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Tv shows to fuel your inner drug kingpin

Ever dreamt of the high-stakes life of a drug lord? While we don't condone the lifestyle, these TV shows offer a thrilling glimpse into the world of power, money, and danger. From meticulous meth empires to ruthless cartel operations, get ready to be captivated.

Ozark
Better Call Saul
El Chapo

The world of drug dealing on screen is a complex tapestry of ambition, violence, and moral ambiguity. These series don't just glorify the lifestyle; they delve into the human cost, the paranoia, and the intricate networks that define this dangerous game. From the gritty realism of 'The Wire,' which explores the drug trade as a systemic issue, to the operatic drama of 'Narcos,' that chronicles the rise and fall of infamous drug kingpins, the list offers a diverse range of perspectives.

Shows like 'Breaking Bad' showcases a chemistry teacher's transformation into a drug lord to secure his family's future, and 'Ozark' displays a financial advisor that gets caught up in a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel, highlighting the slippery slope of ambition. Some delve into the impact on families, the constant threat of betrayal, and the psychological toll of living outside the law. Whether you're drawn to the intricate planning, the power struggles, or the moral dilemmas, this collection of shows will have you on the edge of your seat, questioning everything you thought you knew about the drug trade.

8. Weeds (2005)

Weeds tells the story of Nancy Botwin, a suburban widow who starts selling marijuana to support her family. The show is a dark comedy that explores themes of suburban hypocrisy, economic desperation, and the changing attitudes towards marijuana. Mary-Louise Parker delivers a captivating performance as Nancy, showcasing her character's resourcefulness and moral flexibility. The series is known for its witty writing, its quirky characters, and its satirical take on suburban life. Did you know that the show's creator, Jenji Kohan, also created Orange Is the New Black? Weeds offers a lighter, more comedic take on the drug trade.

Weeds

7. Power (2014)

Power follows James 'Ghost' St. Patrick, a wealthy nightclub owner who leads a double life as a drug kingpin. The series explores the allure and dangers of power, as well as the challenges of balancing two conflicting worlds. Omari Hardwick delivers a charismatic performance as Ghost, showcasing his character's ambition and internal conflicts. The show is known for its fast-paced plot, its high-stakes drama, and its soundtrack. Executive produced by Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson, who also stars in the series, Power offers a glimpse into the world of drug dealing, money laundering, and betrayal.

Power

6. Narcos (2015)

Focusing on the cartels that emerged after the fall of Pablo Escobar, Narcos: Mexico shifts the setting to Mexico and explores the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel. Diego Luna delivers a compelling performance as Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the 'Godfather' of the Mexican drug trade. The series delves into the political corruption and law enforcement failures that allowed the cartels to flourish. This spin-off offers a fresh perspective on the drug war, highlighting the unique challenges and dynamics of the Mexican drug trade. The show underscores the interconnectedness of the drug trade across borders, highlighting the global implications of the drug war.

Narcos

5. El Chapo (2017)

El Chapo offers a fictionalized account of the life of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, from his humble beginnings to his rise as the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel. The series provides a glimpse into the inner workings of the drug trade and the complex relationships between cartel members, politicians, and law enforcement. The show portrays the violence, corruption, and betrayal that defined El Chapo's reign. It's worth noting that the series sparked controversy due to its depiction of real-life events and figures. If you're interested in the real-life story, this provides a dramatized take on a notorious figure.

El Chapo

4. Better Call Saul (2015)

Serving as both a prequel and a sequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul tells the story of Jimmy McGill's transformation into the crooked lawyer Saul Goodman. The show is a character-driven drama that explores themes of identity, ambition, and morality. Bob Odenkirk delivers a tour-de-force performance as Jimmy, showcasing his character's wit, charm, and self-destructive tendencies. The series is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and its slow-burn storytelling. The black-and-white sequences that bookend each season offer a glimpse into Saul's life after Breaking Bad, adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative. Watching Saul's evolution is as fascinating as it is tragic.

Better Call Saul

3. Ozark (2017)

Ozark follows Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who uproots his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. The show is a slow-burn thriller that explores the dark underbelly of suburban life and the lengths people will go to protect their families. Jason Bateman and Laura Linney deliver powerful performances as the Byrdes, showcasing their characters' resourcefulness and moral compromises. The series is known for its dark, atmospheric cinematography and its intricate plot twists. A interesting tidbit: the blue tint prevalent in the show's visuals symbolizes the cold, calculating nature of the characters and their environment. A great series!

Ozark

2. Narcos (2015)

Narcos throws you headfirst into the cocaine trade of the 1980s, chronicling the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. With a blend of archival footage and gripping drama, the series paints a brutal, unflinching portrait of the drug war. Wagner Moura delivers a captivating performance as Escobar, showcasing both his charisma and his monstrous cruelty. The show is notable for its bilingual dialogue, seamlessly weaving between Spanish and English. The series doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and corruption that plagued Colombia during this era. Did you know that many of the locations used in filming were actual places where events depicted in the show occurred?

Narcos

1. Breaking Bad (2008)

What starts as a desperate attempt to secure his family's future transforms Walter White into Heisenberg, a ruthless drug kingpin. Bryan Cranston's portrayal is nothing short of iconic, charting a mesmerizing descent from meek chemistry teacher to criminal mastermind. The show is a masterclass in tension, moral ambiguity, and the corrosive nature of power. The writing is tight, the performances are stellar, and the stakes are always life and death. Did you know that the show's creator, Vince Gilligan, originally pitched the concept as 'Mr. Chips turns into Scarface?' What a ride!

Breaking Bad

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