Godfather of Harlem

Watch Godfather of Harlem

  • TV-MA
  • 2019
  • 3 Seasons
  • 8.1  (17,297)

Godfather of Harlem is a crime drama series that premiered on EPIX in September 2019. The show depicts the true story of infamous Harlem crime boss Bumpy Johnson, played by Forest Whitaker, as he returns from a ten-year stint in prison and seeks to regain control over his neighborhood. The show is set in the 1960s during a time of great change and turmoil in America, particularly within the civil rights movement. As Johnson re-enters the world of crime, he finds that the landscape has changed significantly during his absence. Italian mafia boss Vincent "Chin" Gigante, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, has taken over much of Harlem and has no intention of giving up his territory to Johnson. The show follows their power struggle as well as Johnson's relationships with other important figures of the time, such as civil rights leader Malcolm X, played by Nigel Thatch. One of the highlights of the show is Whitaker's performance as Johnson. He convincingly portrays the gangster as a complex and charismatic figure who is both ruthless and caring. He is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Ilfenesh Hadera as Johnson's wife Mayme, Lucy Fry as a beautiful and tragic singer named Stella, and Giancarlo Esposito as pastor and community leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Not only does the show explore the criminal underworld of Harlem, but it also sheds light on the political and social issues of the time. The show touches on topics such as police brutality, racism, and the Black Panthers. However, it is not just a heavy drama as there are lighter moments of humor and romance to balance it out. Overall, Godfather of Harlem is a well-crafted and engaging crime drama that also serves as a history lesson. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the cultural and political history of 1960s America or those who appreciate a good gangster story. You can Watch Godfather of Harlem Online on various streaming platforms such as EPIX, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Godfather of Harlem
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Seasons
Our Black Shining Prince
10. Our Black Shining Prince
March 26, 2023
Bumpy and Chin enlist Morgenthau's help to prevent Colombo and Battle from bringing in a shipment of heroin, guns, and cocaine. Stella must choose between Colombo and her father.
We Are All Kings
9. We Are All Kings
March 19, 2023
Chin Gigante is released from prison and seeks to excise Joe Colombo from the Commission.
Homeland or Death
8. Homeland or Death
March 12, 2023
Bumpy uncovers a CIA plot to assassinate Malcolm X and Che Guevara at the United Nations. Malcolm writes his autobiography. Olympia utilizes Father Louis to get out of trouble.
All Roads Lead to Malcolm
7. All Roads Lead to Malcolm
March 5, 2023
When Battle's arrested, Bumpy must find a way to spring him and find the mole. Bumpy discovers that Malcolm X has more enemies than they thought.
Spooks
6. Spooks
February 26, 2023
Bumpy utilizes Battle's contacts in the CIA to secure a steady supply of a new drug: cocaine. Stella lies to Fineman in an attempt to escape Colombo's oversight. Mayme applies for a government contract for Palmetto.
Angel of Death
5. Angel of Death
February 19, 2023
Bumpy and Colombo face off for control of the heroin trade when Monsieur 98 returns to bring in the next shipment. Omar makes a romantic appeal to Elise. Pettigrew discovers cocaine through his love affair with a Cuban woman.
Captain Fields
4. Captain Fields
February 5, 2023
When two uniformed cops attack the Geechee, Bumpy and Battle make a play for control of local 27th police precinct. Stella decides whether to rat Colombo out to the Feds. Meanwhile, Malcolm's life is threatened in Cairo.
Mecca
3. Mecca
January 29, 2023
Jose Battle asks for a favor from his new partner Bumpy Johnson: a political assassination. Malcolm X is detained by Saudi authorities when he travels to Mecca. The district attorney's office targets Mayme for her gangster ties.
Alzado
2. Alzado
January 22, 2023
When Joe Colombo carries out a gentleman's kidnapping of Mayme, Bumpy angrily prepares for a coming war.
The Negro in White America
1. The Negro in White America
January 15, 2023
Bumpy Johnson robs from his own community to repay a drug debt owed to the Italians after the Harlem riots. Omar seeks to return to Elise and Malcolm's good graces. Someone close to Stella orders a hit on her life.
Description

Godfather of Harlem is a crime drama series that premiered on EPIX in September 2019. The show depicts the true story of infamous Harlem crime boss Bumpy Johnson, played by Forest Whitaker, as he returns from a ten-year stint in prison and seeks to regain control over his neighborhood. The show is set in the 1960s during a time of great change and turmoil in America, particularly within the civil rights movement.

As Johnson re-enters the world of crime, he finds that the landscape has changed significantly during his absence. Italian mafia boss Vincent "Chin" Gigante, played by Vincent D'Onofrio, has taken over much of Harlem and has no intention of giving up his territory to Johnson. The show follows their power struggle as well as Johnson's relationships with other important figures of the time, such as civil rights leader Malcolm X, played by Nigel Thatch.

One of the highlights of the show is Whitaker's performance as Johnson. He convincingly portrays the gangster as a complex and charismatic figure who is both ruthless and caring. He is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Ilfenesh Hadera as Johnson's wife Mayme, Lucy Fry as a beautiful and tragic singer named Stella, and Giancarlo Esposito as pastor and community leader Adam Clayton Powell Jr.

Not only does the show explore the criminal underworld of Harlem, but it also sheds light on the political and social issues of the time. The show touches on topics such as police brutality, racism, and the Black Panthers. However, it is not just a heavy drama as there are lighter moments of humor and romance to balance it out.

Overall, Godfather of Harlem is a well-crafted and engaging crime drama that also serves as a history lesson. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the cultural and political history of 1960s America or those who appreciate a good gangster story. You can Watch Godfather of Harlem Online on various streaming platforms such as EPIX, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

Godfather of Harlem is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (30 episodes). The series first aired on September 29, 2019.

Where to Watch Godfather of Harlem

Godfather of Harlem is available for streaming on the EPIX website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Godfather of Harlem on demand at Google Play and Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    September 29, 2019
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (17,297)