GODFATHER OF HARLEM

BY: Dante Fresse

A new EPIX channel network series Godfather of Harlem is set to premiere September 29. The series stars Forest Whittaker and Vincent D’Onofrio and is written and produced by Chris Bruncato–who is the co-creator of Narcos. The trailer shows Whittaker in a mafia group seeking to overtake Harlem. It displays fantastic cinematography and lighting, as well as an exciting score with Swizz Beats’ “They Don’t Love Me” in the background. The show looks like it will have violence, sex, and tons of thrills, just from this sneak peak.

The story of Godfather of Harlem involves the reunion of Bumpy Johnson, played by Forest Whittaker, into the street life and power control war over Harlem. He seeks the assistance of Malcolm X to retake his Borough and fights against the current power struggles that remain. The dramatic tone for the show makes it a perfect pick for Emmy contention as the timeline on the show wraps together dramatic tension with strong characters, and performances. Both politically and historically this drama is important, as Whittaker’s character is in the cross of a Civil Right Movement push as well as a development in the world of crime.

Nigel Thatch plays Malcolm X and Onofrio plays Vincent Gigante, who wars against Johnson for control of Harlem. The series looks promising and PROVOKR anticipates a smash hit with this one. EPIX is releasing Episode 1 on September 29, 2019. Godfather of Harlem is produced by ABC Signature Studios and, alongside Bruncato, features executive producer Paul Eckstein. Whittaker also has a producer credit on the show. Other cast members alongside Onofrio and Whittaker include Paul Sorvino, Chazz Palminteri, Giancarlo Esposito, Lucy Fry, Kelvin Harrison Jr. Here, we’re excited to see how the show turns out so stay tuned on EPIX for a look at Bumpy Johnson’s Harlem.