The Cartel is a documentary series that provides a non-fiction look at the realities of drug trafficking, particularly focusing on the Mexican cartels and their impact. Unlike the fictionalized dramas, this series uses investigative journalism to explore the operations, violence, and consequences of the drug war.

It features interviews, real footage, and expert analysis to give viewers a factual understanding of the complexities of the drug trade, its economic impact, and the human cost involved. If you're interested in the real-world context behind the fictional stories told in shows like Narcos, this documentary offers a sobering and informative perspective on the actual events and organizations.

La piloto (The Pilot) offers a slightly different angle within the narco-drama genre, focusing on the world of drug trafficking from the perspective of a female pilot. The series follows Yolanda Cadena, who gets involved in flying planes for drug cartels.

The show explores the dangers she faces, the moral compromises she has to make, and her efforts to survive and eventually escape the criminal world. It highlights the logistical side of trafficking and the risks taken by those involved in transportation. It's a story of survival, resilience, and a woman trying to take control of her destiny in incredibly perilous circumstances.

El final del paraíso (The End of Paradise) serves as a continuation of the 'Sin senos sí hay paraíso' saga. This series takes the story forward, exploring the ongoing battles against new generations of drug traffickers and organized crime.

The narrative follows the now-adult children of the original characters as they navigate a world still plagued by the consequences of the drug trade. It brings back key figures and introduces new threats, focusing on themes of justice, revenge, and the difficulty of escaping one's past. If you've followed the previous series, this provides a concluding chapter to the complex web of relationships and conflicts.

Sin senos sí hay paraíso (literally 'Without breasts there is paradise') is a sequel to the earlier series 'Sin senos no hay paraíso'. While the first series focused on young women seeking plastic surgery to attract drug traffickers, this sequel broadens its scope.

It continues the story of Catalina Marín and her family, delving into the multi-generational impact of the drug trade and its associated violence, corruption, and social issues. It explores themes of ambition, morality, and the consequences of choices made in a world heavily influenced by narco culture. It's part crime drama, part family saga, and part social commentary.

Griselda Blanco: The Black Widow, also known as 'La Viuda Negra', focuses on the life of Griselda Blanco, a notorious Colombian drug lord who operated in the Miami drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s. She was a key figure in the early cocaine wars and known for her ruthless nature.

The series stars Ana Serradilla as Griselda, portraying her rise to power in a male-dominated world of crime. It explores her personal life, her many marriages (and the fates of her husbands, hence 'Black Widow'), and her brutal business practices. It offers a different perspective by focusing on one of the few prominent female figures in this history, highlighting her significant, violent impact on the drug world.

El Capo is a Colombian series that follows the fictional life of Pedro Pablo León Jaramillo, a ruthless and intelligent drug lord. While the character is fictional, he's often seen as an amalgamation of various real-life figures in the drug trade.

The series delves into the psychological aspects of the capo's life, his relationships, and the constant threat of capture or betrayal. It explores the impact of his criminal empire on his family and the society around him. It was one of the first major Colombian productions to tackle the subject of drug trafficking in a high-budget, dramatic format, paving the way for many series that followed.

Inspired by the life of Amado Carrillo Fuentes, the leader of the Juárez Cartel, El Señor de los Cielos (The Lord of the Skies) is a long-running, action-packed series that has captivated audiences for years. The title refers to the character Aurelio Casillas's large fleet of aircraft used to transport drugs.

The show is known for its high-octane drama, complex characters, and intense storylines that blend real historical events with fictionalized narratives. Rafael Amaya's portrayal of Aurelio Casillas is iconic in the narco-novela genre. While it leans more towards telenovela style than a docu-drama, it provides a thrilling look at the power, violence, and corruption surrounding the drug trade in Mexico and beyond.

La Reina del Sur (The Queen of the South) is a groundbreaking series that brought the narco-novela genre to global prominence. Based on the acclaimed novel by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, it tells the story of Teresa Mendoza, a woman who rises from a humble background to become one of the most powerful drug traffickers in Spain.

Starring the incredible Kate del Castillo, the series is a thrilling saga of survival, betrayal, and power. It's less about historical figures and more about a fictional character navigating a very real and dangerous world. Its success led to an American adaptation (Queen of the South), but the original has a raw intensity and cultural authenticity that resonates deeply. Teresa's journey is one of resilience and transformation in a male-dominated world.

Following the trail of notorious figures, El Chapo delves into the life of Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán, the infamous leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. This series provides a dramatic portrayal of his rise, his multiple infamous escapes from prison, and the relentless efforts to capture him.

The show gives you a front-row seat to the internal power struggles within the cartel and the cat-and-mouse game played with authorities. It's a gripping narrative that covers several decades, offering a look at the evolution of one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations. If you're fascinated by the kingpins themselves and the intricate details of their operations and evasions, this series offers a compelling, action-packed perspective.

Pablo Escobar: The Drug Lord, known in Latin America as 'El Patrón del Mal', is a sprawling, detailed chronicle of the life of arguably the most infamous drug trafficker in history. Unlike Narcos, which often balances multiple perspectives, this series puts Escobar himself front and center.

Clocking in at over 100 episodes, it offers an incredibly deep dive into his rise from humble beginnings to becoming a global criminal mastermind. The actor portraying Escobar delivers a truly compelling performance, capturing the many facets of his personality. It's based heavily on the book 'La Parábola de Pablo' and features many real-life characters, providing a fascinating, albeit lengthy, look at the man who shaped Colombia's tumultuous history in the late 20th century. Prepare for an epic journey through the life and crimes of 'El Patrón'.

If you loved Narcos, jumping into Narcos: Mexico is an absolute must! This series isn't just a spin-off; it's a powerful continuation that shifts the focus to the origins of the modern Mexican drug war. You'll witness the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel under the ambitious Félix Gallardo, portrayed with chilling charisma.

The storytelling is just as gritty and immersive as the original, exploring the complex dance between traffickers, law enforcement (hello, DEA!), and the political forces at play. The cast is phenomenal, bringing historical figures to life with intensity. It's a deep dive into a pivotal era, showing how the landscape of narcotics trafficking evolved in North America. Get ready for intense drama, historical context, and the signature Narcos style you can't get enough of!