The Fall of El Mayo Claims Top U.S. Streaming Spot
The three-part Netflix documentary series chronicles the downfall and criminal activities of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael Zambada García.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Drug Crime
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The Netflix series The Fall of El Mayo has reached the number one spot on the United States streaming chart following its October 29, 2026, debut. The documentary currently stands as the third most-watched title globally.
Why it matters
The series documents the downfall of Ismael Zambada García, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel who was captured in 2024. It features interviews with law enforcement, journalists, and former cartel members to explain his criminal history.
Ismael Zambada García pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and running a continuing criminal enterprise in August 2025. He was ultimately sentenced to life in prison along with a $15 billion forfeiture order.
The players
Ismael Zambada García
He was a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel who was captured in 2024 and later received a life prison sentence.
Joaquín Guzmán López
He is the individual who orchestrated the betrayal that led to the capture of Ismael Zambada García.
Darren Foster
He is one of the directors who led the production of the documentary series.
Miguel Fernández Flores
He co-directed the documentary series exploring the history of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The details
Directed by Darren Foster and Miguel Fernández Flores, the three-part series examines the events leading to Zambada García’s 2024 capture. The documentary highlights the betrayal orchestrated by Joaquín Guzmán López that ultimately ended the career of the cartel co-founder.
Timeline
2017: Netflix released the original series titled El Chapo.
July 25, 2024: Ismael Zambada García was captured near Culiacán.
August 2025: Zambada García pleaded guilty to racketeering and running a criminal enterprise.
October 29, 2026: The Fall of El Mayo debuted on the Netflix platform.
October 30, 2026: The series achieved the top ranking on the United States streaming chart.
Industry Dynamics
The success of this documentary follows the precedent set by the 2017 Netflix series El Chapo. It highlights the continued consumer interest in cartel-themed biographical programming within the current streaming landscape.
Viewers can access the three-part documentary series exclusively through their existing Netflix subscription. This release provides a detailed account of high-profile criminal events that have recently dominated news coverage.
The takeaway
This series offers a deep dive into the recent legal downfall of a major cartel figure through investigative reporting. Viewers interested in modern crime history can utilize this series to understand the complex power dynamics behind current drug trafficking cases.
Further reading
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