A critically acclaimed eight-part crime drama, hailed as one of the final must-see television events of 2025, has now landed in full on Disney Plus. The Lowdown, which boasts a stellar 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is being billed as the perfect binge-watch ahead of the new year.
A Critically Acclaimed Triumph
Originally produced by FX and now available under the platform's Hulu branding, the series first began its weekly release schedule back in September. The first season concluded in early November, and all episodes are now available for streaming. With its near-perfect critical score, numerous reviewers have listed it among the best shows of the year, with one going so far as to label the production 'genius'.
The story centres on Ethan Hawke, an Oscar-nominated actor playing citizen journalist Lee Raybon. Describing himself as a Tulsa "truthstorian," Raybon's relentless pursuit of the truth consistently lands him in hot water. The narrative is loosely based on the work of real-life activist and journalist Lee Roy Chapman, whose research significantly contributed to the modern understanding of Tulsa, Oklahoma's complex racial history.
An All-Star Supporting Cast
Hawke is not alone in this gritty drama. He is joined by a formidable ensemble cast including Keith David (American Fiction, Platoon), Tim Blake Nelson (Marvel), Kyle MacLachlan (Fallout), and Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones). Critics have been particularly effusive about Hawke's central performance, with many predicting a strong Emmy nomination for the actor in the coming year.
Fan reactions online have echoed this praise. One viewer described the show as "Absolute perfection. Ethan Hawke at his very best, like he was born to play this role." Another praised the "across the board perfection" in acting, writing, and direction, adding they "never wanted it to end." A third fan highlighted the show's gripping nature, noting that by the seventh episode, "you are so engrossed in the storyline you just can't get out of it."
Future Prospects and Final Verdict
While the series is being celebrated as a standout piece of neo-noir television, there is currently no official word on a potential second season. For now, audiences can immerse themselves in the complete first season, which has been summarised as a complex tale that begins with the suspicious death of a man, prompting the journalist protagonist to dig deep into family secrets and political interests.
With its compelling story, award-worthy performances, and universal critical acclaim, The Lowdown stands as a top-tier addition to Disney+'s catalogue and a highly recommended viewing experience for subscribers.
