TV Show review
Review basis: 4 seasons, 40 episodes · through June 22, 2025
September 29, 2019 · TV-MA · Returning Series
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Godfather of Harlem is a crime drama series starring Forest Whitaker as real-life gangster Bumpy Johnson. In the early 1960s, Bumpy returns from prison and fights the Italian mob to regain control of Harlem while forming an alliance with Malcolm X. The show weaves in civil rights era events, Black economic efforts against mob control, and later seasons add Black Panthers activity and gentrification tensions framed around outsiders taking over Black neighborhoods.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Godfather of Harlem.
Woke representation / casting
Historical setting in 1960s Harlem drives prominent Black roles for Bumpy Johnson, Malcolm X, and community figures, played by Black actors. Italian mob roles use White actors. No race or gender swaps of real figures or emphasis on modern representation quotas.
Woke political dialogue
Dialogue covers period race relations, Nation of Islam, Black economic nationalism, and mob racism. Content stays rooted in 1960s events and character conflicts rather than modern activist rhetoric.
Identity-driven story themes
Story centers a Black gangster reclaiming territory from Italian mob control amid civil rights upheaval. Later seasons include Black Panthers and efforts at Black community ownership. Gangster crime remains the primary structure.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Portrays Italian mob as exploitative outsiders in Black Harlem with corrupt politicians and police. Historical racial power dynamics drive conflict without reframing into present-day systemic identity critiques.
Production
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant. The series is original historical fiction loosely inspired by real people and events with standard dramatic fictionalization.
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No notable public complaints or coverage framing the series as pushing woke, DEI, or identity politics messaging.
Creator track record context
Core creators Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein focus on crime dramas. Producers include Nina Yang Bongiovi (multicultural and Asian American representation emphasis) and Forest Whitaker (humanitarian peace activism). Cultural Harlem storytelling from Markuann Smith adds context.
