Godfather of Harlem (2019)

Synopsis

Loosely based on infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy attempts to regain his piece of Harlem.

Watch the trailer

Where to watch

Stream

• Hulu
• fuboTV
• MGM+ Amazon Channel
• Philo
• MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
• MGM Plus
• Spectrum On Demand

Buy

• Amazon Video
• Apple TV Store
• Google Play Movies
• Fandango At Home

Streaming availability via JustWatch

Cast

• Forest Whitaker as Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson
• Ilfenesh Hadera as Mayme Johnson
• Antoinette Crowe-Legacy as Elise Johnson
• Lucy Fry as Stella Gigante
• Elvis Nolasco as Nat Pettigrew
• Erik LaRay Harvey as Delbert C. 'Del' Chance
• Markuann Smith as Junie Byrd
• Vincent D'Onofrio as Vincent 'Chin' Gigante
• Demi Singleton as Margaret Johnson
• Nigel Thatch as Malcolm X

If you liked Godfather of Harlem, try

• Peaky Blinders
• Sons of Anarchy
• Lucky
• MobLand
• Animal Kingdom
• Boardwalk Empire
• The Cleaning Lady
• Spider-Noir

BingeNext's take

If you’re into gritty crime dramas with a strong historical vibe, Godfather of Harlem is a great pick. It follows Bumpy Johnson, a crime boss who returns to Harlem in the early 1960s after a decade in prison, only to find the neighborhood taken over by the Italian mob. Watching Forest Whitaker bring Bumpy to life is a real treat, and the show’s mix of crime and drama keeps things intense but grounded. With four seasons and 40 episodes, there’s plenty to get lost in, especially if you like shows like Peaky Blinders or Sons of Anarchy. It’s perfect for those who enjoy complex characters and the struggle for power in a richly detailed setting. The series feels raw and real, pulling you into a world where loyalty and survival are everything.