Netflix's Limited Series About Infamous Drug Kingpin Is Awesome | REVIEW

Netflix appears to have a new hit on its hands with "Griselda."

The series stars Sofia Vergara as legendary drug kingpin Griselda Blanco. The Colombian-born drug lord ruled with an iron fist and seemed to attract violence no matter where she was.

Now, Netflix is bringing her infamous story to viewers in America. I won't spoil how Blanco's story went in real life. Google is your friend if you want to know without watching the show.

What I will say is that I was fired up for "Griselda" as soon as the first trailer, and finally had the chance to catch the first episode Sunday night.

"Griselda" with Sofia Vergara is worth watching.

Expectations were high. How could they not be? Drug series, especially true ones, are almost always great. Americans have a weird fascination with kingpins, narco wars, Pablo Escobar and, of course, Americans love violence when it comes to entertainment.

I was fired up to check out Vergara as Blanco, and the premiere episode was outstanding. She's downright chilling at moments as the drug lord, but like any powerful story, Blanco didn't start on the throne.

"Griselda" is a fascinating series about Griselda Blanco. (Credit: Netflix)

The first episode in the series focuses on her roots, and almost makes the audience empathize with her. Is she really that terrible of a person (the answer is yes) or more a victim of her circumstances?

That's the question that some might juggle with, but what is clear from the jump is "Griselda" is going to be bloody as all hell.

That shouldn't surprise anyone. It's fairly accurate. The rise of cocaine and drugs in America shipped up from Colombia resulted in incredible violence in the USA and in South America.

Hell, the Medellín Cartel and Pablo Escobar had access to better weapons than those hunting them, until the United States of America got involved.

Sofia Vergara stars as Griselda Blanco in "Griselda." (Credit: Netflix © 2023)

Where does "Griselda" go from here? I don't know for sure, but it's obvious violence is going to be a main pillar of the series. That's not a bad thing. You can't tell the story of the rise of drugs in Miami and America without bloodshed. It looks like "Griselda" will have plenty of it. Have you already seen it? Have an interesting comment about Griselda Blanco? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.