In Just 1 Day, Netflix’s New 6-Part Crime Thriller Is Already America’s No. 8 Most-Watched Show

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A new British crime series on Netflix is becoming a worldwide sensation. It’s already popular in the U.S. and many other countries, just one day after its release.

According to data from FlixPatrol, the TV series Legends reached #10 on Netflix’s worldwide Top 10 chart on May 8, 2026, quickly after its release on May 7. The show performed particularly well in the United Kingdom, reaching #3, and also achieved a solid #8 ranking in the United States. Created and written by Neil Forsyth, the series is based on the true story of British customs investigators who went undercover in the 1990s to combat drug smuggling across Britain’s borders.

Netflix’s Legends is a Crime Thriller Based on a True Story

What makes Legends so compelling is its foundation in the true stories of everyday customs officers. Secretly chosen for a risky assignment, these individuals had to rapidly adjust to both their dangerous new jobs and completely new identities, ultimately becoming the ‘Legends’ we see in the show.

In the series Legends, Steve Coogan plays Don, the leader in charge of training a group of new recruits for a risky assignment. The cast also features Tom Burke, Hayley Squires, Aml Ameen, and Jasmine Sky Blackborow.

What made working on the show special for Forsyth was the chance to share the stories of its ‘legends.’ He explained to Netflix’s Tudum that he’s often written about famous events, uncovering lesser-known details. But this project was different. ‘The accomplishments of these Legends were largely unknown,’ he said. ‘It was a small team who did incredible things with almost no public acknowledgement.’

What really struck me about this story is the context – Britain was in a recession, and a lot of these guys weren’t from privileged backgrounds. It’s clear that economic hardship and a desire for something more definitely fueled their willingness to take such a huge risk. As Forsyth pointed out, that’s the really compelling part, at least for me.

He explained that this feels like a final, bold attempt for many people to do something meaningful with their lives and leave a lasting impact. That potential is incredibly appealing, and the allure of the opportunity outweighs any concerns about risk, motivating them to take a chance.

Legends Debuts to Strong Score on Rotten Tomatoes

It’s no surprise that the new series Legends is climbing the Netflix charts, but it’s achieved something even more notable. Currently, Legends boasts a remarkable 92% ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and viewers alike captivated by its compelling true story.

Viewers are calling this show absolutely captivating and impossible to stop watching. One five-star review raved about its immersive quality, while another praised the excellent story, pacing, and acting, saying it’s perfect for a weekend binge – they watched the whole season in a single day! Many recommend giving it a try, promising you won’t regret it.

The first season of Legends is now available for streaming on Netflix.

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2026-05-09 16:07