If you’re drawn to gritty, high-stakes crime dramas that delve into the complex lives of individuals caught between two worlds, “Power” is a compelling and often explosive series. Co-created by Courtney A. Kemp and executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, this show became a cultural phenomenon, exploring the pursuit of power, wealth, and legitimacy within the dangerous New York City drug trade.
What is “Power” about?
“Power” centers on James “Ghost” St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick), a charismatic and successful nightclub owner in New York City. However, his glamorous facade hides a dark secret: he is also the ruthless kingpin of one of the city’s most lucrative and expansive illegal drug networks.
Ghost desperately yearns to leave his criminal life behind and become a legitimate businessman, focusing solely on his thriving nightclub, “Truth.” He dreams of a clean future with his mistress, Angela Valdes (Lela Loren), an Assistant U.S. Attorney who, ironically, is investigating the very drug operation Ghost runs.
However, disentangling himself from the criminal underworld proves to be an almost impossible task. He is constantly pulled back in by his loyal but impulsive best friend and business partner, Tommy Egan (Joseph Sikora), and his fiercely protective wife, Tasha St. Patrick (Naturi Naughton), who is deeply involved in the drug business and sees his legitimate ambitions as a threat to their family’s security.
As Ghost tries to balance his two lives—the legitimate nightclub owner and the ruthless drug dealer—he navigates a treacherous landscape filled with:
- Rival drug kingpins: Including the terrifying Kanan Stark (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson), Ghost’s former mentor and bitter enemy.
- Betrayals: From within his inner circle and from unexpected corners.
- Law enforcement scrutiny: Especially from Angela and her colleagues, who are closing in on his operation.
- Family drama: As his children, particularly his son Tariq, become increasingly aware of and entangled in his criminal activities.
The series is a brutal examination of ambition, loyalty, family, and the ultimate cost of power. It’s known for its shocking twists, intense action sequences, and the constant moral dilemmas faced by its characters as they fight to survive and thrive in a world where trust is a luxury few can afford.
Why “Power” is a compelling watch:
- Complex Protagonist: Ghost is a deeply conflicted character, making him both compelling and frustrating. His struggle for redemption is central to the show’s drama.
- High-Stakes Thrills: The series is packed with intense suspense, unexpected betrayals, and explosive confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
- Dynamic Relationships: The intricate relationships between Ghost, Tasha, Tommy, and Angela are the emotional core of the show, full of love, hate, loyalty, and resentment.
- Gritty Realism: It offers an unflinching look at the dark side of the drug trade, avoiding glamorization while still maintaining a captivating narrative.
- Cultural Impact: “Power” became a huge hit, particularly within the Black community, praised for its strong performances, engaging storyline, and its representation of complex characters.
- Soundtrack: Features a prominent hip-hop soundtrack, often curated by 50 Cent, enhancing the show’s gritty, urban atmosphere.
Where to Watch “Power”:
“Power” aired on Starz in the U.S. and concluded after six seasons in 2020. It has since spawned a hugely successful franchise with multiple spin-off series.
All six seasons of “Power” are available to stream on:
- Starz (via direct subscription or as an add-on channel on platforms like Amazon Prime Video Channels, Apple TV Channels, Roku Premium Channel, and Hulu).
- Hulu (with the Starz add-on or sometimes available through a regular subscription if linked via Starz).
- Philo
- Spectrum On Demand
You can also purchase individual episodes or full seasons on digital platforms such as:
- Amazon Prime Video
- Apple TV
- Google Play Movies & TV
- Fandango At Home (Vudu)
If you enjoyed “Power,” you might also like the other series in the “Power” Universe:
- Power Book II: Ghost (Starz): A direct sequel following Ghost’s son, Tariq, as he tries to navigate college life while building his own drug empire.
- Power Book III: Raising Kanan (Starz): A prequel series exploring the early life of Kanan Stark, a pivotal character from the original “Power.”
- Power Book IV: Force (Starz): A spin-off following Tommy Egan as he relocates to Chicago to establish a new drug enterprise.
You might also like other crime dramas such as:
- Snowfall (Hulu): Chronicles the birth of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
- The Wire (Max): A sprawling, highly acclaimed series offering a deep, systemic look at the drug trade, law enforcement, and urban life in Baltimore.
- Queen of the South (Netflix): Follows a woman who builds her own drug empire after fleeing for her life.
- Ozark (Netflix): A gripping crime drama about a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel.