Self-proclaimed Tulsa “truthstorian” and citizen journalist Lee Raybon is officially heading back to the screen. The critically acclaimed FX drama series The Lowdown, spearheaded by creator, writer, director, and executive producer Sterlin Harjo (famed for his work on Reservation Dogs), is returning for an anticipated second chapter. Headlined by executive producer and leading man Ethan Hawke, the show promises another gripping run of investigative chaos.
Star-Studded Additions and Premiere Details
Season two expands its stellar lineup by welcoming Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones and four-time Emmy nominee Betty Gilpin to the ensemble. Fans can mark their calendars for Wednesday, October 14, when the sophomore season debuts at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Episodes will air simultaneously on FX and Hulu in the United States, while international audiences can stream the series on Disney+. Comprising eight episodes, the second season will release fresh installments every subsequent Wednesday.
A Look Back at an Award-Winning Debut
The Lowdown follows the gritty, unfiltered adventures of Lee Raybon, whose relentless pursuit of buried facts continuously lands him in hot water. The freshman run of the series was a massive critical triumph, earning an AFI Award for TV Program of the Year, landing on over thirty major critics’ Top 10 lists, and securing an impressive 98% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. New viewers can catch up on all season one episodes currently streaming on Hulu, as well as via Hulu on Disney+ for eligible bundle subscribers.
Uncovering Tulsa’s Deepest Secrets
Operating out of a local antiquarian bookstore that doubles as an unofficial neighborhood sanctuary, Lee is no starry-eyed idealist. Instead, he possesses an aggressive dedication to exposing corruption and unearthing the dark underbelly of Tulsa, regardless of the personal danger involved.
The new season kicks off as Lee receives a local citizen journalist accolade for his deep dive into the life and tragic passing of Dale Washberg, a major storyline from the previous season. Unaccustomed to experiencing success, Lee predictably resorts to self-medication, resulting in a chaotic appearance at the awards gala. However, his wildly unscripted rant catches the eye of Ginger (Betty Gilpin), a sharp, fearless public defender and fellow advocate for justice.
A Mysterious Prison Break and Family Drama
Though initially unimpressed by his eccentricities, Ginger enlists Lee’s investigative talents for a baffling case involving a client who has mysteriously vanished from a maximum-security state penitentiary. The bizarre situation checks every box on Lee’s wishlist: institutional corruption, elite abuse of power, and deep-seated conspiracy. It provides the ideal scoop for The Heartland Press, where Marty (Keith David) now serves as Managing Editor—much to Lee’s constant annoyance.
Navigating the investigation alongside Ginger, a reluctant Lee is forced to partner with Johnny (Rafael Casal)—a martial arts-trained dentist with good intentions who happens to be married to Lee’s ex-wife, Samantha (Kaniehtiio Horn). Johnny also helps co-parent Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), Lee’s teenage daughter who desperately wants to spend more time with her constantly preoccupied father.
While Lee loves Francis fiercely, the demands of his latest exposé continually pull him away from home. Domestic complications reach an all-time high when Lee’s estranged con-man father, Lee Raybon Senior (Tommy Lee Jones), unexpectedly rolls into town. This reunion creates massive tension, particularly since Lee had previously convinced Francis that her grandfather was long dead.
Behind the Scenes
The Lowdown is brought to life by creator Sterlin Harjo, who executive produces alongside Garrett Basch, Ethan Hawke, Ryan Hawke, Duffy Boudreau, and Scott Teems. The acclaimed drama is officially produced by FX Productions.
