Secrets don’t stay buried for long—especially in Tulsa. That’s where The Lowdown, a new drama premiering September 23 on FX, takes shape. With its noir atmosphere, tangled family dynamics, and a story that cuts into the heart of Oklahoma politics and power, the series promises a different kind of mystery than what usually shows up on fall TV.
If you’re a fan of Taylor Sheridan’s world—think Yellowstone, Tulsa King, or Landman—this show may be right up your alley. It’s moody, it’s suspenseful, and it digs into the kind of backroom deals and buried truths that keep you on the edge of your seat. There’s also plenty of comic relief sprinkled throughout (whether it’s intentional or not!), which fans of classic shows like Twin Peaks or more modern dramedies like Bad Monkey will appreciate. Plus, it was created by Sterlin Harjo, the Oklahoma filmmaker behind Reservation Dogs, so you can expect plenty of local flavor woven into every storyline.
At the center is Ethan Hawke, playing a down-on-his-luck bookstore owner who spends his free time chasing conspiracies and “truths.” When a prominent local figure turns up dead, he’s pulled into a dangerous web of politics, corruption, and cover-ups. And while the plot sounds dark, early reviews promise sharp humor and richly drawn characters too.
Here’s everything to know before the show hits the small screen.
What will The Lowdown Season 1 be about?
Courtesy of FX Networks
The Lowdown is set in Tulsa and follows Lee Raybon (played by Ethan Hawke), a bookstore owner and self-described “truthstorian” who moonlights as a citizen journalist. When Dale Washberg, the son of a powerful Oklahoma family, is found dead, Lee starts digging for answers. His search uncovers political corruption and a high-stakes fight for power, pulling him into a world that’s far more dangerous than he ever expected.
Sterlin Harjo, who co-created Reservation Dogs, calls the show a “love letter to Tulsa”—and you can really feel it in the setting. The series blends classic noir vibes with the unique character of Oklahoma, so the city itself feels like a major player in the story.
Who is in the cast of The Lowdown?
The cast is stacked with big names. Here are some of the key players you’ll see:
Ethan Hawke as Lee Raybon, the bookstore owner-turned-investigator.
Kaniehtiio Horn as Samantha, Lee’s ex-wife.
Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Francis, their teenage daughter.
Kyle MacLachlan as Donald Washberg, a candidate for governor and part of the family at the center of the mystery.
Jeanne Tripplehorn as Betty Jo Washberg.
Tim Blake Nelson as Dale Washberg, whose suspicious death sets the story in motion.
Keith David, Tracy Letts, and several others round out the star-studded cast.
It’s a mix of seasoned character actors and breakout stars; together they bring the whole dramatic story to life.
Is there a trailer for The Lowdown?
Yes! FX released a trailer earlier this summer, and it sets the tone perfectly. You’ll see Ethan Hawke’s character wandering the Tulsa streets with his notebook and camera, asking questions no one else wants answered. There are flashes of kidnappings, tense confrontations, and plenty of stormy Oklahoma skies to match the mood.
The trailer hints at dark humor alongside the suspense, which makes sense since Harjo’s Reservation Dogs had that same balance of heart and wit.
When does The Lowdown premiere?
The first two episodes premiere Tuesday, September 23, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on FX. After that, new episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays, with each one available to stream on Hulu the following day. There will be eight episodes total in the first season.
The series already made its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, where critics gave it an early thumbs-up, praising its unique style and Oklahoma roots.
Who should watch The Lowdown?
If you gravitate toward series like Yellowstone, Tulsa King, or Landman, this show should be on your list. The Lowdown has that same sense of grit and high-stakes drama, but with a noir spin that leans into mystery and conspiracy. Fans of true crime podcasts or political thrillers will find plenty to love here, too. And because the story is so rooted in Tulsa, it carries a distinctive sense of place that makes it stand apart from other dramas on TV right now.
You Might Also Like
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.yahoo.com ’
