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M.I.A. is an unmissable new crime drama set in the Florida Keys that launched today (Thursday, 7th May) on Paramount+, conceived by Bill Dubuque, the co-creator of Netflix's hugely popular series Ozark.

All nine episodes are available to stream simultaneously, making it the ideal weekend binge for those who simply cannot get enough of hard-edged gangster storylines.

Newcomer Shannon Gisela takes on the role of Etta Tiger Jonze, a young woman whose family operates one of Florida's most notorious drug-trafficking operations.

Following a devastating tragedy, Etta is compelled to take the reins as the new head of the enterprise and carve out a reputation for herself, ultimately rising to become one of Miami's most formidable queenpins.

But is Etta a real person, or drawn from a genuine crime figure? Here's everything we know about the inspiration behind M.I.A, reports the Mirror.

No, the series has not been inspired by real-life events and Etta Tiger Jonze is an entirely fictional character.

While M.I.A. is undoubtedly steeped in Florida's distinctive culture, from Miami's vibrant nightlife to the criminal empires festering beneath the surface, creator Dubuque and showrunner Karen Campbell have crafted a wholly original narrative with no basis in reality whatsoever.

Speaking to Creative Screenwriting, the screenwriters described their process of developing Etta and her colourful ensemble of supporting characters, which includes Claude Louis (played by Selase Botchway), Lovely (Brittany Adebumola), and Stanley (Dylan T Jackson).

"There's a real human need to belong, to have people that you love and care about. That's the emotional core of this initial season," Campbell explains.

Dubuque also highlighted how the creative team were eager to introduce a female perspective to the crime genre, setting it apart from comparable shows.

He added: "With Etta, a woman who's younger, she's going to really think her way through this. She's going to be clever. She's going to rely on other people. That's more interesting in this type of revenge story across multiple episodes."

While M.I.A. is an entirely original story, it follows a well-trodden path of tales charting gangsters climbing through the ranks to become notorious crime lords, joining female-led productions such as Griselda and Queen of the South in the genre.

Dubuque also named Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) from Peaky Blinders as a key influence, remarking: "I want to see a female character that has the same type of dialogue to as Tommy Shelby."

If you've been captivated by any of the critically lauded crime dramas mentioned above, make sure this thrilling new series doesn't slip under your radar this week.

M.I.A. is now streaming on Paramount+.