The story is a fictionalized account inspired by the real-life figure of Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson (portrayed by Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker). After serving a decade in the infamous Alcatraz prison, Bumpy returns to Harlem in the early 1960s, expecting to reclaim his former empire. However, he finds his neighborhood in ruins and under the control of the Italian mob, specifically the Genovese crime family led by Vincent "Chin" Gigante (Vincent D'Onofrio).
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Season 2 explores themes of corruption, deception, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Bumpy's relationships with his family and allies are put to the test, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of 1970s Harlem. The season also delves deeper into the historical context of the show, referencing real-life events such as the Attica prison riot and the rise of the Black Panther Party.
The show is a crime drama set in the 1960s, serving as a prequel to the 2007 film American Gangster . It follows the real-life story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson