Netflix's new British crime thriller 'Legends' has been hailed as the next 'Breaking Bad', earning a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes within weeks of its May 2026 release. The six-part series, created by Neil Forsyth, dramatises the real-life story of British customs investigators who infiltrated the drug world in the 1980s and 1990s.
Star-Studded Cast and Critical Acclaim
The series features an ensemble cast including Steve Coogan, Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, and Aml Ameen. Critics and viewers have praised the performances, with one Rotten Tomatoes review stating: 'Tom Burke is an extraordinary actor... He can express more with a look than many writers can say in words.' Another viewer called the show 'as close to The Wire as any British crime drama ever has.'
Grounded Realism and Compelling Storyline
Set in the early 1990s, 'Legends' follows a group of underfunded customs officers who go undercover to intercept tonnes of narcotics. Viewers have highlighted the show's 'realism' and focus on working-class characters. One fan wrote: 'Unlike other excellent shows such as Money Heist... Legends feels grounded and believable from start to finish.'
The series has been described as 'utterly compelling' and 'one of the best crime series' in recent years. All six episodes are now streaming on Netflix.
