It’s not as if Hulu doesn’t have a steady flow of original shows to call its own, as well as an influx of series from ABC and Fox.
But it’s also become the streaming home of Godfather of Harlem, a series that was an Epix original before it moved to MGM+.
Godfather of Harlem has earned a following over four seasons, but now it’s got a larger stage and the potential to get bigger.
It’s also Watch With Us‘ pick for the one Hulu show in November 2025 that you have to watch.
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Forest Whitaker Gives a Commanding Performance
Forest Whitaker executive produces the series and stars as Ellsworth Raymond “Bumpy” Johnson, the man who was known as the Godfather of Harlem. At the beginning of the series, Bumpy is freshly released from prison when he returns to Harlem and sees what’s become of his neighborhood. He used to rule these streets, and he decides to do so again, even if it means going up against the mob.
Whitaker deftly captures multiple aspects of Bumpy’s personality. He can be ruthless when dispatching his enemies or fearless when facing his rivals. But he also displays a softer side when he’s with his wife, Mayme Thatcher Johnson (Ilfenesh Hadera), and their daughter, Stella Gigante (Lucy Fry). Bumpy is capable of acting out of love and hate, and Whitaker gives the man his humanity to balance out some of the monstrous things he has to do to maintain his grasp on power.
The Ensemble Cast Is Amazing
Godfather of Harlem has such a stacked cast of talented performers that it’s almost ridiculous. Vincent D’Onofrio plays real-life mob boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante, and he does so without aping anything from his role as Kingpin in Marvel’s Daredevil and Daredevil: Reborn. D’Onofrio plays Vincent as a believable person rather than a collection of crime boss stereotypes, but he is Bumpy’s main rival in the first few seasons.
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Breaking Bad‘s Giancarlo Esposito has a costarring role as a politician, Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a part that’s completely unlike his Gus Fring character. As always, he’s excellent in the role. Nigél Thatch and Jason Alan Carvell both portray Malcolm X in different seasons, and they did a great job of adding layers to the Civil Rights icon. In the last two seasons, Michael Raymond-James has had a wonderfully menacing turn as Bumpy’s latest adversary, Joseph Colombo. Watching these performers playing off of each other is like a masterclass in acting.
‘Godfather of Harlem’ Successfully Blends History and Fiction
This series may remind fans of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire through the way it blends fiction and history together. Bumby’s story may not have needed as much embellishment as it gets here, but Godfather of Harlem puts it together in an entertaining package. This is legitimately one of the best shows on television, and it’s still flying under the radar years after its debut.
Fortunately, Godfather of Harlem can now potentially reach the wider audience that it deserves. All 40 episodes from across four seasons are waiting for you now, and this series may be able to keep you busy through the holiday season.
Godfather of Harlem is streaming on Hulu.
