EPIX(R) Renews Critically-Acclaimed Drama Series "Godfather of Harlem" for Season Two

EPIX(R) Renews Critically-Acclaimed Drama Series "Godfather of Harlem" for Season Two The 10-episode sophomore season, created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, will commence production in New York later this year.

[via press release from EPIX]

EPIX(R) RENEWS CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED DRAMA SERIES "GODFATHER OF HARLEM" FOR SEASON TWO Executive Producer and Star Forest Whitaker To Return In Ten-Episode Season From ABC Signature Studios New York, NY - February 12, 2020- Premium cable network EPIX(R) announced today that Godfather of Harlem, its Forest Whitaker led, critically-acclaimed drama from ABC Signature Studios, which is a part of Disney Television Studios, will return for season two. The 10-episode sophomore season, created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos) will commence production in New York later this year. Godfather of Harlem tells a story inspired by infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from eleven years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history. "Godfather of Harlem season one was a remarkable success, tripling previous viewership numbers for the network and earning acclaim from both critics and viewers alike," said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. "We couldn't wait to reunite with Chris, Paul, Forest and the team at ABC Signature to continue telling this compelling and extremely relevant story." In addition to Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, season one cast members included Vincent D'Onofrio (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil), Ilfenesh Hadera (She's Gotta Have It, Baywatch), Nigél Thatch (Selma, American Dreams), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, The Mandelorian), Lucy Fry (Bright, Vampire Academy), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, Mudbound), Rafi Gavron (A Star is Born), and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy. Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the series is co-created and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, along with James Acheson, Markuann Smith and Joe Chappelle, serve as executive producers. Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer. Chris Brancato serves as showrunner. ABOUT DISNEY TELEVISION STUDIOS: Disney Television Studios, a collection of labels comprised of 20th Century Fox Television, ABC Studios and Fox 21 Television Studios, produces the most award-winning, culture-defining programming for all platforms including "This Is Us," "Grey's Anatomy," "Homeland," "Modern Family," "black-ish," "Pose," "American Horror Story," "American Crime Story" and "Godfather of Harlem." Disney Television Studios currently produces 76 series across 16 broadcast, cable, digital and international platforms. Its programming now reaches more than a billion people every day across the world; in as many as 180 countries, across six continents, in 30 different languages. ABOUT EPIX: EPIX(R), an MGM company, is a premium television network delivering a broad line-up of quality original series and documentaries, the latest movie releases and classic film franchises - all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. EPIX(R) has tripled the amount of original programming on the network and has become a destination for original premium content with series including Godfather of Harlem, starring and executive produced by Forest Whitaker; Pennyworth, the origin story of Batman's butler Alfred; Perpetual Grace, LTD, starring Sir Ben Kingsley; spy thriller Deep State; War of the Worlds, from Howard Overman and starring Gabriel Byrne and Elizabeth McGovern; and docu-series NFL: The Grind, from NFL Films and hosted by Rich Eisen; as well as upcoming premieres of new series Belgravia, from Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame and the creative team from Downton Abbey; drama Chapelwaite, based on the short story Jerusalem's Lot by Stephen King and starring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody; docu-series Slow Burn based on the hit podcast and the two-part music docuseries Laurel Canyon. Launched in October 2009, EPIX(R) is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite and emerging digital distribution platforms as well as through its EPIX NOW app, providing more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHd (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX) and Snapchat @EPIXTV.

Video: New Trailer for EPIX Series "Godfather of Harlem"

Video: New Trailer for EPIX Series "Godfather of Harlem"
The Forest Whitaker-led drama premieres Sunday, September 29 at 10:00/9:00c.

