Godfather of Harlem (2019)
A gripping crime drama following Bumpy Johnson's ruthless quest to reclaim Harlem from the Italian mob in the turbulent 1960s.
Godfather of Harlem - Series Information
- Original Title: Godfather of Harlem
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Chris Brancato, Paul Eckstein
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 4
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 29, 2019 (United States - NR), September 29, 2019 (United Kingdom - 15), September 29, 2019 (Germany - 16), September 29, 2019 (France - 18), September 29, 2019 (Brazil - 16), September 29, 2019 (Spain - 18), September 29, 2019 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: Epix, MGM+
- Alternative Titles: Крестный отец Гарлема (RU)
- Production Companies: ABC Signature Studios, Significant Productions, ABC Signature, 20th Television, Chris Brancato
- Production Countries: United States of America
Godfather of Harlem - Plot
Loosely based on infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy attempts to regain his piece of Harlem.
Godfather of Harlem - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Bumpy Johnson's world come to life:
Harlem is mine.
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Godfather of Harlem - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Chris Brancato
- Paul Eckstein
Main Cast
- Forest Whitaker
- Ilfenesh Hadera
- Antoinette Crowe-Legacy
- Lucy Fry
- Elvis Nolasco
- Erik LaRay Harvey
- Markuann Smith
- Vincent D'Onofrio
- Demi Singleton
- Nigel Thatch
Writers
- Chris Brancato
- Michael Panes
- Paul Eckstein
- Dean Imperial
- Angelica Chéri
Executive Producers
- James Acheson
- Nina Yang Bongiovi
- Paul Eckstein
- Chris Brancato
- Markuann Smith
Godfather of Harlem - FAQs
Is Godfather of Harlem based on a true story?
Yes. The series is loosely based on the real life of Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson, a notorious Harlem crime boss active in the 1960s. Historical figures including Malcolm X, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Frank Costello also appear, though storylines are dramatized for television.
Where can you stream Godfather of Harlem?
Godfather of Harlem is available on MGM+, Hulu, fuboTV, and Philo via subscription. It can also be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Ad-supported viewing is available on The Roku Channel.
Who plays Bumpy Johnson in Godfather of Harlem?
Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker portrays Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson throughout all four seasons. Whitaker is also an executive producer on the series, bringing both creative authority and a commanding on-screen presence to the iconic real-life crime boss.
How many seasons does Godfather of Harlem have?
Godfather of Harlem has four seasons, each comprising 10 episodes, for a total of 40 episodes. The series premiered on September 29, 2019, and is currently listed as a returning series, with Season 4 representing the most recent installment.
Who created Godfather of Harlem?
The series was created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein. Brancato is known for his work on Narcos, while Eckstein has extensive television writing experience. Both serve as executive producers and writers, shaping the show's blend of crime drama and historical fiction.
What is the content rating for Godfather of Harlem?
Godfather of Harlem is rated TV-MA, indicating it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language, graphic violence, and adult themes related to organized crime, drug trafficking, and racial tensions in 1960s New York City.
Did Godfather of Harlem win any awards?
The series has received recognition for its performances and production, with Forest Whitaker earning particular praise for his portrayal of Bumpy Johnson. The show has been nominated across various awards circuits celebrating performances in drama and its authentic depiction of 1960s Harlem.
What are shows similar to Godfather of Harlem?
Viewers who enjoy Godfather of Harlem often appreciate The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, The Making of The Mob, Brotherhood, and Crime Story. These series share a focus on organized crime, morally complex protagonists, and richly detailed period or urban settings.
More About Godfather of Harlem
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