Raymond Cruz may forever be etched in TV history as the unhinged Tuco Salamanca from Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, but his career extends far beyond that explosive, wild-eyed villain. Before he ever stepped into Tuco's chaotic world, Cruz was already building a different kind of legacy in one of cable's most reliable police-procedural franchises. Now, that franchise's gripping spin-off is finally coming to free streaming.
Major Crimes, the six-season follow-up to TNT's hit The Closer, will be available to stream for free on Pluto TV starting June 1, 2026. The series picks up where its predecessor left off, but instead of simply replicating the same formula, it shifts the focus to plea deals, cooperation agreements, and deeper serialized arcs. The result is a procedural that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.
Cruz stars as Detective Julio Sanchez, a role he played for 105 episodes from 2012 to 2018. Unlike his brief but unforgettable run as Tuco—spanning just three episodes each in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul—Sanchez gave Cruz the room to develop a character over years, showcasing a quieter, more methodical side of his acting range. The ensemble cast also includes Mary McDonnell, G.W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan, Phillip P. Keene, Robert Gossett, Jon Tenney, and Jonathan Del Arco, with Graham Patrick Martin's Rusty Beck providing the show's most personal long-running thread.
For fans of crime thrillers and procedurals, Major Crimes offers a binge-worthy experience that balances high-stakes investigations with character-driven drama. The series originally aired on TNT and earned a loyal following for its smart writing and strong performances. If you're looking for something to sink your teeth into after finishing Deli Boys Season 2, this might be your next obsession.
Since Major Crimes ended, Cruz has taken on a variety of roles, including a notable turn in the 2021 drama Nova Vita, which also featured Dean Norris (another Breaking Bad alum) alongside Titus Welliver, Michel Gill, and Robert Knepper. That series explored themes of identity and second chances, but Cruz hasn't landed another comparable series role since. His recent work has leaned more toward film, but his legacy in TV remains strong.
For those who love a good procedural with a twist, Major Crimes is a must-watch. And if you're in the mood for something even more intense, check out Netflix Thriller 'I Came By', which delivers a sinister cat-and-mouse game with a killer twist. Or, for a completely different vibe, Stream Eureka Free for a quirky sci-fi series that's perfect for cozy bingeing.
Major Crimes will be available to stream for free on Pluto TV starting June 1, 2026. Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates.
