Snowfall (2017)
An unflinching FX crime drama tracing the crack cocaine epidemic's devastating birth through the lives it consumed in 1983 Los Angeles.
Snowfall - Series Information
- Original Title: Snowfall
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2023
- Created by: Eric Amadio, John Singleton et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Crime
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 6
- Number of Episodes: 60
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- First Air Date: July 5, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), July 5, 2017 (Germany - 16), July 5, 2017 (France - 12), July 5, 2017 (India - U), July 5, 2017 (Australia - MA 15+), July 5, 2017 (Brazil - 16), July 5, 2017 (Spain - 18), July 5, 2017 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: FX
- Production Companies: FX Productions, Groundswell Productions, Shoe Money Productions, Dave & Ron Productions, New Deal Productions, Underground Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 白粉飞 (CN)
Snowfall - Plot
Los Angeles. 1983. A storm is coming and its name is crack. Set against the infancy of the crack cocaine epidemic and its ultimate radical impact on the culture as we know it, the story follows numerous characters on a violent collision course.
Snowfall - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the storm begin to take shape:
This is how crack began.
Where to Watch Snowfall
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Snowfall - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Eric Amadio
- John Singleton
- Dave Andron
Main Cast
- Damson Idris
- Carter Hudson
- Sergio Peris-Mencheta
- Michael Hyatt
- Amin Joseph
- Angela Lewis
- Isaiah John
- Alon Aboutboul
- Gail Bean
- Emily Rios
Writers
- Dave Andron
- Ihuoma Ofordire
- Leonard Chang
- Aziza Barnes
- Walter Mosley
Executive Producers
- Dave Andron
- John Singleton
- Trevor Engelson
- Eric Amadio
- Evan Silverberg
Snowfall - FAQs
Is Snowfall based on a true story?
Snowfall is a fictional drama, but it is heavily inspired by real historical events. The series draws on the documented crack cocaine epidemic that swept through South Los Angeles in the early 1980s, and the CIA's alleged involvement in drug trafficking during the Iran-Contra affair, lending the story a strong factual foundation.
Where can you stream Snowfall online?
All six seasons of Snowfall are available to stream on Hulu with a subscription. Episodes can also be purchased digitally through Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Check JustWatch for the most current streaming availability in your region.
Who plays Franklin Saint in Snowfall?
British actor Damson Idris portrays Franklin Saint, the ambitious South Central teenager who becomes a central figure in the crack cocaine trade. His performance across all six seasons earned widespread critical acclaim and established him as one of television's most compelling dramatic leads.
How does Snowfall end in Season 6?
Season 6 concludes Franklin Saint's story with a tragic reckoning — his empire collapses under the weight of betrayal, violence, and the very drug trade he helped build. The finale delivers a bleak but thematically resonant ending, showing the full human cost of the crack epidemic on Franklin and everyone around him.
How many seasons and episodes does Snowfall have?
Snowfall ran for 6 seasons with a total of 60 episodes. Each season consists of 10 episodes. The series premiered on FX on July 5, 2017, and concluded in 2023, making it one of FX's longest-running original dramas.
Who created the FX series Snowfall?
Snowfall was created by Eric Amadio, the late John Singleton, and Dave Andron. John Singleton, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Boyz n the Hood, brought personal knowledge of South Los Angeles to the project before his passing in 2019. Dave Andron served as showrunner through the series' conclusion.
What is the content rating for Snowfall?
Snowfall is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains graphic depictions of drug use, violence, strong language, and adult themes related to the crack cocaine epidemic. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
How was Snowfall received by critics and audiences?
Snowfall earned strong critical praise throughout its run, particularly for Damson Idris's lead performance and its unflinching portrayal of the crack epidemic. Later seasons were especially well-reviewed, with critics highlighting the show's dramatic escalation and emotional depth as among the best crime television of its era.
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