Ozark

Published on April 4, 2026

I took my time to start watching it because I’m often lazy when it comes to diving into a series with multiple seasons and a hefty load of episodes. I planned to alternate each season with other shows. However, it was completely impossible; it captivated me to such an extent that I binge-watched all 44 episodes back-to-back. In fact, having all episodes available at once was an advantage compared to those who watched it in real-time. The result is that I feel I’ve seen one of the best series of this century.

Breaking Ozark

How many series are touted as the new “Game of Thrones” or the next “Stranger Things,” only to be light-years away from the mark? Yet, this one, which has been called the new “Breaking Bad,” certainly does justice to that comparison, even if it takes its own direction. The narrative parallels, both initial and developmental, are more than evident. And, as much as some might consider it sacrilegious to say, while it may not surpass Bryan Cranston’s series, it at least equals it in quality. One could argue it has the potential to surpass it, as “Ozark” is engaging from the very first episode of its first season, unlike “Breaking Bad,” which truly picked up momentum in its third. Not to mention the pacing of the episodes in “Ozark,” which is incredibly fast, filled with twists that aren’t contrived, thanks to a robust and brilliant script that seamlessly weaves together all those narrative turns, making each episode fly by—many of which exceed an hour in length—without a single filler or transition scene.

Money is Money. It Doesn’t Matter Where It Comes From

The storyline features constant character evolution, allowing the cast to shine, as their arcs are richly developed. The acting level is outstanding, both from the main and secondary actors—whether they appear in forty episodes or just four, they give their all. Jason Bateman is magnificent, but Laura Linney is even better. This is a significant achievement for Julia Garner, who, surrounded actors at their best, manages to shine so brightly that her initially secondary character evolves into a co-lead, gradually taking over the series. While the Byrdes (Marty and Wendy) may hold the reins, audiences have come to adore Ruth Langmore, thanks to an absolutely wonderful performance from Julia Garner, who, across four seasons, has garnered three Emmys and a Golden Globe. It’s certain she will soon add another trophy to her collection.

Know the Difference Between Being Alive and Being Dead

Anyone can die in this series, and they can do so at any moment. In fact, it features one of the cruelest, most painful endings with the darkest undertones I have ever seen on television. The deaths are incredibly shocking—not necessarily because they are unpredictable (some are), but due to the manner in which they occur, stark and devoid of embellishment, reflecting how such events would play out in reality. Throughout the series, the Langmores are often said to be cursed. It is true that destiny has not been kind to that family. However, the real curse belongs to the Byrdes. Like Attila’s horse, nothing grows back in their wake. Since arriving in the Ozarks, they take over businesses and exploit their owners, leading to the demise of many. Although starting at the cost of others, it is Marty and Wendy Byrde who emerge as the true villains of this story. Unlike Walter White (Bryan Cranston), who found redemption at the end of “Breaking Bad,” the Byrdes cannot cease their climb of ambition and loss of conscience.

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