Ethan Hawke delivers a captivating performance in a new series that feels both familiar and strikingly original. He plays Lee Raybon, a self-described “truthstorian” loosely inspired by a real-life activist who brought the horrors of the 1921 Tulsa Black Wall Street massacre to light. Raybon, alongside Keith David’s Marty, relentlessly pursues the hidden stories and shadowed corners of his community, often stumbling into trouble along the way.
The series isn’t easily categorized. It blends the suspense of a crime drama with the atmospheric feel of neo-noir, all while maintaining a uniquely quirky tone. It’s a show deeply interested in the interconnected histories of Tulsa’s diverse communities, revealing layers of secrets and long-held grievances. The narrative feels urgent, a compelling exploration of the past’s enduring grip on the present.
If this exploration of buried truths resonates, consider *Sharp Objects*. Amy Adams portrays Camille Preaker, a journalist battling her own demons as she returns to her Missouri hometown to investigate a series of disturbing crimes. The investigation forces her to confront a chilling past and a deeply unsettling relationship with her manipulative mother.
For a similar blend of mystery and dark humor, *Bodkin* offers a compelling alternative. An American podcaster arrives in a quirky Irish coastal town to investigate a decades-old cold case. Joined by two determined journalists, he unravels a web of secrets and local legends, blurring the lines between true crime and satire.
The power of uncovering hidden histories is at the heart of *When They See Us*. This devastating docudrama meticulously recounts the story of the Central Park Five, five Black teenagers wrongly convicted of a brutal assault. The series exposes the systemic failures and racial biases that led to their unjust imprisonment, and their eventual exoneration through DNA evidence.
*Fargo*, an anthology series, consistently delivers compelling characters and intricate plots set against the backdrop of the American Midwest. Each season explores the dark underbelly of seemingly ordinary towns, revealing the secrets and eccentricities of its inhabitants. The show’s blend of crime, humor, and compelling drama is consistently captivating.
The complexities of community and loyalty are powerfully explored in *Sons of Anarchy*. This drama follows an outlaw motorcycle club in California, led by Jax Teller, as he grapples with his own beliefs and the challenges of maintaining his community in a world of violence and betrayal. The show’s Shakespearean scope and compelling characters create a truly immersive experience.
From the creator of *The Lowdown* comes *Reservation Dogs*, a groundbreaking series that offers a nuanced and authentic portrayal of Indigenous life in Oklahoma. This dramedy follows four teenagers as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and dream of escaping their reservation, blending humor, heartbreak, and a deep sense of cultural identity.
Kate Winslet delivers a tour-de-force performance in *Mare of Easttown* as a troubled detective investigating a series of crimes in a small Pennsylvania town. Haunted by her own personal demons, Mare Sheehan relentlessly pursues the truth, uncovering a web of secrets and lies that threaten to consume her.
*Watchmen* is a bold and ambitious adaptation of the iconic graphic novel, set in an alternate Tulsa, Oklahoma. The series confronts the legacy of racial injustice and explores the consequences of unchecked power, beginning with a shocking reimagining of the 1921 Black Wall Street massacre. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of history and its impact on the present.
The exploration of ancestral roots and the search for identity are central to *Echo*. This Marvel miniseries follows Maya Lopez, a deaf former criminal, as she returns to her hometown and reconnects with her Choctaw heritage. Through flashbacks, the series traces the history of the Choctaw Nation, linking it to Maya’s own personal journey.
*Rutherford Falls* tackles complex issues of American Indigenous history with humor and sensitivity. The series follows the evolving relationship between a town founder’s descendant and the director of the local Minishonka cultural center as they navigate a dispute over a historical statue, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths about the past.
*Only Murders in the Building* shares a similar fascination with uncovering hidden stories. Three amateur podcasters investigate a murder in their Upper West Side apartment building, delving into the lives of their neighbors and uncovering decades-old secrets. The show’s quirky characters and engaging mysteries make it a delightful and addictive watch.
For a journey to the American Southwest, *Dark Winds* offers a compelling blend of crime and cultural exploration. Set in the 1970s, the series follows Navajo Tribal Police officers as they investigate a series of crimes that expose the tensions and complexities of life in the Four Corners region. The show’s authentic portrayal of Navajo culture and its compelling mysteries make it a standout series.
