What to know about FX's 'The Drop: A Snowfall Saga'

The ‘90s in L.A. wasn’t always glamorous.

FX’s new eight-episode drama, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga follows Wanda Bell (Gail Bean) and Leon Simmons (Isaiah John) as they try to reinvent themselves after the events of the network’s previous hit, Snowfall, and the crack epidemic exploded. Now, the drug game is fueling the rise of West Coast rap.

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What is The Drop: A Snowfall Saga about?

“Wanda starts the series driven by the clear belief that West Coast rap has the power to reshape American culture,” the synopsis says. “She will work to put together a ragtag group of geniuses and lead them to the realization of all their dreams. To do it, she must navigate the dangerous overlap of music and street politics, pulling in those closest to her, including her cousins Lamar Kinsey (Asante Blackk) and James Kinsey (Peyton Alex Smith) and pursuing volatile local rapper Artillery (Simmie “Buddy” Sims III), who is already in a tangle with law enforcement.”

The characters must balance ambition and the drive to survive with their loyalty to one another—Wanda’s internship with former D-boy-turned-label-owner Darryl “DG” Grant (Brandon Mychal Smith) ultimately drives a wedge between her and Leon, who has vowed to leave the streets for good.

Who is in the cast of The Drop: A Snowfall Saga?

Leading the cast are, of course, Gail Bean and Isaiah John, both reprising their roles from Snowfall. 

Mykelti Williamson, Nicki Micheaux, Brandon Mychal Smith, Isidora Goreshter, Eric Balfour, Zaire Adams, Demetrius Grosse and Quincy Chad, who also returns from Snowfall, will also star in the new show.

Malcolm Spellman, Dave Andron, Thomas Schlamme, Julie DeJoie, Michael London, Trevor Engelson and Paul Garnes are executive producers on the series. 

Watch the trailer for The Drop: A Snowfall Saga here:

What are critics saying about The Drop: A Snowfall Saga?

For RogerEbert.com, critic Kaiya Shunyata says the show “feels inherently different from its predecessor” and the real standout is Blackk’s portrayal as Lamar.

“At the center of this is Blackk, who, seven years after a breakout performance in Ava DuVernay’s When They See Us, has finally been given a screenplay worthy of his talents,” Shunyata writes. “As Lamar, he harnesses a wisdom beyond his years, perfectly emulating a man on the precarious cusp between boyhood and the harsh world of adulthood.”

“In a television landscape filled to the brim with lackluster reboots, sequels, and spin-offs, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga manages to stand alone, bringing forth its own remarkable merit,” she adds.

The Drop: A Snowfall Saga premieres on Tuesday, September 8 at 9pm EST / 6pm PT on FX and Hulu, with one new episode dropping weekly.