Sæson
Episode
Afspillerserver
Sne
20178
DramaKriminalitet
Udgivet
05. jul. 2017
Land
USA
Produktioner
FX ProductionsGroundswell ProductionsShoe Money ProductionsDave & Ron ProductionsNew Deal ProductionsUnderground Films
Los Angeles. 1983. En storm er på vej, og den hedder crack. I baggrunden af crack-kokainepidemiens begyndelse og dens ultimative radikale indvirkning på kulturen som vi kender den, følger historien flere karakterer på en voldelig kollisionsbane.
About
Quick guide
Snowfall follows Franklin Saint as he rises through Los Angeles’ crack epidemic while entangled with a CIA operative and a Mexican cartel.
Snowfall is a gritty FX drama that follows Franklin Saint, a 20‑year‑old drug dealer in 1980s Los Angeles, as he navigates the crack epidemic, family loyalties, and a CIA plot. The series explores the rise of the crack epidemic and its devastating effects on the city’s residents, while weaving crime, politics, and personal ambition into a tense, character‑driven narrative. It tackles crime, politics, family dynamics, addiction, racism, and the socio‑economic impact of the crack epidemic, showcasing how these forces collide in the city. The show features dark, gritty storytelling with intense action scenes, unflinching portrayals of violence, strong language, and mature themes that reflect the harsh realities of the era. Viewers will witness the complex relationships between a young kingpin, an undercover CIA operative, a former wrestler turned enforcer, and a cartel heiress as they navigate a turbulent world of crime and power.
What to know
- Series set in Los Angeles from 1983 to 1986
- Centers on Franklin Saint, a 20‑year‑old drug dealer
- Involves a CIA operative, a Mexican cartel, and political intrigue
- Showcases the rise of the crack epidemic and its impact
- Features dark tone, intense violence, and strong language
- Includes mature themes such as addiction and systemic corruption
- Six seasons, 60 episodes total
Watch if
Watch Snowfall if you enjoy character‑driven crime dramas that delve into the gritty reality of the 1980s crack epidemic, appreciate nuanced political intrigue, and are comfortable with mature content that examines the consequences of drug culture.
Skip if
Skip Snowfall if you’re sensitive to graphic violence, strong profanity, or drug‑related themes, as the series presents a hard‑boiled, often brutal look at crime and its impact on communities.
crime violencedark tonedialogue heavylanguage strongmature themespolitical themespsychological elementssuspenseful
Premise
Snowfall opens in 1983 Los Angeles, following Franklin Saint, a 20‑year‑old hustler who becomes a crack kingpin. Intertwining with a CIA operative and a Mexican cartel, the series charts the rise of the crack epidemic and its devastating effects on the city’s residents, showing how crime, politics, and family collide in a turbulent era.
Cast & Characters
Damson Idris leads as Franklin Saint, the young kingpin. Carter Hudson portrays CIA operative Teddy McDonald, while Sergio Peris‑Mencheta plays Gustavo ‘El Oso’ Zapata, a former wrestler turned enforcer. Emily Rios stars as Lucia Villanueva, the cartel heiress. Together they navigate a web of crime, loyalty, and ambition in the streets of Los Angeles.
Historical Context
The show is anchored in the real‑world fallout of the 1980s crack epidemic, a period marked by rising drug violence and systemic failure. It incorporates documented CIA involvement in fueling the trade, reflecting the political intrigue that fueled the crisis and its lasting impact on Los Angeles communities.
Tone & Style
Snowfall delivers a dark, gritty atmosphere with intense action scenes and unflinching portrayals of drug‑related violence. The dialogue is sharp and heavily laced with street slang, while the narrative balances suspenseful twists with raw emotional moments, creating a visceral, character‑driven experience.
Reception & Critique
Critics praised the show’s realistic portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles, highlighting its strong performances and compelling storytelling. It received mixed reviews for pacing, but its exploration of crime, politics, and personal ambition earned it accolades and a loyal following among fans of nuanced crime dramas.
Spin‑offs & Legacy
After the six‑season run, FX announced a spin‑off centered on Gail Bean’s character Wanda Bell‑Simmons, set to premiere in 2026. The original series has influenced discussions about drug policy, race, and the role of government in the drug war, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone.
Watching Guide
Start with Season 1 to understand the characters’ origins, then follow the series chronologically to see how the plot escalates. Pay attention to the political subplots and the evolving relationships between the family, the cartel, and the CIA, as these threads drive the tension and resolution throughout the story.
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FAQ
48 Q&A
What does crack cocaine have to do with Snowfall?
The show is about how crack cocaine came to Los Angeles and how it changed everything.
What happens to Franklin Saint in Snowfall?
Franklin Saint's life spirals out of control as his drug empire grows, leading to many problems and difficult choices.
Where was Snowfall filmed?
Snowfall was mainly filmed in and around Los Angeles, California.
What is the significance of the song 'Snowfall' in the series?
The song 'Snowfall' is often used to set the mood and theme of the show, which is about the rise of crack cocaine, often referred to as 'snow'.
Is Snowfall based on a true story?
