Netflix fans are canceling their weekend plans after the release of 'Legends', a gripping British gangster thriller based on a true story. The six-episode series, created by Neil Forsyth (The Gold), dropped on the streaming platform on May 7 and has been hailed as 'genuinely fantastic' by viewers.
An Unlikely Undercover Operation
Set in the 1990s, 'Legends' unveils a top-secret operation by HM Customs and Excise to tackle drug smuggling across Britain's borders. Steve Coogan plays Don, the head of operations who recruits and trains ordinary customs officers for undercover missions. Tom Burke stars as Guy, a working-class officer seeking meaning, while Hayley Squires portrays Kate, a stubborn operative infiltrating a Liverpool drug gang. The cast also includes Tom Hughes, Aml Ameen, Jasmine Blackborow, Douglas Hodge, and Johnny Harris.
Critical and Audience Acclaim
The series has earned a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times gave it five stars, calling it 'outstanding TV, elegant and composed,' while Jessica Toomer from Collider noted it 'might be the most watchable crime drama Netflix puts out this year.' Fans have also praised the show, with one viewer writing, 'You don't get any better than this. Compulsive and totally immersive.' Another added, 'Excellent storyline, pacing and acting... very bingeable, I watched the whole season in one day.'
A Raw Look at Double Lives
On social media, users have highlighted the psychological toll of undercover work. One X user described it as 'a raw look at the heavy psychological toll of living a double life, anchored by an absolute MVP performance from Tom Burke.' Another recommended it for fans of gritty British crime dramas or Breaking Bad.
'Legends' is based on the real-life experiences of undercover customs officer Guy Stanton, who co-wrote the book 'The Betrayer' with Peter Walsh. The series is available to stream now on Netflix.
