The Lowdown: FX’s Critically Acclaimed Crime Drama Captures Viewers’ Attention

Introduction: A Fresh Take on Crime Drama

The Lowdown is an American crime comedy drama television series created by Sterlin Harjo for FX that stars Ethan Hawke and Keith David and premiered on September 23, 2025. In a television landscape saturated with procedural dramas, this series has distinguished itself with a unique blend of neo-noir storytelling, Oklahoma-set authenticity, and compelling performances. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 98% approval rating based on 46 critic reviews, with the website’s critics consensus noting it ‘brightens up its mysteries with a hometown affection for Tulsa and hanging its hat on Ethan Hawke’s hangdog charisma.’

A Story Rooted in Reality

The series is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma and features a man ‘who knows too much’ and is loosely inspired by historian Lee Roy Chapman. Hawke’s Lee is loosely inspired by Lee Roy Chapman, a citizen journalist known for unearthing Tate Brady, one of Tulsa’s founding fathers, and his involvement in the Tulsa Race Massacre. The show follows Lee Raybon, portrayed by Hawke, a used bookstore owner and self-proclaimed ‘truthstorian’ whose investigations into local corruption repeatedly land him in dangerous situations. Early reports from the Oklahoma Film + Music Office estimate season one of the series, including the pilot episode, had an impact of over $42 million spent directly in-state with the creation of nearly 2,000 local career opportunities over 76 days of principal photography.

Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact

Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, gave a score of 86 out of 100 based on 28 critics, indicating ‘universal acclaim’. The series has been particularly praised for its authentic portrayal of Oklahoma culture and its examination of the state’s complex history. The Lowdown uses its murder plot to create a world crackling with humor and sadness and danger. Created by Sterlin Harjo, who previously earned acclaim for ‘Reservation Dogs’, the show demonstrates his continued mastery of blending regional authenticity with universally appealing storytelling.

Conclusion: A Must-Watch Series

The Lowdown represents a significant achievement in contemporary television, offering viewers an intelligent, emotionally resonant crime drama that transcends genre conventions. Its success demonstrates audiences’ appetite for stories that balance entertainment with cultural authenticity and historical awareness. As streaming continues to dominate the television landscape, The Lowdown serves as a reminder that thoughtful, well-crafted series can still break through the noise and capture both critical and popular attention.