VH1 has ordered a new docuseries following the sons and daughters of members of drug cartels, the network announced Monday.
The 10-episode “Cartel Crew,” produced by Big Fish Entertainment, will take a look at the lives of eight descendants of cartel life living in Miami, Florida as they navigate adulthood and the effects that the legacy has had on their upbringing. Now disconnected from their past, they want to make a name for themselves outside of the drug world, but find that escaping the shadows of their ancestors will come with a price.
The series will be led by Michael Blanco, the youngest son of the “Cocaine Godmother” Griselda Blanco, who left the drug life after 33 years when his mother was assassinated.
Executive producers on “Cartel Crew” are Dan Cesareo, Lucilla D’Agostino, Faith Gaskins and Lashan Browning. James Knox of Big Fish, which also produces “Black Ink Crew” for VH1, is co-EP. Nina L. Diaz and Daniel Blau Rogge are executive producers for VH1.
Watch a promo for the series above and read the full cast bios below.
Michael Blanco, @michaelcorleoneblanco
Michael Blanco grew up surrounded by crime. The youngest son of Griselda Blanco (the “Cocaine Godmother”), he followed his mother’s footsteps into the drug world. For 33 years he led a criminal lifestyle, but after his mother’s assassination, he decided to quit the Cartel life and launch a personal clothing brand, “Pure Blanco,” to prove he could lead a legal business and life.
Marie Ramirez De Arellano, @lil_ms.monroe
Marie was born into the cartel life. While her father kept his business private, the family heard rumors of his dealings. Now grown, she’s lost touch with her family largely because of her relationship with Michael Blanco. She’s given up everything for the man she loves and is devoted to “Pure Blanco,” although she has a few secrets in her past that may shock even the unflappable Michael Blanco.
Kat “Tatu Baby” Flores, @tatubaby
After the assassination of her cartel-affiliated father, Kat and her mother fled from New York to Miami, leaving their old life behind. Kat’s focus now is raising her son and dealing with the prison release of her son’s father, Eddie.
Stephanie Acevedo, @stephs_music
Daughter to a former career cocaine trafficker, Stephanie’s childhood was torn apart when her father was arrested and sent to federal prison. Now she is determined to move on from the past and make a name for herself as a singer through dignity and hard work.
Nicole Zavala, @realnicolezavalaz and Michael Zavala, @zavalaconcepts
Twins Nicole and Michael grew up enjoying the spoils of cartel life, without losing a loved one to prison or murder. While they strive to be accepted in the community, they clash with others who don’t believe they grew up with a legitimate tie to the cartel.
Carlos “Loz” Oliveros, @iamloz_
After a member of his family was murdered, allegedly by the cartel, Loz stepped away from a life of crime. He is currently focusing on his career as a tattoo artist and raising his daughter while avoiding demons from his former life.
Dayana Castellanos, @dayanac__
After serving two years in prison for her role in running cartel-connected marijuana grow houses, Dayana is trying to make up for lost time with her four children and start a new life.