The 75+ Best Drug TV Shows, Ranked
- Damson Idris, Carter Hudson, Sergio Peris-Mencheta
Set in the 1980s, Snowfall holds up a lens to the Los Angeles crack epidemic and how it impacted the city. The ensemble cast makes up several characters, including a drug dealer, a luchador, and a CIA operative, whose lives are fated to intersect during this time. Unlike the gritty reality of a show like The Wire, Snowfall employs a more stylish approach to drug dealer shows.
More Snowfall- #15 of 35 onThe 30 Best Drama Series On Cable
- #1 of 5 onCurrent TV Shows That Are Just Breaking Bad Ripoffs
- #72 of 104 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Over the course of five perfectly plotted seasons, viewers watched Walter White build his meth empire and become an unlikely kingpin. Supporting characters like Jesse Pinkman and Gus Fring are allies and obstacles in his quest. Due to its incredible performances and narrative, Breaking Bad is often considered one of the greatest TV shows of all time, beyond just being one of the greatest drug TV shows.
More Breaking Bad- Dig Deeper...Current TV Shows That Are Just Breaking Bad Ripoffs
- And Deeper...The Best Breaking Bad Episodes
- #1 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- votes needed!NEW TO THE LIST
- NEW#49Boat Story
- Omari Hardwick, Lela Loren, Naturi Naughton
Power ran for six seasons on Starz and is one of their most highly rated shows. The series tells the story of James St. Patrick or “Ghost,” a drug dealer who wants to become a nightclub owner instead. Diving into his struggle to balance legitimacy and drug dealing along with his personal struggles with family, Power paints a portrait of an intricate and troubled man.
More Power- #37 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #13 of 104 onThe 90+ Best Black TV Shows Of All Time
- #7 of 83 onThe Best TV Shows with Non-White Stars
- Pedro Pascal, Arturo Castro, Kerry Bishé
The first two seasons of Narcos focus on the most notorious drug kingpin of them all, Pablo Escobar. After telling his story the series expands to the Cali Cartel. Narcos was even spun off into Narcos:Mexico, which focuses on the Guadalajara cartel of the 1980s.
More Narcos- Dig Deeper...What to Watch If You Love Narcos
- And Deeper...The Best Episodes of 'Narcos: Mexico'
- #147 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- Dominic West, John Doman, Frankie R. Faison
The Wire is one of those shows that is often mentioned at the tippy top of television greats. Its focus on ultra-realism as it portrayed the complex Baltimore drug network was unusual for the time and could be attributed to its creator being a former police reporter. Though it’s known as one of the best shows about drugs, the series is more about the city and all its institutions.
More The Wire- Dig Deeper...The Best Things Cast Members of The Wire Have Done Since the Genius Show Ended
- And Deeper...The Best Seasons Of 'The Wire,' Ranked
- #10 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- Alice Braga, Hemky Madera, David Andrews
Queen of the South already airs as telenovela La Reina del Sur. In Queen of the South, Teresa Mendoza goes from rags to riches by building a drug empire in the United States after fleeing Mexico. The character is loosely inspired by Sandra Ávila Beltrán, a real life drug trafficker and one of the few women to reach the rank of “boss.”
- Demetrius "Lil Meech" Flenory, Da'Vinchi, Russell Hornsby
Inspired by the true story of the Flenory brothers, BMF recalls one of the most powerful family drug dynasties ever. Melding the drug trade and hip-hop on a global level, Big Meech and Southwest T took over the United States with their bond as brothers always center stage. Continuing that theme, BMF actually stars Big Meech’s son “Lil Meech” as his father.
More BMF - Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Kim Coates
Sons of Anarchy focuses on a fictional biker gang in California. As expected, there’s all manner of illegal activities but the show’s themes focus on brotherhood, morality, and corruption in government. The popular series spawned spinoff Mayans M.C..
- Marco de la O, Humberto Busto, Alejandro Aguilar
One of the most popular Netflix drug shows follows the beginnings, rise, and downfall of El Chapo. An expert of the tunnels, the ambitious Guzmán goes from a grunt of the Guadalajara Cartel to head of the Sinaloa Cartel.
