‘Narcos’ vs ‘Pablo Escobar, the Drug Lord’

Pablo Escobar is one of the most controversial yet fascinating figures in Colombia’s recent history. Although the former leader of the Medellin Cartel plunged Colombia into chaos, his incredible story and rise as the world’s most powerful drug lord have generated curiosity and captivation both within and outside the country. To this day, many tourists visit Medellin and its surroundings to trace the steps of the drug lord’s life, from the Pablo Escobar Museum in the El Poblado neighborhood to his Hacienda Napoles property.

Pablo Escobar’s life has also inspired fictional creations, including movies and TV shows. Among them are Netflix’s widely recognized series Narcos and the Caracol Television Colombian telenovela Pablo Escobar, the Drug Lord (Pablo Escobar, el Patron del Mal). If you have not watched these shows, or if you have only seen one, let us introduce you to these cult series.

Authenticity’s pick: Pablo Escobar, the Drug Lord

Based on the 2001 book by Alonso Salzar, Pablo Escobar, the Drug Lord achieved tremendous success in Colombia. Airing from May to November 2012, the telenovela captivated millions of viewers, becoming one of the most-watched telenovelas in the country’s history.

When compared to Netflix’s Narcos, the Colombian telenovela exhibits several distinct differences. Primarily, the show focuses on Pablo Escobar’s life, from his childhood and early criminal endeavors to his rise and fall as the Medellin Cartel boss. The telenovela also sheds light on the individuals connected to Pablo Escobar, from cartel members to the women in his life, revealing often overlooked facets of his story.

Being a Colombian production, the show offers unmatched authenticity, with an entirely Colombian crew providing unique insights into Colombia and Medellin’s culture during the latter half of the 20th century. Morevoer, Camilo Cano and Juana Uribe, the creators of the telenovela, have personal histories linked to Pablo Escobar. Indeed, Camilo Cano’s father, journalist at the El Espectador newspaper, was murdered by the drug trafficker, as was Juana Uribe’s uncle. This connection adds an additional depth and personal insight to the storytelling.

The show’s depth is mirrored in its length, with 113 episodes, each nearly an hour long. For those interested in Pablo Escobar’s life and the history of the Medellin Cartel, it is definitely a must-see series.

Entertainment’s pick: Narcos

Narcos is a series that needs no introduction. Released in 2015, the series revisits the era of the major drug cartels in Colombia, with its first two seasons focusing on Pablo Escobar and the third on the Cali Cartel.

Produced and broadcast by the Netflix platform, Narcos quickly captivated an international audience, becoming a cult classic, particularly with its iconic opening song, ‘Tuyo’, by Brazilian singer and composer Rodrigo Amarante. Produced by Americans, the series is more accessible than its Colombian counterpart, especially due to its superior audiovisual quality and shorter format, with three seasons of ten episodes each.

However, its strengths are also its weaknesses. In fact, the series met with little success in Colombia, mainly due to its cultural and linguistic shortcomings. Notably, the Brazilian lead actor Wagner Moura, who plays Pablo Escobar, was criticized for his cartoonish accent. As a result, the series’ approach greatly differs from the Colombian telenovela, focusing more on the investigations and pursuit of Pablo Escobar by American DEA agents.

Regardless, these two series offer complementary approaches to the story of Pablo Escobar. Whether you choose Narcos or Pablo Escobar, the Drug Lord, you are guaranteed a great television experience.