Eight Years Ago, Netflix’s Crime Epic With Pedro Pascal Officially Ended

by

Netflix boasts a diverse collection of original shows, with Pedro Pascal starring in one exceptional crime drama being a standout example. Ever since its debut as a streaming platform in 2007, Netflix has invested significantly in television production, generating numerous award-winning originals like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” and “Squid Game.” The platform offers a wide range of genres, from science fiction and comedy to drama, and crime is one of the most abundant categories. Whether you’re a fan of series such as “Breaking Bad” or “Ozark,” Netflix’s array of crime dramas is sure to impress. It’s also worth mentioning that Pascal has been associated with an impressive Netflix crime series early in his career.

Pascal played a significant role in the Netflix series “Narcos,” which ran for three seasons from 2015 to 2017. Set primarily during the 1970s to the 1990s, the show delves into the Colombian drug war, featuring key figures like Pablo Escobar (played by Wagner Moura), law enforcement officials, and DEA agents. Among them was Pascal’s character, Javier Peña, a dedicated DEA agent who worked relentlessly to dismantle Escobar’s operation and the Cali Cartel. Even eight years after “Narcos” Season 3 ended, it remains an impressive series that left a lasting impression on Netflix and Pascal himself.

Narcos Was a Fantastic Addition to Netflix’s Original TV Lineup

The series Narcos, available on Netflix, continues to captivate audiences with its powerfully crafted narrative and complex characters. What keeps viewers hooked is the high-stakes suspense, as drug lords and law enforcement agencies engage in intricate maneuvers, leading to intense action sequences and unexpected character deaths. The first two seasons, focusing on Pablo Escobar’s rise and downfall, are particularly gripping due to the impressive acting and meticulous attention to detail, providing a compelling portrayal of the man and his times.

The show’s authenticity, rooted in real-life events, adds an extra layer of intrigue. It doesn’t just focus on Escobar, but also explores lesser-known figures like Pacho Herrera (Alberto Ammann) and Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela (Damián Alcázar), all written with equal intrigue and depth. The interactions between DEA agent Steve Murphy, Colombian police forces, and other characters, including Horacio Carrillo (Maurice Compte) and protagonist Javier Peña, create some of the most engaging moments in the series.

Narcos shines as a gritty, absorbing, and thought-provoking crime drama by shedding light on the harsh realities, destruction, and futility of the drug war in Colombia.

In 2015, when Narcos made its debut, Netflix hadn’t yet established a significant presence in the crime genre. Shows like House of Cards and Orange is the New Black had already put Netflix on the map with their original content, while Daredevil and Sense8 ventured into the superhero and sci-fi realms. However, it was Narcos that truly solidified Netflix as a competent force in crime dramas, earning acclaim from both critics and viewers. With an 89% average score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a 95% audience rating, Narcos paved the way for other successful crime series on Netflix like Ozark and Mindhunter. Notably, Narcos was so successful it spawned a spinoff, Narcos: Mexico. Though Narcos: Mexico didn’t reach the same heights as its predecessor, it underscored the creative prowess of writers Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato, and Doug Miro in crafting scripted crime series based on real-life events.

Narcos Helped Fuel Pedro Pascal’s Distinguished Career

In the hit series Narcos, Pascal’s portrayal of character Peña was both captivating and influential for his future acting endeavors. Throughout the 30 episodes, Peña undergoes significant character development due to his exposure to brutal conflicts and government corruption in Colombia. Playing a hard-edged, ethically ambiguous yet relatable figure, Pascal portrays Peña’s unwavering resolve to take down Escobar and his associates while working within the constraints of a government agency. In seasons 1 and 2, where he is a supporting character, Pascal skillfully conveys Peña’s determination and internal struggles as events become increasingly dire for the DEA. As the series progresses and Peña takes center stage in season 3, Pascal excels in his expanded role, especially during the more harrowing moments that test his character’s strength and perseverance in the fight against the Medellín Cartel. The emotional toll of this relentless battle is evident as Peña transforms into the protagonist, and Pascal delivers a powerful performance.

In a career that took off with his groundbreaking role in Narcos, Pascal has since landed numerous significant roles. Two years post-Narcos finale, he starred as Din Djarin, the bounty hunter, in Star Wars: The Mandalorian, which spanned three seasons on Disney+ and is slated for a 2026 movie titled The Mandalorian and Grogu. Following this, Pascal portrayed Max Lord, the iconic DC villain, in Wonder Woman 1984 (2020). Three years later, he was cast as Joel Miller, the co-lead character, in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us.

Pascal’s diverse portfolio includes roles in comedy-drama Freaky Tales, animated film The Wild Robot, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, Celine Song’s Materialists, and Ari Aster’s Eddington. Most recently, Pascal stepped into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. While his range is evident in many performances, it seems that the raw authenticity he displayed in Narcos catapulted him to stardom in Hollywood.

All seasons of Narcos are available to stream on Netflix.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/best-netflix-tv-show-series-september-2025/embed/#

Read More

2025-08-30 20:40