More El Chapo - William H. Macy, Jeremy Allen White, Cameron Monaghan
A little different from the other shows about drugs on this list, Shameless is a dramedy about the dysfunctional Gallaghers. Single father of six, Frank spends his days drunk or high, leaving his kids to fend for themselves and raise each other.
More Shameless- Dig Deeper...Shameless Fan Theories
- And Deeper...The 15 Most Shameless Moments That Have Ever Happened On Shameless
- #149 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- Joseph Sikora, Kris D. Lofton, Anthony Fleming
Power Book IV is the third spinoff in the popular Power Universe. It follows Tommy Egan as he relocates to Chicago after the events of previous series. As an outsider in a new city, he’s determined to shake up the order of things as he attempts to become the biggest drug dealer in the land.
More Power Book IV: Force- #292 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #4 of 137 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #1 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- Mary-Louise Parker, Kevin Nealon, Justin Kirk
What started with selling a few baggies of weed to local soccer moms turns into a drug enterprise for mother of two Nancy Botwin. Created by Jenji Kohan, the dark dramedy features several ups and downs for Nancy as she struggles to provide financially as well as take care of the emotional needs of her two boys.
More Weeds- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Weeds' Seasons, Ranked
- #29 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #198 of 281 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- Malcolm M. Mays, Mekai Curtis, Omar Epps
Book III actually acts as a prequel to the Power series. Raising Kanan chronicles the early years of Kanan Stark as he begins his journey into the dangerous drug game.
- #7 of 137 onThe Best Black TV Shows of the Last Few Years
- #76 of 110 onThe Best Drama TV Shows Airing Now
- #48 of 116 onThe Best New Cable Dramas of the Last Few Years
- Danilo Kamperidis, Bjarne Mädel, Maximilian Mundt
This German series injects a little more humor into its premise than some of the other drug shows on this list. Inspired by a true story, How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) follows two friends as they attempt to sell ecstasy online.
- #129 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #21 of 68 onThe 65+ Best Gen Z Shows, Ranked
- #122 of 139 onThe 100+ Best New Shows For Teens
- Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo EspositoWhen Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it's home to an enormous weed empire.More The Gentlemen
- #65 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #148 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #104 of 208 onThe 150+ Most Popular Shows Right Now
- Kaya Scodelario, Jack O'Connell, Hannah Murray
Before Euphoria, there was Skins. The British drama shows teenagers in Bristol living complex lives filled with drugs, parties, sex, mental illness, bullying, and more. This was one of the first times that real problems that English youth go through were painted in such explicit ways.
More Skins- Dig Deeper...The Greatest Costumes In 'Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout' Of All Time
- #3 of 23 onThe Best E4 Shows, Ranked
- #66 of 118 onThe 115+ Best Indie TV Shows, Ranked By Fans
- Sofía Vergara, Alberto Guerra, Christian TappánColombian businesswomen Griselda Blanco creates one of the most profitable cartels in history.More Griselda
- #235 of 676 onThe 600+ Best TV Shows Of The Last 5 Years
- #79 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #193 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- Mike Secher, Alex Cameron Dimez, Derrick Hesselein
The first two seasons of docuseries Drugs, Inc features episodes that focus on a different drug. The rest moves through specific cities and highlights all the drug activity found within them. The show guides viewers through different aspects of each drug including users, dealers, manufacturing, and rehabiliation.
- Ernie Hudson, Terry Kinney, Harold Perrineau
Oz is about prisoners held in an experimental wing of a prison. Supposedly, the wing is about rehabilitation over punishment but the harsh conditions of Oz say otherwise. Power is fought over through the established internal drug trade and things get very graphic very quickly in this gritty drama.
More Oz- #154 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #26 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- #150 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- Jake McDorman, Jennifer Carpenter, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
A spinoff of the popular movies of the same name, Limitless takes place four years after the events of the film. After burnout Brian Finch is introduced to the miracle limitless drug titled NZT-48, he is able to help FBI Special Agent Rebecca Harris in her investigation to find out who created the drug and how to counteract its side effects.
