Netflix’s Griselda Is a Near-Perfect Narcos Follow-Up

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Crime dramas remain incredibly popular on streaming services. Studios are constantly finding fresh approaches to these stories, whether they’re based on real crimes or entirely made up with fascinating characters. It’s a mystery why audiences are so captivated by these dark and intense narratives.

Perhaps the appeal of Narcos lies in its contrast with the fantastical nature of many modern shows. The difference between series like The Rings of Power and gritty, realistic dramas like Narcos is striking. While that realism likely plays a role in its success, it’s also clear that viewers simply appreciate well-made television, and Narcos definitely delivers on that front.

Narcos Established a New Era for Crime Storytelling

To understand why Narcos succeeded, it’s important to remember the television landscape at the time. The show launched during a period many consider a new golden age of TV, following the huge success of shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, which had already raised the bar for quality and captivated audiences.

But it was Breaking Bad that really sparked the current popularity of stories focused on crime. The show had complex, flawed characters and a disturbingly fascinating criminal world that captivated viewers.

The show Narcos arrived as competition among streaming services was really starting to grow. While Netflix was the leader at the time, it was clear other companies were aiming to take over. Netflix didn’t have as much content overall as some competitors, but it had become well-known for producing a variety of shows that were much higher quality than what you’d find on regular cable TV.

It fit well with Netflix’s existing shows, which often featured unique and original content, such as Orange is the New Black.

Narcos gained popularity because of its bold storytelling and its connection to the true story of Pablo Escobar. Although the show took some creative liberties with the facts, it was generally accurate enough to cause concern among industry professionals and even spark reactions from members of the criminal world as the series aired.

It is rare in real-world events.

Drug trafficking remains a major issue, with new criminal leaders rising to power in ways similar to Pablo Escobar. It’s understandable that the true stories behind these figures inspired many imitations, especially after the success of the Narcos series. While some of these attempts have been successful, others haven’t reached the same level of notoriety as the original Netflix show.

Many attempts to continue the story just didn’t live up to the original. The first installment was so exceptional – its depiction of a harsh and realistic world was incredibly powerful – that anything following felt inadequate. It set a standard that was nearly impossible to meet.

Griselda Was Inspired By Another Colombian Crime Lord

While many shows tried to follow in the footsteps of Narcos, Griselda stood out as one that truly understood the original and aimed for a more sophisticated approach. It didn’t try to simply copy Narcos or replace it; instead, it forged its own path, celebrating the unique aspects of its story and differentiating itself from what came before.

The series focuses on the life of a powerful drug lord, known as the ‘Cocaine Godmother,’ who was a major figure in the drug trade. Similar to Pablo Escobar, she moved from Medellín to Miami in the 1970s and 80s and built a seemingly unbreakable criminal empire. The show details her ascent to power and her eventual downfall, despite appearing untouchable.

Much of Narcos focuses on the widespread issues in Colombia and how they affected the US and neighboring countries. What makes this show particularly interesting is its shift in perspective, examining the US side of the story more closely while also highlighting Griselda’s significant role in a world traditionally dominated by men.

Griselda was incredibly strong and determined, but she lacked a strong moral center. The show follows her story alongside that of June Hawkins, a detective relentlessly working to dismantle her criminal organization.

The lead actress delivers a captivating performance, revealing a depth of talent rarely seen from her. She portrays the character with incredible intensity and emotion, and is genuinely frightening when the role calls for it. She fully embodies the complex character, and is supported by a fantastic supporting cast.

Juliana Aidén Martinez deserves special recognition as she powerfully co-led the series alongside Vergara. Together, they created a strong foundation that essentially launched a new standard for the genre, similar to how Narcos did.

The Show Is Focused Enough to Demonstrate Why the Crime Genre Still Works

We need to evaluate these shows fairly. While Griselda didn’t become as culturally significant as Narcos, and Narcos: Mexico didn’t get quite as much attention, neither sparked the same widespread conversation about being one of the all-time greats as the original Narcos did.

Despite everything happening around it, Griselda remained compelling, balancing moments of brightness with darkness. Sofía Vergara’s performance is comparable to Wagner Moura’s; both actors skillfully and powerfully carry their shows.

Despite its complexity, the show remained highly regarded, earning an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics particularly praised its ability to keep a large, intricate story focused, and to develop supporting storylines with the same care as the main character’s journey.

Honestly, it was a bit lengthy, but I appreciated that the story wasn’t rushed. It felt like they really let things unfold naturally, which is great, even though it was designed for us to watch several episodes at once, you know, the way most streaming shows are.

Years after Narcos, Griselda proves that the crime drama genre—and the storytelling techniques that show popularized—still resonates with viewers today. Even with changes in the television landscape, there’s clearly still a demand for these kinds of stories, as long as they’re well-executed.

As a critic, I have to admit Narcos really ballooned as it went on. What started as a focused story about a specific conflict eventually spread out, becoming this huge, sprawling world. Honestly, sometimes it felt like the show was trying to juggle too many plotlines and characters, and the central tension got a little lost in the shuffle.

What sets Griselda apart is its intimate focus on characters, even within a larger story. While the broader context is shown, it always connects back to the personal journeys and challenges of those at the heart of this subtle, sweeping narrative. The rivalry between Griselda and Narcos might seem vast, but ultimately, it boils down to who makes the right moves at the right time.

If Griselda had come out sooner, it might have been even more successful. What’s undeniable is that both shows honor and help preserve the traditions of their genre.

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2026-04-25 05:19