Netflix's thriller series 'Legends', starring Steve Coogan, has spent seven consecutive weeks in the streaming platform's Top 10 since its release on May 7. The show, created by Neil Forsyth, is based on the little-known true story of a top-secret 1990s operation to tackle drug smuggling across Britain's borders.
Plot and Cast
Set during Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government, the series follows an undercover customs official who busted £1 billion worth of class A drugs. Coogan plays Don, head of operations for HM Customs and Excise, who recruits and trains ordinary customs officers. Tom Burke stars as Guy, a working-class officer seeking meaning, while Hayley Squires plays Kate, who infiltrates a Liverpool drug gang. The cast also includes Tom Hughes, Aml Ameen, Jasmine Blackborow, Douglas Hodge, and Johnny Harris.
Critical and Audience Reception
The series holds a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times gave it a five-star review, calling it 'outstanding TV, elegant and composed' and noting 'it does not let its grip loosen for a second.' Jessica Toomer from Collider said, 'It might be the most watchable crime drama Netflix puts out this year.' Audience members have also praised the show. Tim J wrote: 'You don't get any better than this. Compulsive and totally immersive.' Jeffrey V added: 'Excellent storyline, pacing and acting… very bingeable, which I did, I watched the whole season in one day… take my advice and watch it. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.'
Social Media Buzz
On X, user @whatonnetflix described the series as 'a raw look at the heavy psychological toll of living a double life, anchored by an absolute MVP performance from Tom Burke,' adding, 'If you're a fan of gritty British crime dramas or Breaking Bad, this is your next binge.' Another user, Mo, said: 'As someone who may have at one point had a tangential relationship to the Liverpool drug trade, Netflix's latest is genuinely fantastic.' @Enge21 wrote: 'Thank you @mrneilforsyth (et al) for 'Legends' on @netflix. Quite simply, my favourite thing on telly at the moment.'
Background
The show is based on the book 'The Betrayer' by former undercover customs officer Guy Stanton and Peter Walsh. Burke's character Guy is based on Stanton. The series consists of six episodes and is available to stream on Netflix now.
