7 shows like Netflix's 'Griselda' to watch next
Palmer Haasch
- Netflix's "Griselda" stars Sofia Vergara and dramatizes the life of drug lord Griselda Blanco.
- The show clocks in at only six episodes — so it's easy to blast through.
In "Griselda," Sofia Vergara stars as a fictionalized version of real-life drug boss Griselda Blanco.
The series follows Blanco's career in Miami in the late 1970s and 1980s, during which she established herself as a ruthless — and powerful — drug lord. While it features characters based on those who were actually involved in Blanco's life, such as her sons and former Miami PD analyst June Hawkins (who consulted on the series), her youngest son Michael Corleone has pushed back against the accuracy of the series.
Vergara herself pitched the series to Eric Newman, the showrunner of the Netflix drama "Narcos," in 2015. Nine years later, it's become a hit for the streamer.
"Griselda," which was released on January 25, clocks in at a relatively short six episodes. If you're looking for what to watch next, here are some suggestions.
"Narcos"
Summary: "Narcos" follows drug lord Pablo Escobar's life and career in the cocaine trade from the 1970s onward. The show's first season begins with the establishment of Escobar's cocaine operation, as he begins to traffic drugs into the United States from Colombia, as well as the Drug Enforcement Agency's investigation into him.
The series stars Wagner Moura as Escobar, Boyd Holbrook as DEA agent Steve Murphy, and Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña.
Why you'll like it: Obviously, "Narcos" also focuses on the cocaine trade. But it shares some core creative staff with "Griselda," including producer Eric Newman, writer Doug Miro, and director Andrés Baiz.
"Narcos" is currently available to stream on Netflix.
"Narcos: Mexico"
Summary: This companion series to the original "Narcos" follows the drug trade in Mexico, focusing in particular on the Guadalajara Cartel. Diego Luna plays "El Jefe de Jefes" ("The Boss of Bosses") Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo. Michael Peña stars opposite him as DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena.
Why you'll like it: "Narcos: Mexico" was originally supposed to be the fourth season of "Narcos," but was spun off into a separate property. It shares, once again, a number of creative staff with both "Narcos" and "Griselda."
"Narcos: Mexico" is currently available to stream on Netflix.
"Breaking Bad"
Summary: Walter White is a chemistry teacher who starts to make meth after he's diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. While White's work starts as a small operation designed to secure his family's finances, it gradually transforms into a major operation — and White's hubris puts both him and his family in trouble.
"Breaking Bad" stars Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul as Walter White and his former student-turned assistant Jesse Pinkman. In later seasons, Giancarlo Esposito stars as Chilean drug lord Gus Fring. Bob Odenkirk plays sketchy lawyer Saul Goodman, reprising the role in his spinoff series "Better Call Saul."
Why you'll like it: "Breaking Bad" counts itself among the pantheon of American television — and if you're looking for more drug-laden drama, it's a good bet.
"Breaking Bad" is available to stream on Netflix.
"Ozark"
Summary: After falling in debt to a Mexican drug cartel, Marty Byrde moves his family to the Ozarks to launch a new money laundering scheme to pay them back. In the process, he becomes entangled with the local facets of organized crime.
"Ozark" stars Jason Bateman as Marty, with Laura Linney as his wife Wendy. Julia Garner, Sofia Hublitz, and Jordana Spiro also star.
Why you'll like it: "Ozark," which ran for four seasons, can reasonably count itself among the American crime drama canon, driven by Bateman and Linney's performances.
"Ozark" is available to stream on Netflix.
"Power"
Summary: This Starz series follows James St. Patrick, a drug dealer known as "Ghost" attempting to go legitimate. As a nightclub owner, he does his best to extricate himself from the underworld — but that's a difficult enough task in and of itself.
"Power" stars Omari Hardwick as James, and Joseph Sikora as his business partner Tommy Egan. The show also stars Lela Loren, Naturi Naughton, and 50 Cent, among a large ensemble cast.
Why you'll like it: "Power" features some great performances and a dramatized look at the New York City underbelly.
"Power" is available to stream on Starz and Hulu.
"Snowfall"
Summary: "Snowfall" focuses on the cocaine epidemic in 1980s Los Angeles, told through the stories of drug dealers, law enforcement, and organized crime. It stars Damson Idris as young drug dealer Franklin Saint, Sergio Peris-Mencheta as luchador Gustavo Zapata, and Carter Hudson as CIA agent Teddy McDonald.
Why you'll like it: This is a good show to check out if you're interested in more media about cocaine in the United States.
"Snowfall" is available to stream on Hulu.
"La Reina del Sur"
Summary: This telenovela, based on Arturo Pérez-Reverte's novel of the same name, follows rising drug lord Teresa Mendoza. After relocating from Mexico to Spain after her lover is killed by a Mexican cartel, she eventually decides to become her own boss.
The series stars Kate del Castillo as Teresa Mendoza, with Humberto Zurita, Rafael Amaya, and Iván Sánchez also starring.
Why you'll like it: If you're looking for another series about a female drug leader, this series was one of the most-watched on Netflix in the first half of 2023. There's also an American adaptation of the series titled "Queen of the South."
"La Reina del Sur" is available to stream on Netflix.
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