Narcos: Where to Watch, Episodes, Cast & Reviews

Journey deep into the shadowy world of cartels, law enforcement, and political intrigue with Narcos—the acclaimed Netflix drama that chronicles the real-life rise and fall of infamous drug lords. From riveting storytelling and powerhouse performances to bold depictions of power and violence, here’s everything you need to know about Narcos: how many episodes, who stars, global ratings, and where to stream.

How Many Seasons and Episodes Does Narcos Have?

Narcos is comprised of three seasons with a total of 30 episodes. Each season has 10 episodes, running between 45 to 60 minutes each.

• Season 1: 10 episodes (premiered August 28, 2015)
• Season 2: 10 episodes (September 2, 2016)
• Season 3: 10 episodes (September 1, 2017)

After Narcos, the franchise continued with the separate anthology series Narcos: Mexico (also 3 seasons, with 30 episodes), set in a different country and featuring new characters.

What Is the Plot/Storyline of Narcos?

Narcos tells the gripping, true-life story of the rise and fall of Colombian drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the global cocaine trade he helped create. Set in the late 1970s through the early 1990s, the series chronicles both the inner workings of the Medellín Cartel and the efforts of law enforcement and political leaders to dismantle it.

Season 1

The narrative begins with the emergence of Escobar, a charismatic smuggler who rapidly scales up his empire after discovering the lucrative American demand for cocaine. With partnerships formed with fellow traffickers and deals brokered with paramilitaries and corrupt officials, Escobar quickly becomes one of the richest—yet most wanted—men on Earth. The show dramatizes his investments in social projects for public favor as well as increasingly violent acts of intimidation and terror.

The story is told through the eyes of DEA agent Steve Murphy, who, alongside partner Javier Peña, is sent to Colombia to track and apprehend Escobar. Their investigation is constantly thwarted by bureaucracy, bribes, and the cartel’s ruthless tactics. Season one climaxes with Escobar’s forced “surrender” in exchange for luxury prison accommodations—a victory that soon proves hollow.

Season 2

As Escobar escapes his self-built prison, the Colombian government, DEA, and rival cartels close in. The hunt becomes more desperate and bloody, with both sides inflicting vicious attacks on civilians and authorities alike. The show explores Escobar’s increasingly volatile psychology, his family life, and his ultimate isolation. Season two builds to a climactic shootout on a Medellín rooftop, ending in Escobar’s death—a pivotal moment that leaves a power vacuum in Colombia’s underworld.

Season 3

With Escobar gone, the focus shifts to the Cali Cartel—a far more corporate, clandestine, and politically connected enterprise led by the Rodríguez Orejuela brothers. Peña (now the narrator and main character) teams up with new allies in the Colombian police and government as they work to infiltrate Cali’s tightly controlled hierarchy. New enemies arise, new compromises are made with corrupt powers, and the series explores the evolving face of the drug war. This final chapter shows the perpetual cycle of violence, betrayal, and moral ambiguity that defines the global fight against narcotics.

Across all seasons, Narcos is noted for its authentic historical detail, bilingual English-Spanish storytelling, and exploration of the impact of the drug trade on society, families, and politics. The stark realism, voiceover narration, archival footage, and complex characters make for a tense, addictive viewing experience.

What Are the Casts of Narcos?

Narcos features a stellar, international cast, including:

• Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar
• Boyd Holbrook as Steve Murphy (DEA agent and narrator)
• Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña (DEA agent, narrator S3)
• Maurice Compte as Colonel Horacio Carrillo
• Juan Pablo Raba as Gustavo Gaviria
• Joanna Christie as Connie Murphy
• Paulina Gaitán as Tata Escobar
• Bruno Bichir as Fernando Duque
• Raúl Méndez as César Gaviria (Colombian President)
• Damián Alcázar as Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela (Cali Cartel head, S3)
• Alberto Ammann as Pacho Herrera (Cali Cartel, S3)
• Francisco Denis as Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela (Cali Cartel, S3)
• Matias Varela as Jorge Salcedo (Cali Cartel, S3)
• Numerous recurring and guest appearances from celebrated Latin American and global actors

What Are the Reviews of Narcos?

Reddit Reviews

Reddit users widely acclaim Narcos for its “incredibly tense, binge-worthy storytelling,” sharp writing, Wagner Moura’s “uncanny” performance as Escobar, and authentic mix of English/Spanish dialogue. Many praise the show’s balance of action and nuanced characters: “No one is truly good or evil.” Some, however, find the show’s sudden pacing shifts jarring, and late seasons draw debate about the compelling nature of the Cali Cartel storyline. Overall, the series is recommended as an elite crime drama—especially the first two seasons.

Douban Reviews

On Douban, China’s prominent review platform, Narcos enjoys high esteem, with Season 1 rated 9.2/10. Chinese viewers praise the series for its documentary realism, gripping plot, and Wagner Moura’s transformation into Escobar—some noting his Colombian accent and impressive acting. The mix of history, crime, and personal tragedy resonates with many, though some find the violence graphic.

IMDb Reviews

Narcos is rated a strong 8.8/10 on IMDb from over 400,000 reviews. Reviewers consistently highlight the “brilliant acting, cinematography, and suspenseful narrative.” Fans note the show's attention to real-life details and its insightful portrayal of 1980s Colombia. Some identify the presence of “filler” episodes in later seasons but overall consider Narcos “one of the best series to come out of Netflix.”

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Multiple seasons of Narcos are “Certified Fresh,” with critic scores between 86% and 89% and audience ratings at 91%. Critics hail the meticulous authenticity and gripping drama, noting that while the violence can be “harrowing,” the show “never lets viewers forget the human cost.” The pacing and intensity of the first two seasons win particular acclaim, while season three receives solid, if slightly more muted, praise for its shift in focus.

Where to Watch Narcos?

All three seasons of Narcos are available to stream exclusively on Netflix worldwide, including Hong Kong. The series is not available on free or alternative streaming platforms. Netflix offers episodes in multiple languages with HD and downloadable options for offline viewing.

If you’re seeking more crime drama, the “Narcos universe” continues directly with Narcos: Mexico—also only on Netflix.

Narcos delivers a captivating glimpse into the true story behind the war on drugs and remains one of Netflix’s definitive, must-see originals.