MGM+ has ordered a fourth season of “Godfather of Harlem,” which will consist of 10 episodes.
Starring Forest Whitaker and co-created by Chris Brancato and Paul Eckstein, the new season will begin production next year in New York.
“After such a long time away, I’m so excited to be returning to set alongside such an incredible cast, crew, and creative team, under the powerful leadership of Chris Brancato. We’re so appreciative of Michael Wright’s support at MGM+, and thrilled that ‘Godfather of Harlem’ has resonated with fans around the world. We can’t wait to get to work on season four!” said Whitaker.
Season 4 picks up with Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker) as he continues his bloody war for control of Harlem against New York’s Mafia families, while contending with the emergence of a potential rival in newly arrived Black gangster Frank Lucas. After Malcolm X’s (Jason Alan Carvell) tragic death, Bumpy must also grapple with his daughter Elise’s (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy) involvement with the Black Panthers.
“Forest Whitaker’s inspired performance as Bumpy Johnson has introduced an iconic, archetypal television antihero to the premium television landscape,” said Michael Wright, head of MGM+. “The cast and creative team exceed expectations every single season, both creatively and cinematically. We couldn’t be more delighted to embark on a fourth season with this incredibly talented group of people.”
Added Brancato: “I’m so gratified to continue my creative partnership with Michael Wright, his MGM+ team, and ABC Signature. This show has been a labor of love, and we dedicate this season to Paul Eckstein, my friend and co-creator, who passed unexpectedly this summer.”
Ilfenesh Hadera (“She’s Gotta Have It”) joins Whitaker as a returning castmember along with Lucy Fry (“Bright”), Antoinette Crowe-Legacy (“Geechee,” “Passing”), and Erik LaRay Harvey (“Boardwalk Empire,” “Luke Cage”).
MGM+ boasts the series as the platform’s No. 1 all-time acquisition-driver for subscribers and one of the top performing original series. It’s also the platform’s most popular series for African American audiences with Season 3’s linear audience being composed of 54% African American.
The series is executive produced by Brancato, Eckstein, Whitaker, Nina Yang Bongiovi, James Acheson, and Markuann Smith. Swizz Beatz serves as executive music producer. The series is produced by ABC Signature, a division of Disney Television Studios.
