FX’s The Lowdown Promises Secrets, Scandals, and One Bookstore Owner Who’s Had Enough

FX just dropped the trailer for The Lowdown, and if you're into gritty thrillers with small-town secrets and big-time stakes, this one’s about to take over your watchlist. Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the series follows Lee—played by Ethan Hawke—a rare bookstore owner by day, investigative journalist by… well, also day, but with a lot more danger involved. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t back down, even when the truth could cost him everything.

Lee isn’t chasing headlines—he’s chasing justice. When his latest piece exposes the shady dealings of the powerful Washberg family, things spiral fast. A suspicious death, missing clues, and political ambitions all start to blur into one tangled mess. Lee finds himself right in the middle of it, and he’s not backing off, even if it means putting himself—and his loved ones—on the line.

But Lee’s not alone. His teenage daughter Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong) is just as fiery, nosy, and unshakable as he is, much to the concern of his ex (Kaniehtiio Horn), who’s torn between wanting him safe and admiring his stubborn loyalty. Throw in a grieving widow (Jeanne Tripplehorn), a sketchy politician-in-waiting (Kyle MacLachlan), and a city that hides more than it reveals, and you’ve got a storm coming.

Created by Sterlin Harjo and backed by a killer creative team, The Lowdown isn’t just a mystery—it’s a slow burn into the heart of a city where power protects secrets, and the truth has a price. With a stacked cast including Keith David, Tim Blake Nelson, Tracy Letts, and more, the show promises edge-of-your-seat suspense with emotional punches that land hard.

The Lowdown premieres September 23, 2025, on FX, and if the trailer’s any sign, it’s going to be the kind of show you watch once and think about for days. Bring on the conspiracy, the drama, and of course, the books.