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[via press release from EPIX] GODFATHER OF HARLEM PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 29 AT 10 PM PT/ET ON EPIX
SERIES PREMIERE TRAILER:

New York, NY - August 6, 2019 - Premium network EPIX released a new teaser trailer for the highly anticipated new series, GODFATHER OF HARLEM. The 10-episode, hour-long drama series is inspired by the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Nigél Thatch) - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. GODFATHER OF HARLEM is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.
In addition to Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland) as star and executive producer, cast members include and Vincent D'Onofrio (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Daredevil), lfenesh Hadera (She's Gotta Have It, Baywatch), Nigél Thatch (Selma, American Dreams), Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas), Chazz Palminteri (A Bronx Tale, Modern Family), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), Lucy Fry (Bright, Vampire Academy), Kelvin Harrison Jr. (It Comes at Night, Mudbound) and Antoinette Crowe-Legacy.

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the series is co-created and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein (Narcos). Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi, along with James Acheson and Markuann Smith, serve as executive producers. Chris Brancato serves as showrunner.
GODFATHER OF HARLEM was shot on location in New York City.

ABOUT EPIX(R)
EPIX(R), an MGM company, is a premium television network delivering a broad line-up of quality original series and documentaries, the latest movie releases and classic film franchises - all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. EPIX(R) has tripled the amount of original programming on the network and has become a destination for original premium content with series including Pennyworth, the origin story of Batman's butler Alfred; Perpetual Grace, LTD, starring Sir Ben Kingsley; Get Shorty, featuring Chris O'Dowd and Ray Romano; spy thriller Deep State; docu-series Elvis Goes There with Elvis Mitchell and PUNK from John Varvatos and Iggy Pop, as well as upcoming premieres of new series Godfather of Harlem, starring and executive produced by Forest Whitaker; Belgravia, from Julian Fellowes; docu-series Slow Burn, based on the hit podcast and NFL: The Grind, from NFL Films and hosted by Rich Eisen. Launched in October 2009, EPIX(R) is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite and emerging digital distribution platforms as well as through its EPIX NOW app, providing more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming.

For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHd (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX) and Snapchat @EPIXTV.

Video: New Trailer for the EPIX Original Series "Godfather of Harlem" Released

Video: New Trailer for the EPIX Original Series "Godfather of Harlem" Released
Premiering Sunday, September 29, the series stars Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Sorvino, Nigel Thatch and Ilfenesh Hadera.

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[via press release from EPIX] New Trailer for the EPIX Original Series "GODFATHER OF HARLEM" Released

New York, NY - June 13, 2019 - Premium network EPIX released a brand-new tease for the original series Godfather of Harlem - premiering Sunday, September 29 and starring Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Sorvino, Nigel Thatch and Ilfenesh Hadera. The tease can be viewed/embedded here:

Premiering on EPIX on September 29, Godfather of Harlem is inspired by the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Thatch) - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the 10-episode series is written by Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein. The series will launch on EPIX and EPIX NOW, the network's new streaming service available for download in the App store for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodfatherOfHarlem/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/godfatherharlem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godfatherofharlem/ Hashtag: #GodfatherOfHarlem

Video: EPIX's "Godfather of Harlem" - First Tease Released

Video: EPIX's "Godfather of Harlem" - First Tease Released
Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Sorvino, Nigel Thatch, and Ilfenesh Hadera star in the series, due this fall.

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[via press release from EPIX] EPIX's 'Godfather of Harlem' - First Tease Released
The first tease for EPIX's original series Godfather of Harlem - starring Oscar winner Forest Whitaker, Vincent D'Onofrio, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Sorvino, Nigel Thatch, and Ilfenesh Hadera - is now available.

Premiering on EPIX this fall, Godfather of Harlem is inspired by the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X (Thatch) - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Godfather of Harlem is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the 10-episode series is written by Narcos co-creator Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein. The series will launch on EPIX and EPIX NOW, the network's new streaming service available for download in the App store for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV and in Google Play for Android phones and tablets.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GodfatherOfHarlem/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/godfatherharlem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godfatherofharlem/ Hashtag: #GodfatherOfHarlem 

Academy Award(R) Winner John Ridley Joins EPIX(R) Series "Godfather of Harlem" Produced by ABC Signature Studios

Academy Award(R) Winner John Ridley Joins EPIX(R) Series "Godfather of Harlem" Produced by ABC Signature Studios
The 10-episode series tells the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s, returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he used to rule in shambles and his power gone.