Snowfall is inspired by real events, showing how the crack cocaine epidemic started in Los Angeles in the 1980s.
How did the crack epidemic start in Snowfall?
In the show, the crack epidemic starts when a drug dealer named Franklin Saint gets involved in selling a new, cheaper, and more addictive form of cocaine called crack.
How does Snowfall end?
The series finale shows the lasting and devastating effects of Franklin's actions and the drug trade on him and his community.
Who are the main characters in Snowfall?
The main characters include Franklin Saint, his family, his friends, and people involved in the drug trade and the CIA.
What is Snowfall about?
Snowfall is a drama series about the rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the 1980s, focusing on a young drug dealer named Franklin Saint.
Who plays Wanda?
Wanda is played by actress Angela Lewis.
Who plays Leon Simmons?
Leon Simmons is played by actor Isaiah John.
What are the consequences of Franklin's actions?
Franklin's actions lead to violence, addiction, death, and the destruction of his community and family.
What is the role of the CIA in Snowfall?
The CIA is shown to be involved in bringing drugs into the country to fund their covert operations, which fuels the crack epidemic.
What is the finale of Snowfall about?
The finale shows the tragic consequences of the crack epidemic and Franklin Saint's choices, highlighting the destruction it caused.
Does Franklin Saint go to jail?
Franklin Saint does not go to jail in the end, but his life is ruined by his involvement in the drug trade.
What happens to Teddy McDonald at the end?
Teddy McDonald is killed by Cissy Saint.
What happens to Cissy Saint at the end?
Cissy Saint kills Teddy McDonald and then disappears.
Who plays Teddy McDonald?
Teddy McDonald is played by actor Carter Hudson.
How many seasons of Snowfall are there?
There are six seasons of Snowfall.
Who plays Cissy Saint?
Cissy Saint is played by actress P.J. Marshall.
When did Snowfall first air?
Snowfall first aired on July 6, 2017.
What is the main conflict in Snowfall?
The main conflict is the rise of crack cocaine in Los Angeles and its impact on the people and the community, as seen through Franklin Saint's journey.
Who plays Franklin Saint?
Franklin Saint is played by actor Damson Idris.
What is the Los Angeles setting in Snowfall?
The show is set in South Central Los Angeles in the 1980s, showing the impact of the drug trade on the neighborhood.
How does the drug trade affect the community in Snowfall?
The drug trade, especially crack cocaine, brings violence, addiction, and despair to the community, destroying lives and families.
What is the impact of the drug war in Snowfall?
The drug war in Snowfall ruins neighborhoods, hurts families, and causes a lot of death.
What happens to Wanda at the end?
Wanda ends up trying to help people get away from drugs and starts a school.
What are the filming locations for Snowfall?
Snowfall was filmed in and around Los Angeles.
Who are the bad guys in Snowfall?
The main bad guys are drug dealers and people involved in the drug trade, like Franklin Saint and his crew.
What is the overall message of Snowfall?
The show's message is about how the drug trade destroys lives and communities.
What are the key plot points of Snowfall?
Key plot points include the rise of crack cocaine, Franklin Saint's drug empire, and the government's hidden involvement.
What is the relationship between Franklin and his family?
Franklin's family is involved in his drug business, but it causes them a lot of pain and problems.
How do the characters try to survive?
Characters try to survive by selling drugs, making deals, and sometimes by trying to escape the drug world.
What lessons can be learned from Snowfall?
Lessons include the dangers of drugs, how greed can ruin people, and the negative effects on communities.
Will there be a Snowfall season 7?
No, Snowfall ended with season 6.
Who are the good guys in Snowfall?
There aren't clear 'good guys'; many characters make bad choices, but some try to do the right thing or escape the drug life.
How does power affect the characters?
Power makes characters greedy and causes them to lose their way, leading to violence and broken relationships.
What are the moral dilemmas faced by characters?
Characters face dilemmas about selling drugs, hurting others, and whether to stay in the dangerous life or try to leave.
What happens to Leon Simmons at the end?
Leon leaves Los Angeles with his girlfriend to build a better life away from the drug trade.
What challenges do the characters face?
They face challenges like police, rival gangs, addiction, and the destruction their drug business causes.
How is the 1980s portrayed in Snowfall?
The 1980s are shown as a time of big changes, with the rise of crack cocaine and its devastating effects.
How does crime impact families in Snowfall?
Crime breaks families apart, leads to loss of loved ones, and creates constant fear and mistrust.
Why did the show Snowfall end?
The show ended because the story of Franklin Saint's rise and fall in the drug world was completed.
Did they film Snowfall in Los Angeles?
Yes, Snowfall was filmed in Los Angeles.
What production challenges did Snowfall face?
Specific production challenges are not widely detailed, but filming in urban areas can present logistical issues.
What is the meaning of the ending of Snowfall?
The ending shows the tragic consequences of the drug war and how it destroyed lives, with Franklin losing everything.
How does the music contribute to Snowfall?
The music helps set the 1980s mood and adds emotion to the dramatic story.
What is the historical context of Snowfall?
The show is set during the crack cocaine epidemic in the 1980s and hints at the CIA's involvement in the drug trade.
