Plot Synopsis

Set in Miami, FL, CARTEL CREW is a one-hour reality series that takes a deep look into the lives of eight descendants of the Cartel life as they navigate adulthood and the effects 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. Money, friendships and love are on the line in this redemption story about life after narcos. The crew includes:

Michael Blanco: Michael 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-D'Ariano: 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: 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: 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 and Michael Zavala: 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: 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: 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.


The sophomore season of CARTEL CREW premiered on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 9pm ET/PT on VH1. In the season opener, "Homecoming," the children of the cartel are back and still trying to escape the curses of their past. Marie makes a critical mistake with her family and suffers the consequences. Kat gives her son's father a second chance at love. Stephanie crosses the line. In the two-hour season ender, "Leave The Nightlife Behind; This Isn't Over," Marie has her sights set on a new business venture. Nicole decides it's time to give up the nightlife and possibly her man. Tensions between Steph and Betty come to a head. Kat considers her future with Eddie. Michael Blanco surprises Marie.

Season 3 of CARTEL CREW premiered on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT on VH1. This season continues to take a deep look into the lives of the descendants of the Cartel while also tackling important issues such as social justice, mental health, gun reform and mending broken family relationships. As the cast members work hard to (legitimately) grow their careers and businesses, they continue to find themselves at a crossroad. Michael Blanco has started planning the wedding of the century and growing his cannabis empire but trouble soon arises when he asks Marie for a prenup. Marie Ramirez De Arellano has lost everything and been disowned by her own family for being with Michael -- needless to say Michael's prenup is the last thing she's expecting. Salome Jackson deals with the loss of her teenage sister Gigi who was shot and killed in Miami last year. Kat "Tatu Baby" Flores has been forced to adjust to a lot of changes this year and has to navigate the world of running a tattoo business and family issues on her own. Stephanie Acevedo is finally ready to move forward and find love, but to move forward, she must leave the damage of her family's cartel history in the past. Nicole Zavala is struck with two major tragedies that lead her to a spiral of deep depression. Michael Zavala hoped a new home would be a chance to start over, but the pandemic forced his entire family to move in with him. Now, he struggles to cope with his new living situation and his twin sister's depression. Dayana Castellanos has made amazing progress in business and love, but amid Miami's epidemic of gun violence, she struggles to keep her children on the right path. Eddie Soto recently released a documentary of his life where he shares his personal story, and his loved ones are unhappy about it. Mike "Majix" Yuen has been shepherding he and Michael's company, Pure Blanco, but is still consumed by his past felony marijuana charges which he's focused on expunging from his record. Ivette Saucedo decides to spend a few months in Miami to escape issues with her mother in California.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On Monday, August 9, 2021 at 9pm ET/PT, VH1 premiered "La Familia Forever," the Season 3 finale of CARTEL CREW. Stephanie and Dayana try to bury the past. Nicole's trauma catches up with her. Marie gets a phone call that changes everything. The cast charts a course for the future.