Streaming giant Netflix has officially renewed the popular Brazilian crime drama Criminal Code for a third season. The announcement comes exactly one month after the release of Season 2, which has performed strongly on the platform, securing a spot in Netflix’s top ten charts not only in Brazil but also in numerous other countries including Argentina, Portugal, and Nigeria.
The series, produced by Heitor Dhalia’s São Paulo-based label Paranoid, has built a loyal international fanbase, a key factor behind the swift decision to green-light Season 3. The first season was also a ratings success, firmly establishing Criminal Code as a standout title among Netflix’s global offerings.
Set in and around the Triple Frontier, the tri-border area where Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay converge, Criminal Code was originally inspired by a real-life robbery. Season 2 saw the high-stakes action continue with a gripping prison break and followed the notorious Phantom Gang as they carried out audacious heists while being relentlessly pursued by law enforcement.
The series is directed by director and showrunner Heitor Dhalia, who in an interview with Deadline reflected on the show’s widespread appeal. “Crime series must respect the codes of the universe we portray; this is one of the secrets that captures the audience’s attention,” he said. Dhalia revealed that the team invested heavily in research, working alongside real consultants including police from multiple forces, former criminals, ex-bank robbers, and ex-international traffickers to bring authenticity to the storytelling.
Looking ahead to the new season, Hana Vaisman, Director of Scripted Series at Netflix Brazil, praised the dedication of the production team. Vaisman highlighted the “tireless dedication of Paranoid and the talents of our writers, directors, producers, and cast,” while emphasising that Criminal Code reflects Netflix’s continued commitment to Brazilian original content. “Continuing to invest in these complex narrative worlds is also a way to reinforce our commitment to Brazilian audiovisual storytelling and to support stories that grow alongside the audience,” Vaisman added.
