Godfather of Harlem explained
Godfather of Harlem is an American crime drama television series that premiered on September 29, 2019, on Epix.[1] The series is written by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, and stars Forest Whitaker as 1960s New York City gangster Bumpy Johnson. Whitaker is also executive producer alongside Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, John Ridley and Markuann Smith. Chris Brancato acts as showrunner. On February 12, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season; which premiered on April 18, 2021. On January 13, 2022, the series was renewed for a third season, which premiered on January 15, 2023, on the rebranded MGM+. On November 29, 2023, the series was renewed for a fourth season.[2]
A docu-series based on the series titled By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem and directed by Keith McQuirter premiered on November 8, 2020.[3] [4]
Premise
Godfather of Harlem tells the fictionalised story of 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 must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the battle, he forms an alliance with Muslim minister Malcolm X – catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart."[5]
Cast and characters
Main
- Forest Whitaker as Ellsworth Raymond "Bumpy" Johnson, a Harlem-based mob boss and the titular "Godfather of Harlem"
- Nigél Thatch (seasons 1–2) and Jason Alan Carvell (season 3) as Malcolm X, a Muslim minister in the Nation of Islam and civil rights activist
- Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Thatcher Johnson, Bumpy's wife
- Lucy Fry as Stella Gigante, Vincent's rebellious daughter
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Teddy Greene (season 1), an aspiring musician and Stella's boyfriend
- Rafi Gavron as Ernie Nunzi (seasons 1–2), a violent associate of Vincent's and part of the Genovese crime family
- Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson, Bumpy's heroin-addicted daughter-turned Muslim
- Giancarlo Esposito as Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (season 1; recurring season 2–present), a politician who represents Harlem in Congress
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Vincent "The Chin" Gigante (seasons 1–2; guest season 3), the mob boss of the Genovese crime family and Bumpy's main rival
- Erik LaRay Harvey as Del Chance (season 2–present; recurring season 1), one of Bumpy's most trusted enforcers
- Demi Singleton as Margaret Johnson (season 2; recurring season 1; guest season 3), Bumpy's granddaughter
Guest
Episodes
Season 3 (2023)
Production
Development
On April 25, 2018, it was announced that Epix had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes set to premiere in 2019. The series will be written by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein who will also executive produce alongside Forest Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, and Markuann Smith. Brancato will also act as showrunner. Production companies involved with the series include ABC Signature Studios and Significant Productions.[5] [6] [7]
On June 19, 2018, it was reported that John Ridley would direct the first episode of the series.[8]
On February 12, 2020, the series was renewed for a second season which premiered on April 18, 2021.[9] [10]
On January 13, 2022, the series was renewed for a third season which premiered on January 15, 2023.[11] [12]
Casting
Alongside the initial series announcement, it was confirmed that Forest Whitaker would star in the series as Bumpy Johnson.[5] In September 2018, it was announced that Vincent D'Onofrio, Ilfenesh Hadera, Antoinette Crowe-Legacy, Nigél Thatch, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucy Fry and Paul Sorvino had been cast in starring roles.[13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] In October 2018, it was reported that Giancarlo Esposito and Rafi Gavron had joined the cast in a series regular capacity.[19] [20] On January 8, 2019, it was announced that Kathrine Narducci had been cast in a recurring role.[21]
For the second season in 2021, Justin Bartha, Annabella Sciorra, Ronald Guttman, Isaach de Bankolé, Method Man, Michael Rispoli and Grace Porter were added to the cast.[22] [23] In May 2021, it was announced that actress Whoopi Goldberg will appear in a guest role.[24] On July 25, Paul Sorvino died shortly before the third season's filming began.[25]
Filming
Principal photography for the series reportedly began in September 2018 in New York City.[26]
Reception
For the first season, the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 92% approval rating with an average rating of 7.50/10, based on 25 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads: "As sharply dressed as it is smartly written, Godfather of Harlem walks familiar blocks to its own beat and makes a strong first impression."[27] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the season a score of 72 out of 100, based on 10 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[28] Cheryl Kahla of The South African said: "The Godfather of Harlem is an excellent example of what modern television is capable of today. Whitaker's character Bumpy is a drug kingpin but also just a man trying to make sense of the world and connect with his family".[29]
Accolades
Notes and References
- Video: New Trailer for the EPIX Original Series "Godfather of Harlem" Released. Epix. The Futon Critic. June 14, 2019. June 13, 2019.
