The British crime thriller 'Legends', streaming on Netflix, has been hailed by viewers as 'one of the best crime series' in recent years, drawing comparisons to acclaimed shows like 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Wire'. The series has earned a 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with its gripping storyline and talented cast earning widespread praise.
True Story Inspiration
Set in the early 1990s, 'Legends' is a dramatised account of a true story centred on a group of British customs investigators who infiltrated the drugs underworld. The show is loosely based on a series of customs operations that took place during the 1980s, which intercepted several tonnes of narcotics despite operating on a tight budget and limited resources.
Star-Studded Cast
The series, created by Neil Forsyth and debuting on Netflix in May, features an impressive cast including Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Aml Ameen. Viewers have praised the performances, with one Rotten Tomatoes review stating: 'I watch a great deal of British crime dramas. I highly recommend this series.' Another viewer added: '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.'
Realism and Grounded Storytelling
What captivates viewers most is the show's sense of 'realism', featuring ordinary working-class people navigating difficult circumstances. All principal characters have compelling motivations behind their determination to tackle drug trafficking, including a northerner eager to combat the devastation drugs have wreaked upon her community. 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, according to one viewer.
Undercover Operations
The unlikely team is dispatched undercover with new identities, coming face to face with some of Britain's most dangerous criminal gangs. One viewer shared: '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.'
Critical Acclaim
The six-part series has accumulated an impressive overall review score on Rotten Tomatoes, reaching 97% in just a matter of weeks. Another viewer wrote: '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.' One viewer went so far as to declare that 'Legends' is 'one of the best crime series' they've watched in recent years.
'Legends' is streaming on Netflix now.
