Netflix's new British crime thriller Legends has captivated audiences since its May 2026 release, earning comparisons to Breaking Bad from fans who describe it as 'extraordinary' and 'one of the best' crime series in recent years.
What Is 'Legends' About?
Set in the early 1990s, the six-episode series offers a dramatised account of a true story centred on a team of British customs investigators who infiltrated the drug underworld. The narrative is loosely inspired by real customs operations from the 1980s that seized several tonnes of illegal narcotics despite operating on a tight budget and limited resources.
Created by Neil Forsyth, Legends features an impressive cast including Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Aml Ameen. The show follows an unlikely squad of ordinary working-class individuals who go undercover with new identities, encountering some of Britain's most dangerous criminal gangs.
Critical and Audience Reception
The series has achieved a remarkable 97% overall rating on Rotten Tomatoes within weeks of its release. One reviewer on the platform said: 'I watch a great deal of British crime dramas. I highly recommend this series. Tom Burke is an extraordinary actor, and he does an amazing job in this series. He can express more with a look than many writers can say in words. Don't miss it! You won't be sorry.'
Another viewer commented: 'Brilliantly written, brilliantly acted, brilliantly put together. As crime dramas go, it's as close to The Wire (which, in my opinion, is perfect) as any British crime drama ever has. A brilliant ensemble cast with a few standout performances, Tom Burke especially. Great use of 90s music to help take the viewer back to the time.'
Why Fans Compare It to 'Breaking Bad'
One fan explained: 'I was completely gripped from start to finish, and I have to say it is the most entertaining programme I have watched all year so far. The cast are excellent throughout, and the storyline is compelling.' Another described Legends as 'one of the best crime series' seen in years, praising its 'realism' and noting: 'Unlike other excellent shows such as Money Heist, which often embrace spectacle and larger-than-life situations, Legends feels grounded and believable from start to finish.'
The show's authentic portrayal of working-class characters facing challenging circumstances resonates deeply with audiences. Each main character possesses compelling motivations, including a northerner determined to combat the devastation drugs have wreaked upon her community.
Legends is streaming now on Netflix.
