10 Shows Like America’s War on Drugs

Description: While primarily about organized crime, the series frequently touches on drug trafficking and its impact on both the criminal underworld and suburban life.

Fact: The show is often credited with revolutionizing television drama and paving the way for complex, character-driven series.

Description: A multi-narrative film that examines the drug trade from various perspectives, including users, dealers, law enforcement, and politicians.

Fact: The film was based on a British miniseries and was adapted to focus on the US-Mexico drug war.

Description: Biographical film about George Jung, a key figure in the cocaine trade in the 1970s and 1980s, showcasing the rise and fall of a drug trafficker.

Fact: The real George Jung consulted on the film and even made a cameo appearance.

Description: Follows a corrupt police strike team that operates in the gray areas of law enforcement, often dealing with drug-related crimes and moral dilemmas.

Fact: The show was groundbreaking for its raw, unflinching portrayal of police corruption and violence.

Description: Explores the complexities of drug trade and its impact on urban communities, law enforcement, and politics, with a gritty, realistic portrayal.

Fact: The show was praised for its accurate depiction of Baltimore's drug scene, with many real-life figures consulting on the series.

Description: A dark comedy about a suburban widow who turns to selling marijuana to maintain her lifestyle, blending humor with the realities of the drug trade.

Fact: The show's theme song, 'Little Boxes,' was covered by various artists in each season, including Elvis Costello and Regina Spektor.

Description: Delves into the transformation of a mild-mannered chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin, highlighting the moral decay and systemic issues in the drug trade.

Fact: The show's iconic blue meth was inspired by real-life methamphetamine production techniques.

Description: A brutal and unflinching look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, with a heavy focus on drug trafficking and its violent consequences.

Fact: The series is based on a bestselling book by Roberto Saviano, who has lived under police protection due to death threats from the Camorra.

Description: Chronicles the rise of crack cocaine in Los Angeles during the 1980s, focusing on the interconnected lives of dealers, users, and law enforcement.

Fact: The series was co-created by John Singleton, who drew from his own experiences growing up in South Central LA.

Description: A global thriller that traces the journey of a cocaine shipment from Mexico to Italy, revealing the interconnectedness of the international drug trade.

Fact: The series was filmed in multiple countries, including Mexico, Italy, and Senegal, to authentically depict the global drug network.