Pedro Pascal has become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, thanks to blockbuster roles in The Mandalorian and The Fantastic Four: First Steps. But before he was a sci-fi icon, Pascal made his mark in a gritty, grounded crime saga that continues to dominate Netflix in May 2026: Narcos.
This three-season epic, which originally aired from 2015 to 2017, has found new life as a streaming staple. Co-starring Wagner Moura—who recently earned his first Oscar nomination for The Secret Agent—Narcos chronicles the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar and the DEA agents who hunted him. Pascal plays DEA Agent Javier Peña, a role that showcased his dramatic chops long before he became a household name.
The show's enduring popularity is no accident. With an 89% critics' score and 94% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Narcos is widely regarded as one of Netflix's best original series. Its spin-off, Narcos: Mexico, which ran for three seasons and stars Scoot McNairy, has also remained a fan favorite. Together, these shows form a crime universe that keeps viewers coming back for more.
For fans of modern crime dramas, Narcos sets a high bar. It's a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the genre's gold standard, much like Prime Video's 'Bosch' has done for streaming. The show's blend of historical accuracy, intense action, and complex characters makes it a binge-worthy choice for any weekend.
If you're looking for a complete story in a limited time, Narcos is one of those rare series that delivers perfection from start to finish. It's a prime example of how miniseries and short-run shows can pack a punch, as highlighted in our list of 10 Miniseries That Deliver Pure Perfection.
Created by Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato, and Doug Miro, Narcos remains a cornerstone of Netflix's library. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, now is the perfect time to dive into this crime saga. And with Pascal set to reprise his role as Reed Richards in Avengers: Doomsday, there's no better moment to revisit his earlier work.
All episodes of Narcos and Narcos: Mexico are streaming now on Netflix. For more streaming updates and coverage of Pascal's upcoming projects, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