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[via press release from EPIX] ACADEMY AWARD(R) WINNER JOHN RIDLEY JOINS EPIX(R) SERIES "GODFATHER OF HARLEM" PRODUCED BY ABC SIGNATURE STUDIOS

New York, NY - June 19, 2018 - Multi-award winning writer-director John Ridley (American Crime) has signed on to direct the first episode of the EPIX(R) original series, Godfather of Harlem, created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, starring and executive produced by Oscar(R) winner Forest Whitaker.

Produced by ABC Signature Studios, the 10-episode series tells the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s, returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he used to rule in shambles and his power gone. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy has to take on the Five Families to regain control. In order to do so, he enlists the help of radical preacher Malcolm X - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social and political upheaval. Production will begin later this year with an eye towards a 2019 premiere on EPIX.

Said Michael Wright, President, EPIX, "John Ridley's incredible body of work speaks for itself, and we're beyond thrilled to be collaborating with such a brilliant talent to bring this first-rate story to life."

"John is a great writer/director whose work covers many historical periods, but always with a thoroughly modern sensibility," said Chris Brancato, executive producer/showrunner. "We're privileged to have him join the team."

John Ridley's critically acclaimed documentary about the Los Angeles uprising, Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992, premiered in theaters and aired on ABC in 2017 and is currently available on Netflix. He is currently directing the sci-fi romance Needle in a Timestack with Leslie Odom Jr., Freida Pinto, Cynthia Erivo, and Orlando Bloom and is slated to direct an adaptation of his graphic novel series "The American Way" for Blumhouse. Ridley previously won an Oscar(R) for writing 12 Years A Slave, he wrote and directed the innovative Jimi Hendrix biopic All Is By My Side, and was the creator, director, and executive producer of ABC's Emmy-winning series "American Crime." His limited series "Guerilla," with Idris Elba, Freida Pinto, and Babou Ceesay, aired last year on Showtime and Sky.

Ridley is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Rohner Walerstein.
Godfather Of Harlem is executive produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi along with Paul Eckstein, James Acheson and Markuann Smith. Chris Brancato will serve as showrunner.

ABOUT ABC SIGNATURE STUDIOS
ABC Signature Studios is a division of ABC Studios spearheading development and production in all cable and streaming platforms. The artist-driven arm provides a year-round destination for development and production across the cable and streaming landscape. Signature recently received a straight-to-series order from EPIX for "Godfather of Harlem," created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, with Forest Whitaker set to star and produce. Signature and Hello Sunshine received a straight-to-series order from Hulu for the event limited series, "Little Fires Everywhere," with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington attached to star and produce. Signature's new series include "Marvel's Cloak & Dagger," a co-production with Marvel Television; along with the comedy "Besties," from Kenya Barris, for Freeform; as well as Amblin TV and ABC Signature's "All About the Washingtons" for Netflix. These projects join a robust slate of returning series, including the critically acclaimed comedy "SMILF" for Showtime; "grown-ish" for Freeform; and "Marvel's Runaways" for Hulu, a co-production with Marvel Television.

ABOUT EPIX
EPIX, an MGM company, is a premium pay television network, delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, and comedy specials - all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX became profitable in its first year of existence and is now available nationwide to 70 million homes through cable, telco, satellite and emerging digital distribution platforms. A pioneer in the development and proliferation of "TV Everywhere," EPIX was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation(R), Android phones and tablets, and Roku(R) players. EPIX is also available across hundreds of consumer devices including Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, Amazon Fire TV, TiVo, Chromecast, and Android TV, delivering more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHd (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX) and Snapchat @EPIXTV. 

EPIX Orders Drama Series "Godfather of Harlem"

EPIX Orders Drama Series "Godfather of Harlem"
Written and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, the 10-episode series will star Oscar(R) winner Forest Whitaker who will also executive produce through his company Significant Productions.

