If you’re drawn to immersive, character-driven crime dramas that explore the origins and devastating impact of a major historical event, then FX’s “Snowfall” is a powerful and critically acclaimed series. Co-created by the late, legendary filmmaker John Singleton, this show meticulously chronicles the birth of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s through the eyes of various interconnected characters.
What is “Snowfall” about?
“Snowfall” primarily takes place in Los Angeles, beginning in 1983 and spanning through the mid-to-late 1980s. It focuses on the intersecting lives of several disparate characters whose paths converge as the crack epidemic begins to sweep across South Central L.A.:
- Franklin Saint: A bright, ambitious, and seemingly innocent 20-year-old growing up in South Central. Starting with small-time cannabis sales, Franklin quickly recognizes the immense potential and profit in the burgeoning crack cocaine market. He transforms from a local dealer into a formidable drug kingpin, building a vast criminal empire, often with the help of his shrewd uncle Jerome and aunt Louie.
- Teddy McDonald (formerly Reed Thompson): A disillusioned CIA operative who, through an off-the-books operation, begins supplying cocaine to the burgeoning L.A. drug market to fund the Nicaraguan Contras in their fight against communism. His actions inadvertently fuel the crack epidemic, highlighting the devastating, unintended consequences of clandestine government operations.
- Gustavo “El Oso” Zapata: A former Mexican luchador wrestler who gets caught up in the violent world of a Mexican drug cartel, initially as an enforcer and later becoming more deeply entangled.
- Lucia Villanueva: The cunning and ambitious daughter of a Mexican crime boss, who is a key player in the drug trade and forms an uneasy alliance with Gustavo.
The series is a sprawling, often brutal, narrative that meticulously tracks the evolution of the crack trade from its infancy to its full devastating impact on communities. It delves into the corruption, violence, and moral compromises made by everyone involved, from the street dealers and kingpins to the law enforcement and covert government agents. Over its six seasons, “Snowfall” paints a vivid, unflinching portrait of a pivotal moment in American history, showing how ambition, desperation, and systemic forces converged to unleash a social catastrophe. The final season, in particular, focuses on the civil war within the Saint family and Franklin’s desperate attempts to hold onto his empire and sanity as everything he built crumbles around him.
Why “Snowfall” is a compelling watch:
- Historical Context: The show provides a compelling and often chilling historical account of how crack cocaine emerged and decimated communities, offering insight into a complex social phenomenon.
- Character Evolution: Witnessing Franklin Saint’s transformation from a relatively naive young man to a ruthless and increasingly tormented drug lord is incredibly captivating and tragic.
- Gritty Realism: The series is unflinching in its portrayal of violence, addiction, and the harsh realities of the drug trade, avoiding glamorization while maintaining a compelling narrative.
- Strong Ensemble Cast: The performances across the board are excellent, with Damson Idris delivering a career-defining turn as Franklin Saint.
- John Singleton’s Vision: The series carries the distinctive voice and perspective of its late co-creator, exploring themes of race, class, and the American dream with a unique authenticity rooted in his previous work (e.g., Boyz n the Hood).
- Social Commentary: Beyond the crime drama, “Snowfall” offers sharp social commentary on systemic issues, government involvement, and the long-lasting impact of the epidemic on South Central L.A.
Where to Watch “Snowfall”:
“Snowfall” aired on FX in the U.S. and concluded its run after six seasons in April 2023.
All six seasons are available to stream on:
- Hulu
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 “Snowfall,” you might also like:
- The Wire (Max): Widely considered one of the greatest crime dramas of all time, it offers a similarly sprawling and complex look at the drug trade, law enforcement, and systemic issues in Baltimore.
- Power (Starz): If you like crime dramas about drug empires, power struggles, and the complexities of navigating criminal and personal lives in a modern setting.
- Godfather of Harlem (MGM+): A period crime drama set in the 1960s, focusing on real-life crime boss Bumpy Johnson and the intersections of crime, politics, and social change.
- Queen of the South (Netflix): Follows the rise of a woman who builds her own drug empire, with a focus on action and intricate cartel dynamics.
- Narcos (Netflix) / Narcos: Mexico (Netflix): Documentary-style crime dramas that chronicle the rise and fall of infamous drug kingpins and the law enforcement efforts to stop them.