Netflix fans are canceling their weekend plans to binge-watch 'Legends', a gripping true-life British gangster thriller that has taken the streaming platform by storm. The six-episode series, created by Neil Forsyth (known for 'The Gold'), dropped on Netflix on May 7 and has been hailed as 'genuinely fantastic' by viewers.
What Is 'Legends' About?
Based on an incredible little-known true story, 'Legends' unveils a top-secret operation in the 1990s to tackle drug smuggling across Britain's borders. An undercover customs official managed to bust £1 billion worth of class-A drugs. The series follows a group of ordinary men and women recruited to infiltrate dangerous drug cartels, drawing on the real-life experiences of former undercover customs officer Guy Stanton.
Star-Studded Cast
Steve Coogan ('Philomena', 'Alan Partridge') plays Don, the head of operations for HM Customs and Excise, responsible for recruiting and training the customs officers. Tom Burke ('Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', 'The Souvenir') portrays Guy, a working-class customs officer seeking meaning in his life before being recruited. Hayley Squires ('The Night Manager') plays Kate, a stubborn officer who infiltrates a drug gang in Liverpool. Tom Hughes is the ruthless Carter, Aml Ameen plays operative Bailey, and Jasmine Blackborow ('The Gentlemen') and Douglas Hodge round out the cast as Erin and Blake. Johnny Harris ('A Gentleman in Moscow') appears as Eddie.
Critical Acclaim
Professional critics have adored the series, with a 92% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times gave it a five-star review, calling it 'outstanding TV, elegant and composed' and noting that '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 Reaction
Viewers have been equally enthusiastic. Tim J wrote: 'You don't get any better than this. Compulsive and totally immersive.' Jeffrey V added: 'Excellent storyline, pacing and acting… very bingeable, which I did, I watched the whole season in one day… take my advice and watch it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.' On X, user @whatonnetflix called the series '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, said: 'As someone who may have at one point had a tangential relationship to the Liverpool drug trade, Netflix's latest is genuinely fantastic.'
Why You Should Watch
Set during Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government, when political pressure over illegal drug trafficking was mounting, 'Legends' tells the story of unconventional solutions implemented to fight the war on drugs. The series is based on the book 'The Betrayer' by Guy Stanton and Peter Walsh. If you're a fan of gritty British crime dramas or 'Breaking Bad', this is your next binge.
'Legends' is available to stream on Netflix now.