- Web site: Campione . Katie . 2023-11-29 . 'Godfather Of Harlem' Renewed For Season 4 At MGM+ . 2023-11-29 . Deadline . en-US.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem'-Inspired Docuseries From Forest Whitaker Set At Epix. Deadline Hollywood. July 20, 2020. July 21, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115151525/https://deadline.com/2020/07/godfather-of-harlem-inspired-docuseries-from-forest-whitaker-in-works-at-epix-1202989917/. live.
- EPIX(R) Sets Premiere Date for Docuseries "By Whatever Means Necessary: The Times of Godfather of Harlem". Epix. The Futon Critic. October 8, 2020.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. Forest Whitaker To Topline Straight-To-Series Crime Drama At Epix. Deadline Hollywood. April 25, 2018. April 25, 2018. October 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191001205823/https://deadline.com/2018/04/forest-whitaker-star-straight-to-series-crime-drama-epix-1202376800/. live.
- Web site: Otterson. Joe. Forest Whitaker to Star in Epix Drama Series 'Godfather of Harlem'. Variety. April 25, 2018. April 25, 2018. October 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191001205812/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/forest-whitaker-epix-series-godfather-of-harlem-1202786959/. live.
- Web site: Goldberg. Lesley. Forest Whitaker to Star in Epix Straight-to-Series Crime Drama (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. April 25, 2018. April 25, 2018. September 26, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190926193326/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/forest-whitaker-star-epix-straight-series-crime-drama-1105816. live.
- Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. John Ridley To Direct First Episode Of 'Godfather Of Harlem' Epix Crime Drama. Deadline Hollywood. June 19, 2018. June 19, 2018. April 23, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190423174722/https://deadline.com/2018/06/john-ridley-direct-first-episode-godfather-of-harlem-epix-crime-drama-1202413335/. live.
- EPIX(R) Renews Critically-Acclaimed Drama Series "Godfather of Harlem" for Season Two. Epix. The Futon Critic. February 12, 2020. February 12, 2020.
- Video: EPIX Releases New Full-Length Teaser Trailer for "Godfather of Harlem" Season 2 and Announces Premiere Date of April 18. Epix. The Futon Critic. February 18, 2021.
- Web site: 'Godfather Of Harlem' Renewed For Season 3 By Epix. deadline.com. January 13, 2022.
- Breaking News - EPIX (Soon to Be MGM+) Presents Season Three of "Godfather of Harlem" Will Premiere January 15 . The Futon Critic. Epix. September 28, 2022.
- Web site: Goldberg. Lesley. Vincent D'Onofrio to Star Opposite Forest Whitaker in Epix's 'Godfather of Harlem' (Exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. September 11, 2018. September 14, 2018. September 12, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180912010607/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/vincent-donofrio-star-opposite-forest-whitaker-epixs-godfather-harlem-1141813. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Ilfenesh Hadera To Co-Star In Epix Crime Drama. Deadline Hollywood. September 12, 2018. September 14, 2018. September 14, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180914132312/https://deadline.com/2018/09/godfather-of-harlem-ilfenesh-hadera-to-co-star-in-epix-crime-drama-1202463566/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Antoinette Crowe-Legacy Joins Forest Whitaker Epix Series. Deadline Hollywood. September 19, 2018. September 19, 2018. September 19, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180919182848/https://deadline.com/2018/09/godfather-of-harlem-antoinette-crowe-legacy-joins-forest-whitaker-epix-series-1202466115/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Nigél Thatch To Star As Malcolm X In Epix Drama Series. Deadline Hollywood. September 21, 2018. September 21, 2018. September 21, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180921182510/https://deadline.com/2018/09/godfather-of-harlem-nigel-thatch-to-star-as-malcolm-x-in-epix-drama-series-1202468834/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Kelvin Harrison Jr. & Lucy Fry Cast In Epix Drama Series. Deadline Hollywood. September 26, 2018. September 26, 2018. September 26, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180926204441/https://deadline.com/2018/09/godfather-of-harlem-kelvin-harrison-jr-lucy-fry-cast-epix-drama-series-forest-whitaker-1202471681/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Paul Sorvino To Star In Epix Drama Series. Deadline Hollywood. September 27, 2018. September 27, 2018. September 27, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180927191331/https://deadline.com/2018/09/godfather-of-harlem-paul-sorvino-star-epix-drama-series-1202472327/. live.
- Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Giancarlo Esposito To Star In Epix Drama Series. Deadline Hollywood. October 2, 2018. October 2, 2018. October 3, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181003015355/https://deadline.com/2018/10/giancarlo-esposito-cast-godfather-of-harlem-epix-series-1202474984/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'A Star Is Born's Rafi Gavron Joins Epix Crime Drama 'Godfather Of Harlem'. Deadline Hollywood. October 8, 2018. October 8, 2018. October 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181009052843/https://deadline.com/2018/10/a-star-is-born-rafi-gavron-epix-crime-drama-godfather-of-harlem-1202478588/. live.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Godfather Of Harlem' Casts Kathrine Narducci; Juan Riedinger Joins 'Claws'. Deadline Hollywood. January 8, 2019. January 8, 2019. January 8, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190108213849/https://deadline.com/2019/01/godfather-of-harlem-cast-kathrine-narducci-juan-riedinger-claws-1202530990/. live.
- Web site: Del Rosario. Alexandra. 'Godfather Of Harlem': Justin Bartha, Annabella Sciorra & Ronald Guttman To Recur In Season 2. Deadline Hollywood. March 17, 2021. April 27, 2021.
- Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Walker' Casts Rebekah Graf; Grace Porter Joins 'Godfather Of Harlem'. Deadline Hollywood. January 7, 2021. April 27, 2021.
- Web site: 'Godfather of Harlem' teases Whoopi Goldberg Season 2 role.
- News: 'Goodfellas,' 'Law & Order' actor Paul Sorvino dies at 83 . Bahr . Lindsey . July 25, 2022 . July 25, 2022 . . July 25, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220725184152/https://apnews.com/article/paul-sorvino-dead-goodfellas-obituaries-922b8a7dc6f2d3cf2305ed8cdf6aa237 . live .
- Web site: Welch. Rebecca. Follow Cynthia Erivo Underground in 'Harriet'. Backstage. July 22, 2018. July 18, 2018. July 22, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180722125526/https://www.backstage.com/news/casting/follow-cynthia-erivo-underground-harriet/. live.
- Web site: Godfather of Harlem: Season 1 (2019). Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. September 21, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115151528/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/godfather_of_harlem/s01. live.
- Web site: Godfather of Harlem: Season 1 reviews. Metacritic. September 21, 2020.
- News: Godfather of Harlem: In conversation with Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker. Cheryl. Kahla. November 11, 2019. thesouthafrican.com. May 9, 2020. November 15, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201115151636/https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/forest-whitaker-interview-godfather-harlem//. live.
- Web site: Richards. Kimberley. 2019-03-31. 50th NAACP Image Awards: Here Are The Winners. 2022-01-22. HuffPost. en.
- Web site: Watchmen & Insecure Pace the Black Reel Awards for TV Nominations. Black Reel Awards. June 18, 2020. February 20, 2021. July 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200704021011/http://blackreelawards.com/watchmen-insecure-pace-the-black-reel-awards-for-tv-nominations/. dead.
- Web site: Howard. Katherine. 2020-02-22. NAACP Image Awards: Lizzo Named Entertainer of the Year; 'Just Mercy,' 'Black-ish' Among Top Winners. 2022-01-22. The Hollywood Reporter. en-US.
- Web site: 2020 Primetime Emmy Awards – Nomination Press Release . . December 31, 2021 . November 1, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201101080104/https://www.emmys.com/sites/default/files/Downloads/72nd-nominations-list-v3.pdf . live .
- Web site: Spivey. Kemberlie. 2022-01-19. 2022 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: The Full List. 2022-01-20. Forbes. en.
- Web site: Pedersen . Erik . February 21, 2024 . Strike-Delayed Writers Guild Awards Nominations Revealed . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240221203020/https://deadline.com/2024/02/wga-awards-2024-nominations-list-1235833003/ . February 21, 2024 . February 27, 2024 . Deadline Hollywood.