More Limitless- #4 of 304 onThe Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
- #131 of 280 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #228 of 302 onThe Best TV Shows Of The Past 20 Years
- Hugh Laurie, Robert Sean Leonard, Omar EppsThe medical drama series House delves deeply into the complex world of diagnostics, showcasing the brilliant yet unorthodox methods of Dr. Gregory House (Hugh Laurie). With a team of skilled doctors at his side, they tackle rare and mystifying cases that challenge conventional medical wisdom. The show's gripping narrative is complemented by its strong character development, as it explores the personal struggles and ethical dilemmas faced by the medical professionals. Garnering numerous accolades, including Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy wins for its outstanding performances and writing, House has solidified its place in television history as a thought-provoking and engaging series.More House
- Dig Deeper...The Best 'House' Seasons, Ranked
- #12 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #2 of 117 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- John Paul Tremblay, Robb Wells, Mike Smith
Trailer Park Boys is a Canadian classic. Following the exploits of Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, Mr. Lahey, Randy, and more as they indulge in drugs and guns, the show operates as a trailer park mockumentary with a whole lot of improv from the comedic talent on set. The show has spawned several movies and specials and is notable for being an early acting gig for Elliot Page.
More Trailer Park Boys- Dig Deeper...The Best Trailer Park Boys Episodes of All Time
- #240 of 470 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #403 of 449 onThe 440+ Best Binge Worthy Shows Of All Time
- David Duchovny, Natascha McElhone, Madeleine MartinCalifornication, a dramedy series that aired from 2007 to 2014, expertly explores the struggles of a troubled novelist, Hank Moody (David Duchovny), as he navigates the complexities of life in Los Angeles. Throughout its seven-season run, the show masterfully balances humor and heartache, garnering numerous awards and nominations, including Golden Globe wins for Duchovny and guest star Evan Handler. With its cast of memorable characters and engaging storylines, Californication offers a raw, yet poignant portrayal of love, loss, and personal growth, all set against the backdrop of the often superficial and cutthroat world of Hollywood.More Californication
- Dig Deeper...The Best Episodes of Californication
- And Deeper...The Best 'Californication' Seasons, Ranked
- #36 of 144 onThe Best Of Premium Cable TV Series
- Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugo Weaving, Jennifer Jason LeighPatrick Melrose's harrowing odyssey from a deeply traumatic childhood through adult substance abuse.More Patrick Melrose
- #25 of 70 onThe Best Miniseries Of The 2010s
- #126 of 208 onThe 145+ Best Mini Series List
- #9 of 25 onThe 25 Best Shows Like 'Normal People', Ranked By Fans
- Alexia EchevarriaChildhood friends go from being dropouts to the most powerful drug kingpins in Miami.
- #323 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #604 of 799 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- #323 of 469 onThe 400+ Best Documentary Miniseries, Ranked
- Mercedes Hernández, Jesús Sida, Jero MedinaThe lives of people in border town are overtaken by a cartel's operations, leading to tragedy.More Somos.
- #387 of 646 onThe 500+ Best Current Shows On Netflix
- #577 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #765 of 799 onThe 700+ Best Netflix Original Series
- 27
Underworld Inc.
Huey Morgan, Aceface, Jay CeeUnderworld, Inc. (National Geographic, 2015) is an American documentary television series. The series explores the illegal, underground market, featuring illegal trades including weapons, narcotics, sex, gambling, etc. - Jeff VanVonderen, Candy FinniganFamilies force addicts to choose between treatment or exile and isolation.More Intervention
- #19 of 43 onThe Best Reality Medical Shows
- #22 of 80 onThe Best Reality Dramas
- #3 of 15 onThe Best TV Shows About Recovery
- Gabriel Leone, Flávio Tolezani, Filipe BragançaVictor is a police officer, while his son, Pedro, becomes the leader of a criminal gang.More Dom
- #604 of 1,045 onThe 250+ Best Streaming Shows Of The Last Few Years
- #119 of 163 onThe 100+ Best Amazon Prime Shows
- #130 of 143 onAll The TV Shows That End In 2023, Ranked
- Quinn Dalton, Jordan Lawson, Razor Rocco RizzottiStories of some of the most notorious drug kingpins and those who have sworn to bring them down.