Snowfall (TV Series 2017–2023)

"The rise of the crack cocaine epidemic—and the fall of those who built it."

Snowfall is an American crime drama series created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron for FX. The show premiered on July 5, 2017, and concluded on April 19, 2023, after six seasons and 60 episodes.

Set in Los Angeles during the early 1980s, the series explores the first crack cocaine epidemic and its devastating impact on the city. It follows multiple characters whose lives become entangled in the drug trade, including Franklin Saint (Damson Idris), a young street entrepreneur, Teddy McDonald (Carter Hudson), a CIA operative funding covert operations, and Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata (Sergio Peris-Mencheta), a Mexican wrestler turned enforcer.

Story Overview

📍 Franklin Saint, a brilliant but ambitious young man, starts selling cocaine in South Central Los Angeles, quickly realizing the potential for wealth and power.

📍 Teddy McDonald, a CIA agent, becomes involved in the drug trade to fund anti-communist operations in Nicaragua, leading to government corruption and secret alliances.

📍 Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata, a Mexican luchador, finds himself working for a cartel, navigating the dangerous world of organized crime.

📍 As the drug empire expands, tensions rise between gangs, law enforcement, and the government, leading to betrayals, violence, and tragic consequences.

📍 The series explores the systemic forces behind the crack epidemic, showing how politics, crime, and ambition shaped an era of destruction.

Themes and Symbolism

✅ Power and Corruption: The show examines how money and influence corrupt individuals and institutions. ✅ The American Dream vs. Reality: Franklin’s journey reflects the illusion of success in a system designed to keep certain people down. ✅ Government Involvement in the Drug Trade: The series highlights real-life allegations of CIA involvement in funding wars through drug money.

Why Snowfall Stands Out

✅ Gritty and Realistic: The show delivers authentic storytelling, capturing the violence, desperation, and ambition of the era. ✅ Damson Idris’ Breakout Performance: His portrayal of Franklin Saint is riveting, showing his transformation from a hopeful entrepreneur to a ruthless kingpin. ✅ Complex Characters: Every character faces moral dilemmas, making the show emotionally gripping and unpredictable.

Reception and Legacy

📍 Snowfall holds an 8.4/10 rating on IMDb, praised for its writing, performances, and historical accuracy. 📍 The series has been compared to Breaking Bad and The Wire, offering a deep dive into crime and power struggles. 📍 A spin-off series is currently in development, focusing on Leon Simmons (Isaiah John) and Wanda Bell (Gail Bean).