--- title: "Narcos: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/tv/narcos/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/tv/narcos" critics_score: 78 critics_reviews: 8 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Narcos (2015): what the critics said Critics' score 78 from 8 reviews: 7 positive, 1 mixed, 0 negative. Most critics like Narcos, and the praise clusters in the same places. Seven of the eight reviews are positive, and they return to Wagner Moura’s performance as Pablo Escobar, which several call the anchor of the series, and to a breadth of storytelling that follows the DEA and Colombian politics as closely as it follows the cartel. The documentary-like approach, with archive footage cut into the drama, is singled out repeatedly, as is a gritty, grounded feel that reviewers say separates it from earlier Escobar dramas. The reservations are about shape rather than substance. Den of Geek finds the first episode heavy with exposition before the series settles. The AV Club enjoys it while conceding it leans on familiar war-on-drugs tropes. Collider notes a sympathy for Escobar and a reluctance to show the full horror of his actions. The one mixed review, from IndieWire, thinks the pacing is uneven and the series does not make enough of its material. The spread is narrow; nobody dislikes it. ## The Hollywood Reporter — Tim Goodman Fi1m's normalised score 85/100 (inferred from the text). 19 August 2015. The critic praises the series for its impressive breadth and depth, grittier grounded feel, and superior writing, acting and directing that sets it apart from other Escobar biopics. They single out the wider focus on multiple perspectives around the story and the documentary-like style for praise. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/narcos-netflix-pablo-escobar-816232/) ## The AV Club — Joshua Alston Rating B+. 28 August 2015. Narcos is a compelling and addictive drama that embraces familiar war-on-drugs tropes with enthusiasm and style, making for entertaining television despite lacking originality. [Read the review](https://www.avclub.com/netflix-s-drug-war-drama-narcos-gives-summer-television-1798184730) ## The Telegraph Rating 4/5. 28 August 2015. The critic calls the series superb and devastatingly addictive, praising its layered depiction of Pablo Escobar's empire-building and the DEA's efforts, along with Wagner Moura's nuanced lead performance. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/on-demand/2016/07/21/narcos-is-devastatingly-addictive--season-1-review/) ## Variety — Brian Lowry Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 18 August 2015. The critic describes it as a compelling drama and history lesson with a Goodfellas vibe that offers a taut, gripping narrative. They single out the incorporation of actual footage and the broader chronicle of Latin American political history for praise. [Read the review](https://variety.com/2015/tv/reviews/narcos-review-pablo-escobar-drama-netflix-1201570440/) ## Vulture Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 28 August 2015. The series is addictive smart entertainment, a meaty dramatization anchored by a fantastic performance from Wagner Moura as Escobar and confident storytelling that feels of its moment. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/narcos-review-new-netflix-show-is-addictive.html) ## IndieWire — Liz Shannon Miller Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 28 August 2015. The series shows promise in its depiction of the drug trade but struggles with uneven pacing and narrative choices that fail to fully capitalize on its potential. [Read the review](https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/shows/review-narcos-season-1-had-promise-but-netflix-could-have-learned-from-entourage-58813/) ## Collider — Chris Cabin Rating ★★★★. 27 August 2015. The critic finds Netflix's series a rollicking and engaging take on Pablo Escobar's story that ultimately delivers blazing fury and elegant moodiness. It singles out the show's sympathy for Escobar and occasional reluctance to fully depict the horror of his actions for praise or complaint. [Read the review](https://collider.com/narcos-review-netflix-series-pablo-escobar/) ## Den of Geek — Gabriel Bergmoser Fi1m's normalised score 75/100 (inferred from the text). 28 August 2015. Narcos stumbles with a weak first episode heavy on exposition but rapidly improves into a compelling binge-watch with strong performances, gritty realism, and a fresh take on real events. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/narcos-netflixs-new-crime-thriller-is-worth-sticking-with/) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/tv/narcos.md