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?
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.
