/television/review-narcos-follows-the-rise-and-reign-of-pablo-escobar.html
    Supports: Historical focus and documentary-style tone
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/narcos
    Supports: Premiere date, network, cast, historical focus