Netflix has officially unveiled a new Narcos-Esque limited series from the same creative team behind Narcos. Titled Griselda, the new limited series will be 6-episodes and is based on Griselda Blanco Restrepo with Sofia Vergara set to star as the titular character.
The Illuminderdi first reported on November 1st that Netflix isn’t done with the Narcos franchise just yet reporting a new spin-off series is in the works.
While the project does exist, the reality is that although much of the same team is involved with this project as Narcos, it’s entirely separate with there being no association or crossover between the shows.
For context, Narcos is one of Netflix’s longest-running franchises and come Friday, will have released 60 episodes in total with three seasons for Narcos and three seasons for Narcos: Mexico.
Narcos – Picture: Guamont Television / Netflix
So with all that said, let’s get into the details about what we know about the new Netflix limited series, Griselda.
What’s the new Griselda series from Netflix about?
This new limited series will center around the notorious cartel leader Griselda Blanco Restrepo who also was known by her other pseudonyms whether that be La Madrina, the Black Widow, the Queen of Narco Trafficking, or the Cocaine Grandmother.
This new limited series is set to consist of 6 50-minute episodes and will recount her reign at the top of the Medellín Cartel and how she operated one of the biggest drug trades out of Miami throughout the 1980s into the 2000s.
Catherine Zeta-Jones notably played the character in the TV movie Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story in 2018. Jennifer Lopez was notably considering producing a film called The Godmother too.
Who’s behind the new series?
Eric Newman, through his extensive overall output deal with Netflix, will serve as the creator and executive producer for the show.
Doug Miro is attached as a writer and producer for the new series. Miro has served as a writer for both Narcos and Narcos: Mexico and is currently attached to HBO’s American Lion. That’s in addition to his film work which includes The Great Wall, The Uninvited, and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.
According to Netflix, the series had been in development for 8 years at Latin World Entertainment before eventually landing on Netflix.
Serving as the showrunner for the new limited series will be Ingrid Escajeda. The seasoned writer, showrunner and producer has worked on various TV shows in various capacities including most recently on Amazon’s Sneaky Pete, FX’s Justified, and APB.
Doug Miro (left) and Ingrid Escajeda (right) – Pictures: Getty Images
Colombian director, Andrés Baiz, is set to direct every episode of Griselda.
Who will star in the Griselda Netflix series?
As we mentioned, Sofia Vergara is the first name attached to the project.
The Colombian-American actress is perhaps best known in recent years for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on ABC’s Modern Family. She also currently serves as a judge on America’s Got Talent which began from season 15.
In a statement, Vergara said:
“Griselda Blanco was a larger-than-life character whose ruthless but ingenious tactics allowed her to rule a billion dollar empire years before many of the most notorious male kingpins we know so much about. We are thrilled to have found the perfect partners in Eric, Andrés and Netflix to help us bring this story of her life to the screen.”
When will the Griselda Netflix series begin production?
The series will be filmed in Los Angeles and Miami. Production dates are unclear, however. BTL Production Listings suggests the series has already begun filming while another source suggests early 2022 through to the summer.
Based on this information, we shouldn’t expect to see the new Griselda limited series on Netflix until at least late 2022 but more likely in 2023.
We’ll keep this preview updated over time as and when we learn of new developments and additional castings.