A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 2 wins & 34 nominations total
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Featured reviews
Terrific Cast!
Godfather of Harlem is so much better than I expected it to be. First of all, the cast is incredible...Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Nigel Thatch, etc. Are all perfectly cast. It sticks to the truth more than most shows and makes every episode exciting. This show will keep you wanting more until before you know it you binged the entire series. I can't wait for more!
Very good series that could have been even better with music from that era
It's a very entertaining series and overall I liked it a lot. Personally I'd say that the weakest point of the show was the music, so thanks god they didn't play much music.
I'm a hip-hop fan but having hip-hop music on a series about a gangster from the 60's seems way too forced. I unerstand that they do it to make the series more appealing to young people, but I really would have preferred if they used jazz, soul or funk rather than Swizz Beatz, Rick Ross, DMX, Westside Gunn (whose music I might enjoy listening but not when watching a series based on some events from the 60's)
I'm a hip-hop fan but having hip-hop music on a series about a gangster from the 60's seems way too forced. I unerstand that they do it to make the series more appealing to young people, but I really would have preferred if they used jazz, soul or funk rather than Swizz Beatz, Rick Ross, DMX, Westside Gunn (whose music I might enjoy listening but not when watching a series based on some events from the 60's)
Not for the faint hearted
This is one of the most underrated series. I am surprised the series isn't watched and talked about more. It has two of tv's greats in it- Vincent d'onofrio and Forest Whitaker.
The series follows the Italian and black mafias as they go head to head for the streets of Harlem in the 1960s era. It's an intense and gritty series with non-stop drama. Honestly, never a dull moment but there's some pretty graphic violent scenes that aren't for the faint-hearted.
This series has the potential to make a great film as well. I like how they explore stories from the perspective of Cassius Clay and Malcolm X too!
The series follows the Italian and black mafias as they go head to head for the streets of Harlem in the 1960s era. It's an intense and gritty series with non-stop drama. Honestly, never a dull moment but there's some pretty graphic violent scenes that aren't for the faint-hearted.
This series has the potential to make a great film as well. I like how they explore stories from the perspective of Cassius Clay and Malcolm X too!
That's how it's done, watch and learn!
This series is great, one of the best! It is so realistic that you almost live in it. Gigante and Bumpy ( D'Onofrio and Whitaker) are absolutely fantastic, what a bunch of actors, not to mention the rest of the actors, who are many, absolutely wonderful.!!!
It's not just about two enemy gangs, the mafia, drugs and Harlem, it's much more than that. The story is very well detailed, full of political history based on true events, you learn a lot. The political part is not boring since it is explained in a simple way so that everyone can understand it. Nothing complicated. The costumes, the cars, the atmosphere of the 60s, everything perfectly measured, wonderful...!
The combination of real images in black and white is a true wonder!
The political messages, the tension, the action, the dialogues... everything is of great quality in my opinion.
I don't give it a ten simply because of the choice of music. There is soooo much good music from the 60's that I don't understand the choice. Please next time more jazz, soul, gospel... there is so much good musical history in Harlem!
It's not just about two enemy gangs, the mafia, drugs and Harlem, it's much more than that. The story is very well detailed, full of political history based on true events, you learn a lot. The political part is not boring since it is explained in a simple way so that everyone can understand it. Nothing complicated. The costumes, the cars, the atmosphere of the 60s, everything perfectly measured, wonderful...!
The combination of real images in black and white is a true wonder!
The political messages, the tension, the action, the dialogues... everything is of great quality in my opinion.
I don't give it a ten simply because of the choice of music. There is soooo much good music from the 60's that I don't understand the choice. Please next time more jazz, soul, gospel... there is so much good musical history in Harlem!
What more can you say Forest Whitiker
Does a great job portraying
Family man/ villian.
He still resembles characters that we've grown to know and love, but perhaps it's his subtleties and what he doesn't say that helps sell the protagonist .
So far so good. Kept me hooked.
Looking forward to future episodes.
Soundtrack
Preview the soundtrack here and continue listening on Amazon Music.
Did you know
- TriviaThis is the second time Nigel Thatch portrays Malcolm X after previously portraying him on Selma (2014).
- GoofsThe type of vessels in the Marseille port are of a later model than the early '60s.
- ConnectionsEdited into Film School Friday: 'Godfather of Harlem' (2021)
- How many seasons does Godfather of Harlem have?Powered by Alexa
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