Netflix's British crime drama Legends has become a sensation, with fans comparing it to Breaking Bad and calling it 'one of the best' crime series in years. The show, which debuted in May 2026, holds a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Premise and Cast
Set in the early 1990s, Legends dramatises a true story about British customs investigators who went undercover in the drug underworld. The narrative is loosely inspired by a series of customs operations from the 1980s that seized several tonnes of narcotics despite operating on a shoestring budget. The series was created by Neil Forsyth and features an ensemble cast including Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Aml Ameen.
Critical and Audience Reception
Viewers have praised the performances, particularly Tom Burke's. One Rotten Tomatoes review stated: '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 wrote: 'Brilliantly written, brilliantly acted, brilliantly put together. As crime dramas go, it's as close to The Wire as any British crime drama ever has.'
Themes and Realism
The show's 'realism' has captivated audiences, portraying ordinary working-class people facing challenging circumstances. Each central character has a compelling motivation, such as a northerner determined to combat drugs in her community. One viewer explained: 'Unlike other excellent shows such as Money Heist, which often embrace spectacle, Legends feels grounded and believable from start to finish.'
All six episodes of Legends are now streaming on Netflix.
