What is Narcos: Mexico's IQ Score?

Narcos: Mexico has an IQ Score of 144/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient framework, placing it in the Stimulating tier. The score breaks down to 36/50 Cognitive Stimulation, 34/50 Educational Value, and 39/50 Craft & Quality.

Is Narcos: Mexico educational?

Narcos: Mexico is moderate on educational value, 34/50 on TVI's rubric. Some learning happens, but it isn't the show's primary work.

How does TV Intelligentsia calculate IQ Score?

TV Intelligentsia's IQ Score is calculated as round((Cognitive Stimulation × 0.4 + Educational Value × 0.35 + Craft & Quality × 0.25) × 4), scoring titles from 0 to 200 across five tiers: Masterclass (≥160), Stimulating (≥130), Competent (≥100), Passive (≥70), and Numbing (<70). The framework is published at tvintelligentsia.com/methodology/.

Narcos: Mexico , IQ Score 144/200

Narcos: Mexico has an IQ Score of 144/200 on TV Intelligentsia's Intelligence Quotient rubric, placing it in the Stimulating tier.

By Jordan Robinson, MPH·Updated 2026-06-06·Methodology

crimedramahistory

144/ 200

Stimulating

Consistently challenges the viewer and rewards attention

Score Breakdown

Cognitive Stimulation/50

Educational Value/50

Craft & Quality/50

IQ = round((Cognitive × 0.4 + Educational × 0.35 + Craft × 0.25) × 4) · How we score →

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Why you should trust this score

Methodology reviewed by Jordan Robinson, MD, MPH

Physician scientist. Master of Public Health, with substantial coursework in research methodology. Reviews the rubric and its application across the adult catalog.

Methodology

Published rubric, v1.2

Formula

round(C × 0.40 + E × 0.35 + Q × 0.25) × 4

Database scale

2,324 titles, version-controlled

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The TVI Take

The Guadalajara cartel's rise in Mexico in the 1980s. Stronger than Narcos in narrative construction and historical specificity.

Educational about the DEA's Mexico operations, the origins of today's cartel structure, and the Camarena murder. The Diego Luna performance anchors the series.

Where to Watch

Stream