Netflix‘s latest crime thriller is perfect for a quick binge, and it joins the ranks of recent miniseries like Adolescence, Baby Reindeer, and Untamed. Based on the incredible true story of undercover British Customs agents in the 1990s, the compelling series is currently #2 on FlixPatrol. With six highly addictive episodes to breeze through in a single sitting, it’s very much Britain’s answer to the hit drama Narcos.
All six episodes of Netflix’s well-reviewed gangster drama Legends dropped on May 7, 2026. Legends found instant streaming success, validating the show’s gripping underreported story, unpredictable twists, and superb cast led by Steve Coogan and Tom Burke. Despite its generic title and fairly uninspired poster art, Legends sheds light on some of England’s most unsung law enforcement heroes, honoring them with can’t-miss results.
‘Legends’ is Based on an Incredible, Unheralded True Story
Created by Neil Forsyth (Guilt, The Gold), Legends is a new six-episode British crime thriller based on the harrowing true story shared in the non-fiction book The Betrayer by Guy Stanton and Peter Walsh. The story is set in 1960s London, where Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise Department struggles to curb illegal drug smuggling. With illicit substances passing freely through Britain’s borders, the government assigns Customs agents to go undercover and infiltrate the most dangerous drug cartels, clean up the country’s crime rate, and make its citizens safer.
Featuring six tightly scripted, highly focused episodes that never lose sight of the fundamental true story it tells, Legends is a mature, adult-oriented crime series that feels like a brilliant cross between Narcos and The Wire. Thanks to the absorbing plot, riveting twists and turns, and the magnificent ensemble cast, including Hayley Squires, Aml Ameen, Jasmine Blackborow, Douglas Hodge, and Charlotte Ritchie, Legends is completely devoid of boring filler and remains enthralling from start to finish.
With Steve Coogan and Tom Burke leading the outstanding ensemble, the series benefits from having all six episodes written by Forsyth, with only two directors honing his vision. Brady Hood (Top Boy) directed the first four episodes, with Julian Holmes (The Boys) delivering the final two. In a masterful blend of writing, acting, and directing, Legends blends vivid characterizations with high-stakes consequences, shining a fascinating light on the unheralded heroes who helped the British government eliminate the country’s illegal drug trade in the ’90s.
‘Legends’ Marks a Rare Critical & Commercial Hit For Netflix
More often than not, a Netflix TV show that instantly shoots to the top of the most-watched streaming charts doesn’t receive glowing plaudits. Conversely, highly acclaimed prestige series don’t often rank among the most-viewed. At least, not at first. According to Bloomberg, a Netflix show that is both a critical darling and an instant Top 10 hit is relatively rare. Yet, with Legends earning rave reviews and reaching #3 on FlixPatrol within the first five days on the platform, and currently sitting at #1, the crime show has reached rarefied heights.
Legends also holds a 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86% Audience Score. The show also has an IMDb rating of 7.9, which indicates broad appeal among critics and non-critics. Between its critical mass and commercial appeal, Legends has a chance to be the next great Netflix crime series for years to come.
But here’s where things get really unpredictable. Given the show’s praise and popularity, Netflix is likely to renew Legends for at least another season. However, perhaps protecting itself from premature cancellation, Season 1 wraps up with a tidy resolution that provides immensely satisfying closure. There are no desperate cliffhangers or cynically shoehorned storylines that set up a second season, like Adolescence and Baby Reindeer. While that will make Netflix’s decision more difficult, Legends offers six deeply engaging true-crime episodes to consume at once.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
