Created and directed by Sterlin Harjo, with Ethan Hawke starring as Lee Raybon, The Lowdown is a gritty Tulsa-set noir that dives deep into local corruption and the fading landscape of honest journalism. Raybon, a bookstore owner and self-styled “truth‑storian,” embarks on a perilous search for answers after the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg, brother to a gubernatorial candidate.
A Stellar Ensemble Facing Off Against Corruption
The cast includes Francis (played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong), ex Samantha (Kaniehtiio Horn), political figures Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan), and enigmatic ally Marty (Keith David), among others.
The trailer sets a tense, moody tone, introducing Lee Raybon’s obsessive quest for truth, cheap motels, and intense family dynamics—where every clue brings more danger. FX teasingly warns that things only “get crazier” from here.
Status & Release Timeline
- World premiere: The Lowdown will debut in the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival’s Primetime lineup on September 4.
- FX premiere: Scheduled for September 23, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT—first two episodes launching simultaneously.
- The show will also be available to stream via Hulu.
For Hawke, the role was irresistible—not just as his character but as a key creative voice and executive producer. Harjo describes Lee as an “off‑balance angel” fighting misinformation, one dangerous exposé at a time. Tulsa and its culture are more than backdrop—they’re woven into the series’ DNA.
