If you watch Snowfall, you need to be watching these!
Although Snowfall is currently the cream of the crop when it comes to crime TV, there’s certainly a few more with primarily black cast from the past, and present that should be on your watchlist.
But, before discovering new shows, let’s get into why we love Snowfall in the first place. Being one of my favorite series, there are many factors that I take into consideration before crowning a show “my favorite”; cast, plot, progression, and trajectory.
SnowFall — TNT
The cast of snowfall is top tier, and as the show progresses it seems like they’re only getting better talent. Between Franklin (Damson Idris), and Jerome (Amin Joseph) you see the range of acting skills just by hearing their voices. The plot and direction of the show feels authentic! Although we know this isn’t a 100% true story, just enough of it is real for the entire show to feel like a true story. As the show continues, you definitely see the growth in character development & storylines. A problem I had with the show in it’s earlier season was the lack of gang specific activity; but being understanding of the timelines I figured it would come soon & season 4 was right on time. As for the trajectory, this was it’s 4th season tying it with the wire & has just been renewed another.
Don’t be surprised when you begin to see members of this cast in films moving forward.
Now let’s get into this list:
The Wire
I promise this will be the only old show on this list, because why not. The wire essentially set the stage for Black Crime Tv. With iconic scenes, star studded cast, and a mindblowing plot, The Wire is still easily a fan favorite when it comes to crime tv. If you’re a 2021 fan of snowfall, I wouldn’t suggest a debate with an OG fan from The Wire — you will get nowhere.
Godfather of Harlem — EPIX
Now, if you like show’s with an old school aesthetic that shed some light on prominent black figures, this show is for you. Godfather of Harlem is essentially based on the life of Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), a drug trafficker out of Harlem. Throughout the show, you get a few other prominent figures who pop up like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, and the Italian Mafia. While there are very true aspects, there is much that has been changed for interest of the storyline.
City on a Hill — Showtime
Although this show isn’t necessarily a primarily black cast, many of the lead characters are. Aldis Hodge (Decourcy), has slowly become one of my favorite actors, even since his early acting days appearing in shows like Leverage. Being partially true, based on a true story, City on a Hill gives you an eye into crime world of Boston in the 1990’s. This show definitely is one of the more polarizing shows displaying the different views of Decourcy, a black ADA, and Jackie Rohr, a white FBI agent. Currently in it’s second season, i’d be surprised if it were not renewed for another. With such a great storyline, I hope more people catch on; while its not as amplifying as snowfall the show as a whole is undoubtedly a great watch.
Black Mafia Family (Coming Soon) — Starz
Special Shoutout
Although this show isn’t out yet, i’d be surprised if you are a fan of Black Crime TV, and aren’t aware of it’s development. 50 Cent has been making noise in the film industry, getting a great reputation through shows like Power & For Life. Outside of developing spin-off’s from power, he has been working on this. BMF will be based on the true story of a drug trafficking empire from Michigan, and feature a very star studded cast. If you’re familiar with the history of drug trafficking in the US, you are familiar with BMF. Be on the lookout for the first trailer, hopefully sooner than later.
Thanks for reading!
I hope you have some new shows to binge, and I look forward to hearing your personal reviews on these shows. Each of these shows are almost based in different regions, and looks like the industry is missing the stories of drug trafficking in the South East of the U.S. If I find one, i’ll be sure to update.
But for now, grab a bag of popcorn (extra butter), a slushie and binge! See you soon. Don’t forget to leave a comment if these shows are already on your watchlist or you have any suggestions.
Follow us on Instagram & Tik Tok @SlushiesAndPopcorn for more reviews. We’ll be posting our first few this week.
