If you’re fascinated by the intersection of organized crime, civil rights, and political upheaval in a pivotal era of American history, then MGM+’s “Godfather of Harlem” is a compelling and stylish crime drama. Led by an powerhouse performance from Forest Whitaker, the series plunges into the tumultuous 1960s, offering a fictionalized look at a legendary figure.
What is “Godfather of Harlem” about?
“Godfather of Harlem” tells the story of Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson (played by Forest Whitaker), the infamous crime boss who returns to Harlem in the early 1960s after a decade in Alcatraz prison. What he finds is a neighborhood dramatically changed: his once-thriving empire is in shambles, and the streets are now firmly controlled by the ruthless Italian mob, specifically the Genovese crime family, led by the cunning and brutal Vincent “The Chin” Gigante (Vincent D’Onofrio).
Determined to reclaim his territory and restore order to his community, Bumpy ignites a violent turf war with the Italian Mafia. However, this isn’t just a simple gangster saga. The series brilliantly intertwines Bumpy’s criminal enterprise with the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. Bumpy forms an uneasy, yet pragmatic, alliance with the influential Muslim minister Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch, later Jason Alan Carvell), whom he knew from his past. This alliance places Bumpy’s mob war squarely in the volatile crosshairs of social upheaval, police brutality, and the fight for racial equality.
The show explores not only the brutal realities of the criminal underworld but also the complex political landscape of Harlem, featuring other real-life historical figures like Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (Giancarlo Esposito) and later, figures like Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali). It delves into Bumpy’s personal life, his relationship with his wife Mayme (Ilfenesh Hadera), and his struggles with his estranged daughter Elise (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), who has embraced the Nation of Islam.
Why “Godfather of Harlem” is a compelling watch:
- Forest Whitaker’s Masterclass: Forest Whitaker delivers an incredibly nuanced and commanding performance as Bumpy Johnson, portraying him as a formidable yet complex figure who is both a ruthless gangster and a protector of his community.
- Historical Context and Real-Life Figures: The series vividly recreates 1960s Harlem and weaves in significant historical events and figures, offering a unique perspective on the Civil Rights Movement through the lens of the criminal underworld.
- High-Stakes Crime Drama: It delivers on the promise of a classic gangster narrative with intense action, intricate power struggles, and brutal confrontations.
- Strong Supporting Cast: The show boasts an impressive ensemble, including standout performances from Vincent D’Onofrio as the menacing “Chin” Gigante and Nigél Thatch as a remarkably convincing Malcolm X.
- Stylish Production: From the period costumes and sets to the powerful soundtrack (executive produced by Swizz Beatz, featuring contemporary artists), the show has a distinctive and immersive aesthetic.
- Moral Ambiguity: It explores the grey areas of morality, portraying Bumpy as a man who commits violent acts but also strives to protect his community and family in his own way.
Who are the main actors in “Godfather of Harlem”?
- Forest Whitaker as Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson
- Nigél Thatch as Malcolm X (Seasons 1-2)
- Jason Alan Carvell as Malcolm X (Season 3-present)
- Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson (Bumpy’s wife)
- Lucy Fry as Stella Gigante (Vincent’s rebellious daughter)
- Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson (Bumpy’s daughter)
- Giancarlo Esposito as Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
- Vincent D’Onofrio as Vincent “The Chin” Gigante
- Kelvin Harrison Jr. as Teddy Greene (Season 1)
- Rafi Gavron as Ernie Nunzi
- Erik LaRay Harvey as Del Chance
- Demi Singleton as Margaret Johnson (Bumpy’s granddaughter)
- Chazz Palminteri as Joe Bonanno (recurring)
- Michael Raymond-James as Joe Colombo (recurring)
Where to Watch “Godfather of Harlem”:
“Godfather of Harlem” originally airs on MGM+ (formerly Epix). All four seasons are available to stream via:
- MGM+ (available as a standalone subscription or through various streaming bundles like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, and The Roku Channel Premium Subscriptions).
- Hulu (with the MGM+ add-on).
- Philo (with a subscription).
- fuboTV (with a subscription).
- You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies & TV, and Fandango At Home (Vudu).
If you enjoyed “Godfather of Harlem,” you might also like:
- Power (Starz): Another gritty crime drama that delves into the drug trade and power struggles, with a similar contemporary feel.
- Peaky Blinders (Netflix): For a stylish, historically-infused gangster drama with complex characters and high stakes.
- Narcos (Netflix): For a crime drama that blends historical events with the lives of notorious drug kingpins.
- Boardwalk Empire (HBO/Max): For a meticulously crafted historical crime drama set during Prohibition, exploring the intertwining of politics and organized crime.
- Snowfall (Hulu/FX): For a series that charts the rise of crack cocaine in Los Angeles and its impact on various characters from different walks of life.