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[via press release from EPIX] EPIX ORDERS DRAMA SERIES "GODFATHER OF HARLEM"

Forest Whitaker to Star in and Executive Produce Ten Episode Series from Chris Brancato and ABC Signature Studios

New York, NY - April 25, 2018 - EPIX(R) has given a straight-to-series order for the ABC Signature Studios produced drama, GODFATHER OF HARLEM.

Written and executive produced by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, the ten-episode series will star Oscar(R) winner Forest Whitaker who will also executive produce through his company Significant Productions. Production will begin later this year with an eye towards a 2019 premiere on EPIX.
GODFATHER OF HARLEM tells the true story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X - catching Malcolm's political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. GODFATHER OF HARLEM is a collision of the criminal underworld and the civil rights movement during one of the most tumultuous times in American history.

"We read the script, and met with Chris, Paul and Forest, and knew immediately that this show was perfect for EPIX," said Michael Wright, President, EPIX. "It's an exciting and relevant story, brought to life by passionate, extraordinary talent and a great studio in ABC Signature. It's exactly the kind of series we want to put on EPIX as we build awareness and expand the network's distribution across the country."

According to Patrick Moran, President, ABC Studios, "EPIX is the perfect home for the fascinating and timeless story of Bumpy Johnson. We're so appreciative of the unwavering enthusiasm and passion that Michael and his team have brought to the project. Chris and Paul's script is phenomenal and we're thrilled to have Oscar winner Forest Whitaker on board to produce and star."

"GODFATHER OF HARLEM," said Whitaker, "is a show with powerful relevance to the issues we face today - gang violence, police brutality, opioid addiction and racial politics in a divided country. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to bring this character to life and to work with Michael Wright, the EPIX team, and ABC Signature, alongside excellent writers and producers."

GODFATHER OF HARLEM is executive produced by Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi along with Paul Eckstein, James Acheson and Markuann Smith. Chris Brancato will serve as showrunner.

Forest Whitaker is repped by WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Chris Brancato is repped by WME. Paul Eckstein is repped by Rain Management Group and CAA.

ABOUT ABC SIGNATURE STUDIOS
ABC Signature Studios is a division of ABC Studios spearheading development and production in all cable and streaming platforms. The artist-driven arm provides a year-round destination for development and production across the cable and streaming landscape. Most recently, Signature and Hello Sunshine received a straight-to-series order from Hulu for the event limited series "Little Fires Everywhere," with Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington attached to star and produce. The project is based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Celeste Ng, who will also produce. Signature's new series include "Marvel's Cloak & Dagger," a co-production with Marvel Television premiering on Freeform this June, as well as Amblin TV and ABC Signature's "All About the Washingtons," which is currently in post-production for Netflix. These projects join a robust slate of returning series such as their critically acclaimed comedy "SMILF," for Showtime, "black-ish" spinoff "grown-ish," for Freeform, and "Marvel's Runaways," for Hulu, a co-production with Marvel Television.

ABOUT EPIX
EPIX, an MGM company, is a premium pay television network, delivering the latest movie releases and biggest classic film franchises, plus original programming including series, documentaries, and comedy specials - all available on TV, on demand, online and across devices. Launched in October 2009, EPIX became profitable in its first year of existence and is now available nationwide to 70 million homes through cable, telco, satellite and emerging digital distribution platforms. A pioneer in the development and proliferation of "TV Everywhere," EPIX was the first premium network to provide multi-platform access to its content online at EPIX.com and to launch on Xbox, PlayStation(R), Android phones and tablets, and Roku(R) players. EPIX is also available across hundreds of consumer devices including Apple TV, iPhone and iPad, Amazon Fire TV, TiVo, Chromecast, and Android TV, delivering more movies than any other network with thousands of titles available for streaming. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EPIX.com. Follow EPIX on Twitter @EpixHd (http://www.twitter.com/EpixHD) and on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/EPIX), YouTube (http://youtube.com/EPIX), Instagram (http://instagram.com/EPIX) and Snapchat @EPIXTV.