Netflix’s latest crime drama Legends captivates audiences with a standout performance from former Call the Midwife star Charlotte Ritchie. All six episodes launched last week and quickly climbed to the top of the platform’s most-watched charts.
Plot and Setting
Drawing inspiration from the book The Betrayer co-written by Guy Stanton, the series follows a team of HM Customs officers who go undercover to dismantle ruthless drug gangs. Set in the 1990s during the final days of Margaret Thatcher’s premiership, the story highlights political pressures pushing the team to adopt bold tactics against the illegal drug trade.
Star-Studded Cast
Steve Coogan leads as Don, the tough operations head who builds the undercover unit. Charlotte Ritchie transforms into Sophie, a customs officer at Heathrow Airport and wife to central figure Guy, played by Tom Burke. She plunges into the dangers of 1990s gangland Britain alongside her husband.
The ensemble includes Hayley Squires (I, Daniel Blake), Tom Hughes (Victoria), Aml Ameen (Rustin), Jasmine Blackborow (The Gentlemen), Douglas Hodge, Johnny Harris, Gerald Kyd, Numan Acar, Joshua Samuels, Kem Hassan, and Thomas Coombes.
Viewer Reactions
Early feedback from Legends viewers highlights its appeal. One IMDb user raves: “Awesome watch. So impressed with this show. And really impressed with Coogan’s part in this.” Another declares: “Outstanding! I was so impressed with this series, such a good watch.” A third calls it “gripping.”
Charlotte Ritchie’s Journey
Ritchie joined Call the Midwife in 2015 as Nurse Barbara Hereward, staying for four seasons. Fans mourned her character’s heartbreaking death in series seven. After marrying Reverend Tom Hereward (Jack Ashton) and returning to Poplar from Birmingham, Barbara caught a cold that led to meningitis and blood poisoning. Despite hospital treatment, septicemia caused severe tissue damage, ending her midwifery career. She passed away surrounded by Tom and Nurse Crane (Linda Bassett).
Recent Roles
Post-Call the Midwife, Ritchie has thrived in key TV and film parts. She played Lin in Doctor Who (2019), Iris Shepherd in Death in Paradise, Matilda in Drifters, DS Irene Ross in McDonald & Dodds, and DS Francis in Code of Silence. From 2022 to 2024, she portrayed Bonnie in Grantchester and Alison Cooper in Ghosts (2019-2023). She also appeared as Barbara in Wonka with Timothée Chalamet.
Legends streams now on Netflix.
