The series is widely praised for the performance of Andrés Parra , whose portrayal of Escobar is often considered the most authentic in television history. Unlike more "glamorized" versions of the character, Parra’s Escobar is often described as awkward and unpolished, capturing the drug lord’s specific mannerisms and Medellín accent.
: Parra reportedly lost 16 kilos to fit the earlier stages of the role, eventually gaining weight to match Escobar's later years. Pablo Escobar El Patron Del Mal