Drug series are characterized by morally ambiguous stories that illuminate the complex effects of drug culture on individuals.
“Breaking Bad” (2008-2013) – a successful series about drugs
Vince Gilligan's American drama series is considered one of the best of its time and has received widespread recognition worldwide.
- The plot follows Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a chemistry teacher who produces crystal meth to provide financial security for his family after a lung cancer diagnosis.
- Together with his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), Walter gets deeper and deeper into the world of drug trafficking and transforms himself from a humble teacher into the feared drug lord Heisenberg.
- In Breaking Bad, the drug world is portrayed as a complex and dangerous environment. The series shows not only the economic incentives for drug trafficking, but also the devastating personal and social consequences.
- Walter White's decisions lead to a cycle of violence that endangers not only himself, but also his family and friends. The depictions of drug trafficking are realistic and often brutal, underscoring the moral ambivalences of the characters.
- The series was acclaimed by critics and viewers alike and received numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards. Her deep character development, complex plot and excellent acting performances were particularly praised.
„Narcos“ (2015-2017)
The American crime series, broadcast on Netflix, highlights the true stories of drug cartels in Colombia and the efforts of law enforcement to combat them.
- The series particularly focuses on the life of Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura), the notorious drug lord, and the rise of his Medellín cartel.
- Narcos shows how Escobar's empire thrives through violence, corruption and drug trafficking as DEA agents Steve Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) and Javier Peña (Pedro Pascal) try to take him down. Drugs are seen not only as an economic asset, but also as a catalyst for power struggles and social unrest.
- The series was positively received by critics and praised for its gripping narrative and acting performances, especially by Wagner Moura.
- It has appealed to both audiences and historians and is often considered one of the best series about the drug trade. It has also sparked discussions about the reality of the drug war and how it is portrayed in the media.
„4 Blocks“ (2017-2019)
The German drama series sheds light on the lives of Arab clans in Berlin-Neukölln and their criminal activities.
- The protagonist Toni Hamady (Kida Khodr Ramadan), leader of a family clan, is trying to get out of drug trafficking and organized crime. When his brother-in-law is arrested, he is forced to get back into the dark business in order to maintain control of the clan and assert himself against rival groups.
- The series addresses the challenges of integration and loyalty within the family.
- It shows the effects of drug trafficking on the lives of the protagonists and on the community and also addresses the violence and corruption that go hand in hand with these transactions. Drug trafficking is presented not only as an economic necessity but also as part of a complex social structure.
- 4 Blocks received mostly positive reviews for its gripping narrative and realistic production. The series has also sparked discussions about the reality of life in Neukölln and the influence of clan crime on society.