The story
Colombia, late 1970s: Medellín black-marketeer Pablo Escobar sees the fortune to be made from a new product, cocaine. As his operation swells into an empire feeding American demand, DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña are sent south to help Colombian authorities bring him down. Narrated by Murphy and shot in Colombia, the story later turns to the Cali Cartel that rose to power after Escobar.
Why it matters
An early Netflix exclusive built for a global audience, Narcos told a Colombian story on location, in English and Spanish, through a partnership with Gaumont. Its success was strong enough that a planned fourth season became a whole new series, Narcos: Mexico, turning one show into an ongoing franchise.
Notable facts
- Netflix announced the series in April 2014 through a partnership deal with Gaumont International Television. (source)
- Its first season of 10 episodes was estimated to cost about $25 million. (source)
- Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha, director of Elite Squad, directed the series. (source)
- The opening theme, "Tuyo", is a bolero written for the show by Brazilian singer-songwriter Rodrigo Amarante. (source)