Godfather of Harlem 2019

Overview

Godfather of Harlem is an American crime drama television series that premiered on September 29, 2019, on the network Epix. The series was created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein and serves as a television prequel to the 2007 film American Gangster. The narrative is loosely based on the life of the infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who is portrayed by actor Forest Whitaker. The plot follows Johnson as he returns to his home in Harlem during the early 1960s after serving ten years in prison. Upon his release, he discovers that the neighborhood he once ruled has fallen into shambles. With the streets now under the control of the Italian mob, Johnson attempts to regain his piece of Harlem. The cast also features Ilfenesh Hadera, Lucy Fry, and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy. The series explores the criminal enterprise of Bumpy Johnson as he makes his way in the city during this period. The show has received critical attention for its depiction of the historical figure and his criminal activities in New York City.