In the crowded world of prestige television, where high-concept thrillers and true-crime adaptations dominate the conversation, few series arrive with as much understated confidence as The Lowdown. This eight-part crime drama, created by Sterlin Harjo and starring Ethan Hawke in a career-defining role, premiered quietly on FX in September 2025 before exploding into a global streaming sensation on Hulu and Disney+. What started as a low-key release quickly captivated audiences, with viewers binge-watching the entire season in one sitting and hailing it as one of the most addictive shows of the year. Hawke’s raw, restrained performance anchors a story of obsession, corruption, and moral ambiguity that builds an unrelenting sense of dread, refusing to offer easy resolutions or cartoonish villains.
At its core, The Lowdown follows Lee Raybon, a disheveled bookstore owner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who moonlights as a self-proclaimed “truthstorian”—a citizen journalist driven by an unyielding compulsion to expose the city’s hidden rot. Played with world-weary charisma by Hawke, Lee is no polished hero; he’s a flawed, rumpled everyman whose pursuit of truth often lands him in dangerous territory, threatening his family, his sanity, and his life. Loosely inspired by the real-life Tulsa historian Lee Roy Chapman, the series blends pulpy noir elements with sharp social commentary, painting a vivid portrait of a city haunted by its past and plagued by present-day power brokers.
Harjo, best known for co-creating the groundbreaking Reservation Dogs, brings his signature blend of humor, heart, and cultural insight to this neo-Western tale. Set in the same fictional universe as his previous hit, The Lowdown flips the perspective, examining Tulsa’s underbelly through the eyes of a white protagonist while subtly critiquing privilege, historical amnesia, and the limits of individual heroism. The result is a series that feels both timeless and urgently contemporary—a gritty caper infused with Coen Brothers quirkiness, David Lynch surrealism, and Raymond Chandler hardboiled wit.
Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of Lee Raybon is the beating heart of the show. Known for his versatile career spanning indie darlings like the Before trilogy and blockbusters such as Training Day, Hawke delivers a performance that is subtly devastating. Lee is a man adrift: a failed writer turned bookseller, living above his cluttered shop in a perpetual state of disarray, driving a beat-up van that’s the butt of endless jokes. His obsession with uncovering corruption stems from a deep-seated need for purpose, but it comes at a cost. Hawke captures Lee’s contradictions brilliantly—the rascal charm that makes him endearing, the narcissistic streak that embarrasses even his allies, and the quiet vulnerability that emerges in moments of introspection. It’s a hangdog, charismatic turn that has drawn comparisons to classic anti-heroes like Philip Marlowe or the Dude from The Big Lebowski, yet feels entirely original.
Supporting Hawke is an ensemble cast that elevates every scene. Keith David brings gravitas and warmth as Marty Brunner, Lee’s loyal friend and occasional accomplice, whose steady presence grounds the chaos. Ryan Kiera Armstrong shines as Francis, Lee’s sharp-witted teenage daughter, whose involvement in his investigations adds emotional stakes and generational tension. Kaniehtiio Horn reprises elements of her Reservation Dogs energy as Samantha, Lee’s ex-wife, navigating co-parenting amid his reckless pursuits.
The villains and power players are equally compelling. Kyle MacLachlan embodies oily ambition as Donald Washberg, a wealthy construction magnate with political aspirations and dark secrets. Jeanne Tripplehorn is magnetic as Betty Jo Washberg, Donald’s ex-wife, whose complicated alliance with Lee blurs lines between ally and antagonist. Recurring roles filled by heavy hitters like Tracy Letts, Tim Blake Nelson, Macon Blair, and even guest appearances from Peter Dinklage and the late Graham Greene add layers of intrigue and eccentricity. Michael “Killer Mike” Render and others round out a cast that feels authentically Tulsa—diverse, quirky, and deeply human.
The plot kicks off with the mysterious death of a prominent local figure, pulling Lee into a web of corruption involving land deals, historical cover-ups, and modern-day extremists. As Lee’s investigations deepen, he uncovers ties to Tulsa’s troubled history, including echoes of the 1921 Race Massacre and ongoing struggles over power and legacy. Each episode tightens the noose, blending high-stakes chases, brutal confrontations, and quiet character moments. Harjo’s writing masterfully balances dark comedy—Lee getting repeatedly beaten up, only to bounce back with quips—and poignant drama, exploring themes of aging, fatherhood, and the futility of fighting systemic injustice alone.
Visually, The Lowdown is a treat. Filmed on location in Tulsa, the series captures the city’s dusty landscapes, neon-lit dives, and hidden corners with a brown-toned palette that evokes 1970s New Hollywood classics. Cinematographers Adam Stone, Mark Schwartzbard, and Christopher Norr create a moody, immersive atmosphere, where wide shots of Oklahoma’s plains contrast with claustrophobic close-ups during tense interrogations. Harjo directs with a playful touch, incorporating surreal flourishes and homages to crime fiction without ever feeling derivative.
What sets The Lowdown apart from typical crime thrillers is its refusal to simplify. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains; everyone’s compromised, driven by personal demons or systemic forces. Lee’s “white savior” tendencies are gently critiqued through an Indigenous lens, a hallmark of Harjo’s storytelling. The humor arises organically from character quirks—Lee’s improvised outbursts, awkward alliances, and absurd mishaps—providing relief amid the building tension. Yet beneath the wit lies a profound seriousness: questions about truth in an era of misinformation, the weight of history on the present, and whether one man’s crusade can make a difference.
Critics embraced the series from the start, awarding it near-perfect scores and universal acclaim. It’s praised for its pulpy entertainment value, hometown affection for Tulsa, and Hawke’s magnetic lead performance. Viewers echoed this enthusiasm, with many declaring it impossible to stop watching once started. The binge-friendly eight-episode format, combined with twisty plotting and emotional depth, turned it into a word-of-mouth hit. By late 2025 and into early 2026, it surged up streaming charts, ranking high on Hulu and Disney+ globally, proving that quality storytelling can cut through the noise.
In a landscape filled with formulaic procedurals, The Lowdown stands out as smart, brutal, and unnervingly human. It lingers long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on truth, justice, and the messy reality of fighting for what’s right. Hawke, at the peak of his powers, delivers a role that feels tailor-made, while Harjo cements his status as one of television’s most exciting voices. This isn’t just another crime show—it’s a modern noir masterpiece that reminds us why we fall in love with stories that challenge and haunt us.
