MGM+, the streaming service formally known as EPIX, has built a niche corner of television with critically acclaimed series such as horror thriller From, and historical dramas, Billy the Kid and Godfather of Harlem. This month, it adds another period piece to its catalog with the 1970s crime drama, Hotel Cocaine. Creator Chris Brancato (Narcos, Hoodlum) details the rise of Maimi’s drug wars through the employees and guests of the illustrious Mutiny Hotel.
Based on actual events, we enter this lavish world through the eyes of Roman Compte (Danny Pino), a Cuban immigrant who’s carved out an honest living as the hotel’s manager. He’s worked diligently to keep that world of excess and access separate from his home life, where he and his girlfriend, Marisol. raise his teen daughter, Valeria. This work-life balance shifts when DEA Agent Zulio (Michael Chiklis) coerces Roman into becoming an informant to take down Miami’s biggest cocaine kingpin — his estranged brother, Nestor Cabal (Yul Vasquez). A man who cherishes family is forced to commit the ultimate betrayal.
Within the first four episodes, Hotel Cocaine establishes itself first and foremost as a family melodrama. Characters face dilemmas with relatives and chosen family, begging the long-tenured question: is blood thicker than water? It is the series’ strongest narrative point and helps viewers empathize with the morally grey characters. While the drug lore of it all, with its violence and suspense, draws viewers in, the interpersonal relationships make them stay.
The show itself looks great with time-accurate production design and a flawless soundtrack oozing with disco deep cuts and familiar anthems. The only musical exception is the intro credits theme from Swizz Beatz, who also mastered the theme for Brancato’s Harlem. While catchy, the hip-hop pairing feels a bit foreign within the context of the show, but not strong enough to disrupt viewing.
Performance-wise everyone is serviceable. Pino is great as our lead Roman. He exemplifies the weight of his decisions well throughout each episode as we follow him on this morally questionable journey. Evenly matched is Vasquez as Nestor. Brutal with an iron fist, he and Pino have great chemistry offering more sober familial moments that display Vasquez’s wonderful range. Another cast standout is Mark Feuerstein’s Burton Greenberg. The chaotic drug-addled hotel owner is a lot initially, reserved for more comedic levity. But beneath his big persona is a great story ready to unfold.
While many things are working in its favor, a few faults prevent the series from operating on all cylinders. The series struggles with uneven pacing as some major arcs conclude too quickly. And the early Burton arc is paired with a cheesy plot device that feels more 70s sitcom than a 2024 series. Also, one female character who is given co-lead screen time feels underdeveloped. Hopefully, these things come together for the remainder of the season.
Watch the season one premiere of Hotel Cocaine on Sunday, June 16 only on MGM+.
Photo credit: Carlos Rodriguez/MGM+