Netflix Releases 'Legends': A Crime Drama Based on the True Story of an Undercover Customs Agent

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Netflix latest crime drama series, "Legends," officially premiered on May 7, 2026, taking viewers into the intrigue of the drug trafficking world in 1990s Britain.

The six-episode series dramatizes the gripping true story of a covert operation by British Customs and Excise to combat rampant heroin trafficking.

Directed by Brady Hood and Julian Holmes, "Legends" promises intense suspense and captivating performances from its cast.

Produced by Neil Forsyth, who also serves as creator and writer, "Legends" focuses on ordinary individuals recruited to impersonate criminals.

They are given false identities, known as "Legends," to infiltrate the network of the country's most dangerous drug gangs.

The story is inspired by Guy Stanton's autobiography, "The Betrayer: How An Undercover Unit Infiltrated The Global Drug Trade," lending depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Set against the backdrop of the turbulent 1990s, this Netflix series highlights the immense risks faced by these untrained Customs agents in espionage.

They must lead a perilous double life to dismantle a drug syndicate in its entirety.

In the early 1990s, the United Kingdom faced a drug smuggling crisis, particularly heroin, that was spiraling out of control.

To address this problem, Her Majesty's Customs and Excise launched a covert operation known as "Beta Projects" in 1989.

This operation forms the core of the Netflix series "Legends," which depicts the government's efforts to combat organized crime.

The unique feature of "Beta Projects" is the recruitment of ordinary Customs officers with no prior espionage training.

They are tasked with infiltrating the most dangerous drug networks in the United Kingdom.

These agents are given false identities called "legends," which they must live up to to earn the trust of criminals.

They must live as criminals, risking their lives and their real identities to dismantle a drug ring from the inside.

The primary inspiration for the plot of "Legends" comes from the true story of British Customs investigator Guy Stanton, as told in his book "The Betrayer: How An Undercover Unit Infiltrated the Global Drug Trade."

The success of the Netflix series "Legends" is inextricably linked to its strong cast, comprised primarily of talented British actors.

Steve Coogan leads the cast as Don, a Customs operations chief responsible for recruiting and training undercover agents.

Tom Burke plays Guy, a Customs agent searching for meaning in life before being recruited by Don.

Burke's performance as Guy, who struggles with his dual identity, between his real life and his "legend" persona, has captured the attention of critics.

Hayley Squires as Kate and Aml Ameen as Bailey also deliver strong performances as members of the undercover team.

In addition to the main cast, this Netflix series is also supported by supporting actors such as Jasmine Blackborow as Erin, Douglas Hodge as Blake, Charlotte Ritchie as Sophie, and Tom Hughes as Carter.

"Legends" has received generally positive reviews from critics since its release on Netflix.

On its release day, the series earned an 88% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating excellent reception.

Critics praised its gripping nature, strong cast, and broad narrative.

ScreenRant called "Legends" a "visceral and gripping masterclass in suspense" and a "tribute to unsung heroes."

Meanwhile, Collider praised its watchability, stating that "this might be the most watchable crime drama Netflix has released this year."

Variety described "Legends" as "so much fun you can forget the deadly stakes of the task at hand," which is the essence of the series.

Rebecca Nicholson of the Financial Times added that it was "a superb, elegant, and quiet piece of television" that didn't loosen its grip in the slightest, confirming the quality of the production and narrative delivered by Netflix.