Starzplay has announced that it will premiere the critically-acclaimed historical crime drama series “Godfather of Harlem” in France and the United Kingdom on Sunday, 1 November, with new episodes from the first season airing weekly.
Inspired by actual persons and events, “Godfather of Harlem” reimagines the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker), 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 must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch) – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. “Godfather of Harlem” is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
“Godfather of Harlem” was renewed for a second season earlier this year. Like season one, the next instalment will consist of 10 episodes.
In addition to Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, season one cast members include Vincent D’Onofrio (“Law and Order: Criminal Intent,” “Daredevil”), Ilfenesh Hadera Baywatch), Nigél Thatch (Selma, “American Dreams”), Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” “The Mandalorian”), Lucy Fry (“11.22.63,” Vampire Academy), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, Mudbound), Rafi Gavron (A Star is Born), and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy. Produced by ABC Signature, a part of Disney Television Studios, the series is co-created and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (“Narcos”). Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi (Fruitvale Station), along with James Acheson (Mad Money), Markuann Smith and Joe Chappelle (“Manifest”) serve as executive producers. Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer. Chris Brancato serves as showrunner.
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