Netflix's crime drama Legends, starring Steve Coogan and Tom Burke, has achieved a remarkable seven-week run in the streaming platform's Top 10 since its release on May 7. The series, created by Neil Forsyth (The Gold), boasts a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes and has drawn widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Based on a True Undercover Operation
Legends is inspired by a little-known, top-secret operation in the 1990s to combat drug smuggling across British borders. The story follows a group of ordinary customs officers recruited by an undercover unit to dismantle drug cartels from within. Steve Coogan plays Don, the head of operations for HM Customs and Excise, who trains and leads the team. Tom Burke portrays Guy, a working-class customs officer seeking purpose, based on real-life undercover officer Guy Stanton.
The cast also includes Hayley Squires as Kate, a stubborn officer infiltrating a Liverpool drug gang; Tom Hughes as the ruthless Carter; Aml Ameen as operative Bailey; Jasmine Blackborow as Erin; and Douglas Hodge as Blake. Johnny Harris plays Eddie. The series draws on Stanton's book The Betrayer, co-written with Peter Walsh.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
Professional critics have praised the series. Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times gave it a five-star review, calling it 'outstanding TV, elegant and composed' and noting 'it does not let its grip loosen for a second.' Jessica Toomer from Collider described it as 'the most watchable crime drama Netflix puts out this year.'
Audience reactions have been equally enthusiastic. Tim J wrote: 'You don't get any better than this. Compulsive and totally immersive.' Jeffrey V said: 'Excellent storyline, pacing and acting… very bingeable, which I did, I watched the whole season in one day.' On X, user @whatonnetflix called it 'a raw look at the heavy psychological toll of living a double life, anchored by an absolute MVP performance from Tom Burke.' Another user, Mo, added: 'As someone who may have at one point had a tangential relationship to the Liverpool drug trade, Netflix's latest is genuinely fantastic.'
Plot and Historical Context
Set during Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government, which faced mounting political pressure over illegal drug trafficking, the series depicts an unconventional solution: recruiting ordinary citizens to go undercover. The team penetrates some of Britain's most dangerous trafficking networks, despite lacking professional training. The operation ultimately busted £1 billion worth of class A drugs.
Fans continue to discover the show. @Enge21 wrote on June 2: 'Thank you @mrneilforsyth (et al) for ‘Legends’ on @netflix. Quite simply, my favourite thing on telly at the moment.' @announcerphil added: 'If anyone is looking for a series to binge-watch, highly recommend Legends on Netflix. Absolutely brilliant.'
Legends is available to stream on Netflix now.
