Among the newest Netflix offerings is the K-drama, Narco-Saints. Based on a true story, the miniseries follows the struggling mechanic, In-gu, who flies to Suriname to take advantage of the untapped fish export market, only for him to get sucked into a cult leader’s drug trafficking business.
With only six episodes, the miniseries leaves viewers wanting more after the finale. But since the events are based on what happened in real-life, little can be done to keep the saga going. However, there are a number of similar shows to satisfy those who enjoyed In-gu's wild adventures.
Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013)
Stream On Netflix
Considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, the AMC series revolves around the chemistry teacher, Walter White, who decides to start manufacturing meth after a cancer diagnosis to ensure he leaves enough for his family when he dies. Soon, he grows into one of the most powerful drug lords in the United States.
Similarities can be seen in the motivations of Walter White and the Narco-Saints protagonist, In-gu. Both are tired of living hand to mouth, hence they take a big risk in order to make sure their families leave comfortably. Both characters are great thinkers too, able to come up with workable solutions on the go. However, In-gu has a higher moral compass as he helps the authorities take down a major drug lord, whereas Walter willingly sinks further and further into crime. Nonetheless, fans will find themselves falling deeply in love with both characters because of how fleshed out they are.
ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Stream On Amazon Prime Video
Events cover the troubled journey of a cocaine shipment being sold to an Italian mafia boss by Mexican drug lords. A slight delay results in several consequences for various parties.
Most shows about the drug trade rarely show viewers how the products move from manufacturers to consumers and ZeroZeroZero does a great job of showing how complicated that journey is. From respectable businessmen to the military, several players are involved, all wanting a cut, and with the disagreement comes violence. And viewers who enjoyed the new Netflix drama will quickly warm up to this one too since the storylines of both shows involve transporting drugs using containers for legitimate goods.
Ozark (2017 - 2022)
Stream On Netflix
In one of Jason Bateman’s best-ever roles, he plays financial adviser, Marty Byrde, who is forced to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel in order to protect his family. As time goes on, he becomes a bigger part of the operation.
Marty and In-gu from Narco Saints are birds of a feather too. The financial adviser never ever imagines being a part of the drug trade and only gets sucked into it by circumstances. Still, he makes the most of his predicament, Like In-gu, Marty gets close to the boss and manipulates him to his benefit. Despite facing numerous dangers along the way, both men end up just fine in the end because they are smart.
Narcos (2015 - 2017)
Stream On Netflix
The series chronicles the rise of fall of the notorious Colombian drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar, as well as the Cali Cartel. Events are told from the DEA’s perspective.
Apart from simply entertaining viewers, Narcos serves as a history lesson. Such is also the case with the new Netflix Korean series. Events are so shocking they could be presumed as fiction, but they are very real. At the center of both shows are ruthless drug lords who appear to have total control over their countries. Pablo has several police officers and government officials in his pocket and so does Pastor Jeon. Both shows specifically focus on the cocaine trade too. Despite the power and influence, the glory days don’t last for long, thanks to the presence of the DEA.
Power (2014 - 2020)
Stream On Netflix
New York businessman, James St. Patrick, masquerades as a nightclub owner, but he is actually a drug trafficker. His criminal journey makes him collide with his family while creating newer enemies for him every single day.
St. Patrick and the Narco-Saints villain, Pastor Jeon, operate from the same template, fooling the masses that they are good people but deep down, they are the embodiments of evil. But Power doesn’t just focus on drugs. It perfectly explores the romantic relationships of its characters too and on occasion, it dives into politics. This way, viewers who frown at the sight of white powder have other arcs to follow.
Good Girls (2018 - 2021)
Stream On Netflix
Three struggling mothers rob a supermarket only to discover that the business is a front for a cartel. One of the enforcers then forces them to launder money for him in order to spare their lives.
Getting into the drug trade by accident is an overused trope but when it is incorporated in the right way, the entertainment value still remains. Such is the case with Good Girls, a show that brilliantly blends family drama with crime-related activities. Watching the women morph from law-abiding moms to expert criminals is as fascinating as watching them try to free themselves from the shackles of the cartel enforcer. Though the villain isn’t as convincing, the strong performances by the three actresses make this one of the best shows with badass female leads.
Snowfall (2017 - )
Stream On Hulu
The series tells the tale of the crack epidemic of the 80s. Soon as Los Angeles teenager, Franklin Saint, decides to become involved, his life changes for both the better and the worst.
Unlike other shows about the drug trade, Snowfall is a slow burn, focusing on the dialogue, sounds, and pretty sights. Viewers will also appreciate the fact that it doesn’t have the stereotypical drug kingpin that lives in an expensive estate and has bodyguards surrounding him. Here, it’s just a young man who gets to play both trafficker and henchman as he learns the ropes.
El Chapo (2017 - 2018)
Stream On Netflix
One of the best Spanish shows on Netflix chronicles the life of notorious Mexican drug lord, El Chapo. Events stretch from his youthful days to the time of his incarceration.
Like Narcos, the series benefits from telling the tale of someone who is well-known around the world. Since the drug lord’s life is already eventful enough, El Chapo doesn’t ail from a weak plot or a lack of action. Even for those who’ve already, there is still a lot to learn, thanks to the well-written supporting characters who help make all the wheels of the drug empire turn.
Weeds (2005 - 2012)
Stream On Hulu
After the death of her husband, widow, Nancy Botwin, starts selling marijuana in order to maintain the lifestyle she and her children were used to. But with the money, comes new problems.
Viewers that get worn out by dark and gritty plots will appreciate the Showtime series for its tendency to always include a laugh-inducing moment or two whenever there is mayhem. Nancy's desire to make more money is similar to that of In-gu and Walter White but what separates her from them is that she mostly stays out of harm’s way.
Queen Of The South (2016 - 2021)
Stream On Netflix
After her boyfriend gets murdered by a cartel boss, Teresa flies to the United States. There, she ends up becoming one of the country’s biggest drug lords.
Queen Of The South has all the ingredients needed for a flashy drug drama. From expensive outfits to beautiful villas to gun-toting men, the show has it all. It’s a refreshing offering too since shows and movies with female cartel bosses are rare. Plenty of twists every few episodes also prevent the show from going stale.