Sterlin Harjo's "The Lowdown" Garners 97% Critical Acclaim, Hailed as "Sun-Drenched Fargo"

Sterlin Harjo's highly anticipated new crime drama, "The Lowdown," premiered on FX on September 23, 2025, quickly achieving widespread critical acclaim with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series, starring Ethan Hawke, marks a distinct shift in genre for the "Reservation Dogs" creator, delving into a stylish neo-noir narrative set in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Critics have lauded its unique blend of traditional crime drama beats with Harjo's distinctive storytelling.

The New Yorker's Inkoo Kang described "The Lowdown" as "a more conventional outing than his landmark show, 'Reservation Dogs'," noting it "hews closer to a sun-drenched 'Fargo,' adhering to the beats of a traditional crime drama—albeit a stylish one." This comparison highlights the series' departure from the formal unpredictability of Harjo's previous work, while still showcasing his talent for creating compelling narratives. The show's Metacritic score of 86 out of 100 further underscores its "universal acclaim."

Ethan Hawke leads the cast as Lee Raybon, an indefatigable Tulsa journalist and self-proclaimed "truthstorian" whose relentless pursuit of truth comes at significant personal cost. Raybon's character is loosely inspired by the late citizen journalist Lee Roy Chapman, who famously exposed historical injustices in Tulsa. The series explores themes of corruption, power, and the often-dangerous quest for uncovering hidden truths within a community.

"The Lowdown" was filmed entirely in Oklahoma, continuing Harjo's commitment to his home state and contributing an estimated $42 million to the local economy, creating nearly 2,000 jobs. The series also features a strong ensemble cast including Keith David, Kyle MacLachlan, and Tim Blake Nelson, with guest appearances from "Reservation Dogs" actors, subtly linking it to Harjo's broader fictional universe. New episodes are released weekly on Tuesdays on FX and stream the next day on Hulu.