
TV Show review
The Get Down
Woke Score
Lower is better
- Release Date
- August 12, 2016
- Age Rating
- TV-MA
- Runtime
- N/A
Where to Watch
United States · Last checked 5/13/2026
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Breakdown
Factors & Ratings
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for The Get Down.
Representation / casting choices
Large Black and Latino cast accurately reflects 1977 South Bronx demographics and story world; no audience-visible forced diversity, race/gender swaps, or mismatches with setting or characters.
Political / ideological dialogue
Includes era-appropriate talk of local politics, corruption, community services, and city neglect through characters like Papa Fuerte and mayoral figures; delivered as plot context rather than explicit modern lectures.
Identity-driven story themes
Centers on Black and Latino youth experiences, ambition, and cultural creation in a marginalized neighborhood, with one secondary character arc touching on personal/queer exploration in the art scene; narrative prioritizes music, friendship, and coming-of-age over identity politics as the driver.
Institutional / cultural critique
Portrays 1970s NYC political machines, mayoral tough-on-crime stances, and abandonment of South Bronx communities as historical reality; framed through character stories and Luhrmann's stylized lens without contemporary activist reframing of systemic issues.
