‘The Fall of El Mayo’ (2026) Netflix Series Review - Unveiling a Cartel of Zambada’s Downfall

If you love gripping crime thrillers, The Fall of El Mayo is the right watch for you. The series covers the rise, capture, and dramatic downfall of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, one of the most elusive figures in the history of Mexican drug trafficking. Instead of solely focusing on the criminal empire he helped build, the docuseries investigates a question that transformed the Sinaloa Cartel’s history: Was Zambada betrayed by someone he trusted, or was his arrest a more complicated arrangement than what we see and know?

For decades, Zambada maintained a remarkably low public profile while operating alongside Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Unlike his more notorious partner, whose capture and extradition drew international attention, Zambada remained largely in the dark. His ability to evade authorities contributed to his reputation as a calculating operator who understood well what secrecy means. The Fall of El Mayo spends a substantial amount of time retelling how that carefully maintained image eventually collapsed, bringing the aging man into the much-awaited international spotlight.

The biggest turning point came on 25th July 2024 when Zambada arrived at a small airport in New Mexico on a private plane alongside Joaquin El Chapo Guzman Lopez, El Chapo’s son. American authorities took both men into custody, thereby setting off a controversy that extended way beyond the arrest itself. The main question being: How had one of the world’s most wanted cartel leaders suddenly ended up in American hands? Was he kidnapped and betrayed by a fellow associate, or was he brought across the border through a covert arrangement?

These questions provide The Fall of El Mayo with the core mysteries that it deals with in all of its episodes. With the help of old interviews, archived material, and court records from Mexico and the United States, the events surrounding Zambada’s capture are presented to us. This makes the documentary quite an authentic watch, with most of the reality being shown to us. The makers examine different accounts of the incident and attempt to separate documented facts from the speculation and the competing narratives surrounding the operation.

One of the best things about The Fall of El Mayo is how the makers explore loyalty within the cartel’s hierarchy. Zambada’s relationship with the Guzman family had developed over decades, which also means the trust was immense and not easily broken. This makes his capture quite a significant part of the plot. The possibility that someone within his trusted circle played a decisive role illustrates how even the most personal relationships, family rivalries, and ambitions can eventually cause the downfall of some of the most powerful criminal organizations.

Another arc that the series explores is the changing balance of power within the Sinaloa Cartel. As established leaders face arrest and imprisonment, younger figures compete for influence, which creates new tensions within the already fragile organizational structure. Zambada ’s downfall therefore becomes more than the story of one man’s arrest. It offers a window into the alliances and power struggles that can emerge when an empire loses one of its most influential figures.

What works best for The Fall of El Mayo is the three-episode format and investigation-style presentation. It is a combination of testimony and evidence with a grounded approach rather than being any other crime thriller. Stories about such criminals can become overly fascinated with their lives being the main matter of discussion. In this one, however, there is a proper investigation that examines Zambada’s rise and fall rather than following his reputation to overshadow the human cost of the organization he helped establish. As I already mentioned at the start, if crime thrillers are what excites you, The Fall of El Mayo is just the right quick watch for you.

Final Score - [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times