A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.A gangster named Bumpy Johnson makes his way in Harlem during the 1960s. A TV prequel to the 2007 film, 'American Gangster', which centered on the criminal enterprise of Frank Lucas.
- Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 2 wins & 31 nominations total
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- TriviaThis is (sort of) a prequel to American Gangster (2007) starring Denzel Washington. In that movie, Washington portrays Frank Lucas, who, in real life, ends up seizing control of the Harlem heroin market and all of Harlem from the 'retiring' Bumpy Johnson portrayed by Forest Whitaker in this series. However, in American Gangster (2007), he was portrayed by Clarence Williams III who is best known for the role of Lincoln 'Linc' Hayes on Mod Squad (1968).
- GoofsThe type of vessels in the Marseille port are later/newer build than the early 60's.
- ConnectionsEdited into Film School Friday: 'Godfather of Harlem' (2021)
Featured review
That's how it's done, watch and learn!
This series is great, one of the best! It is so realistic that you almost live in it. Gigante and Bumpy ( D'Onofrio and Whitaker) are absolutely fantastic, what a bunch of actors, not to mention the rest of the actors, who are many, absolutely wonderful.!!!
It's not just about two enemy gangs, the mafia, drugs and Harlem, it's much more than that. The story is very well detailed, full of political history based on true events, you learn a lot. The political part is not boring since it is explained in a simple way so that everyone can understand it. Nothing complicated. The costumes, the cars, the atmosphere of the 60s, everything perfectly measured, wonderful...!
The combination of real images in black and white is a true wonder!
The political messages, the tension, the action, the dialogues... everything is of great quality in my opinion.
I don't give it a ten simply because of the choice of music. There is soooo much good music from the 60's that I don't understand the choice. Please next time more jazz, soul, gospel... there is so much good musical history in Harlem!
It's not just about two enemy gangs, the mafia, drugs and Harlem, it's much more than that. The story is very well detailed, full of political history based on true events, you learn a lot. The political part is not boring since it is explained in a simple way so that everyone can understand it. Nothing complicated. The costumes, the cars, the atmosphere of the 60s, everything perfectly measured, wonderful...!
The combination of real images in black and white is a true wonder!
The political messages, the tension, the action, the dialogues... everything is of great quality in my opinion.
I don't give it a ten simply because of the choice of music. There is soooo much good music from the 60's that I don't understand the choice. Please next time more jazz, soul, gospel... there is so much good musical history in Harlem!
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