Godfather of Harlem

In the early 1960s, Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson walks out of prison and back into a Harlem that has changed around him. The streets he once controlled are now under Italian mob influence, and Bumpy sets about rebuilding his power, protecting his family, and reclaiming respect. The series follows his strategic moves, uneasy alliances, and clashes with rival factions, while showing how political tensions and social change shape every decision. It balances criminal maneuvering with moments of quieter domestic life, keeping the focus on Bumpy's personality, his code, and the community that both sustains and complicates his plans.

Premiered on Epix in 2019, the show was created by Paul Eckstein and Chris Brancato and stars Forest Whitaker as Bumpy Johnson. It’s loosely based on the real-life crime figure and draws from historical events without sticking to a single biography.

The series drew attention during awards season for its performances and production values, earning nominations from industry groups that highlighted acting and design. While it didn’t sweep major prize ceremonies, cast and crew recognition helped raise the show’s profile and supported subsequent seasons.

By reintroducing a prominent but complicated historical figure, the show sparked renewed interest in Harlem’s midcentury history and conversations about how crime narratives intersect with community identity. Iconic visuals of the neighborhood and a focus on period detail have made certain scenes stick in viewers’ minds, and the series has contributed to ongoing pop culture reinterpretations of that era.

Critics and audiences have responded positively, reflected in a vote average of 8.059/10 from 704 votes. Reviewers often single out Whitaker’s portrayal for its nuance, and commentators note recurring themes of power, race, loyalty, and the costs of leadership. The tone mixes gritty crime drama with social context, keeping moral ambiguity front and center while showing how broader political movements shape street-level choices.