The Get Down (2016)
Baz Luhrmann's electrifying Netflix drama chronicles the birth of hip-hop in 1977 South Bronx through the eyes of gifted, hungry youth.
The Get Down - Series Information
- Original Title: The Get Down
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Baz Luhrmann
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 11
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: August 12, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), August 12, 2016 (United Kingdom - 15), August 12, 2016 (France - 10), August 12, 2016 (Australia - MA 15+), August 12, 2016 (Brazil - 16), August 12, 2016 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Netflix
- Production Companies: Bazmark, Sony Pictures Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 더 겟 다운 (KR)
The Get Down - Plot
In 1977 New York City, the talented and soulful youth of the South Bronx chase dreams and breakneck beats to transform music history.
The Get Down - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and feel the pulse of 1977 South Bronx come alive.
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The Get Down - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Baz Luhrmann
Main Cast
- Justice Smith
- Shameik Moore
- Herizen F. Guardiola
- Skylan Brooks
- Jaden Smith
- Tremaine Brown Jr.
- Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
- Jimmy Smits
- Stefanée Martin
- Shyrley Rodriguez
Writers
- Seth Zvi Rosenfeld
- Sam Bromell
- Stephen Adly Guirgis
- Aaron Rahsaan Thomas
- Jacqui Rivera
The Get Down - FAQs
Is The Get Down based on a true story?
The Get Down is not based on a single true story, but it's deeply rooted in real history. The series draws on the actual birth of hip-hop culture in the South Bronx during the late 1970s, incorporating real figures like Grandmaster Flash and authentic details about the era's music, politics, and street life.
Why was The Get Down cancelled after one season?
Netflix cancelled The Get Down in 2017 after a single season, citing the show's extraordinarily high production costs — reportedly around $120 million for 11 episodes, making it one of the most expensive TV series ever produced. Despite its creative ambition, the budget proved unsustainable relative to its viewership numbers.
Who plays Grandmaster Flash in The Get Down?
Grandmaster Flash is portrayed by Mamoudou Athie, a French-Guinean actor who delivers a magnetic performance as the legendary DJ and hip-hop pioneer. The real Grandmaster Flash served as a consultant on the series, lending authenticity to the portrayal of his groundbreaking turntable techniques.
Where can you stream The Get Down?
The Get Down is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Since it's a Netflix original production, it remains exclusively on the platform, making a subscription your primary route to watching this vibrant, music-driven drama.
Is The Get Down worth watching?
For fans of music, history, and bold visual storytelling, absolutely. Baz Luhrmann's maximalist style brings 1970s South Bronx to vivid life, and the young cast — especially Justice Smith and Shameik Moore — delivers standout performances. The show's energy, soundtrack, and cultural passion make it a genuinely unique viewing experience.
Who created The Get Down and what inspired it?
The Get Down was created by Baz Luhrmann, the visionary director behind Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby. Luhrmann was inspired by the explosive creative energy of the South Bronx in the late 1970s, a moment when hip-hop, disco, and graffiti art collided to reshape American culture from the ground up.
How was The Get Down received by critics?
Critical reception was mixed but leaning positive. Reviewers praised the show's dazzling visual style, electrifying musical sequences, and passionate performances, particularly from Justice Smith. Some critics found the pacing uneven and the storytelling overstuffed, but most agreed the series had an infectious energy unlike anything else on television.
What are similar shows to The Get Down?
If The Get Down left you wanting more, try Vinyl (2016) for another gritty music-industry period drama, Wu-Tang: An American Saga (2019) for hip-hop origins storytelling, Empire (2015) for music-world ambition and family drama, or Atlanta (2016) for a sharp, genre-defying look at the modern rap scene.
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