Epix has given a straight-to-series order to the crime drama “Godfather of Harlem,” starring Forest Whitaker, the network announced on Wednesday.
The Oscar-winning actor will both star in and executive produce the series, which comes from “Narcos” creator Chris Brancato and producer Paul Eckstein. Whitaker will play Bumpy Johnson, the crime boss who took on Genovese family in the 1960s after returning from a stint in prison to discover his old neighborhood in shambles.
The 10-episode series, from ABC Signature Studios, will also be executive produced by Nia Yang Bongiovi of Whitaker’s Significant Productions banner, James Acheson and Markuann Smith. Brancato will serve as showrunner.
Whitaker, who most recently appeared in the Marvel superhero flick “Black Panther,” also recurs on the Fox musical drama “Empire” and has recently held TV roles in the 2016 remake of “Roots” and the 2011 CBS series “Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior.”
The Hollywood Reporter first reported news of the series.