Viewers have declared the crime drama Snowfall, streaming free on BBC iPlayer, is 'better than The Sopranos' and 'television at its peak'. The series has been compared to The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad, with many calling it 'much better' than those celebrated shows.
Six seasons of a crack epidemic saga
Snowfall was created by the late John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron. It first aired in July 2017 and concluded in April 2023 after six seasons comprising 60 episodes.
The drama follows aspiring drug dealer Franklin Saint, played by Damson Idris, as he pursues wealth while navigating crack cocaine dealing in 1980s South Central Los Angeles during the height of the crack epidemic.
The official plot states: "The story follows numerous characters on a violent collision course, including Franklin Saint, a young street entrepreneur on a quest for power; Gustavo 'El Oso' Zapata, a Mexican wrestler caught up in a power struggle within a crime family; Teddy McDonald, a CIA operative running from a dark past who begins an off-book operation to fund the Nicaraguan Contras; and Lucia Villanueva, the self-possessed daughter of a Mexican crime lord. In Snowfall, people are working toward their ultimate goals of money, power, and influence as 1984 begins in Los Angeles."
Cast and critical acclaim
Idris is joined by Carter Hudson, Emily Rios, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Alon Aboutboul, Gail Bean, and Isaiah John, among others. All performers have received widespread praise for their contributions, according to Wales Online.
Snowfall's influence led to a spinoff titled The Drop: A Snowfall Saga, with Gail Bean and Isaiah John reprising their roles as Wanda Bell-Simmons and Leon Simmons. It is scheduled to debut on September 8, 2026.
The show holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. One critic said: "The show is a rush and a joy to watch." Another drew parallels to The Wire: "There are shades of The Wire about this new series set in LA in 1983, just as the crack epidemic is about to ravage the city. And as with The Wire, it might require initial patience."
Fan reactions and streaming details
One reviewer wrote: "None of this can end well, it would seem, but it's a dark, enjoyable, sharply etched ride in the meantime."
On IMDb, a viewer commented: "Criminally underrated. Snowfall is hands down one of the greatest shows I've ever watched in my life and it deserves way more recognition than it gets. The acting is spectacular. They all deserve an award for their outstanding performances throughout the 6 seasons. Honestly If I could give more stars than 10 I would especially after imo one of the realest endings to a show in television history. To me this is up there with The Sopranos, The Wire and Breaking Bad and tbh I might just rate Snowfall above all of them. Shout-out to John Singleton for bringing us one last masterpiece before he left us."
Another user described it as 'better than Breaking Bad': "Best show ever. Snowfall is one of those rare shows that doesn't just entertain-it haunts. From the first season, it pulls you into a world that feels raw, ugly, and painfully real, and it never lets you look away. What really sets Snowfall apart is how honest it is. It sticks with you long after the final episode. I would say it's better than Breaking Bad."
One viewer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "What an amazing series! I am HOOKED! Do not miss this under-rated series, it just keeps on getting better and better." Another said: "Heart pounding and emotional. The concluding episodes were Emmy worthy. What an incredible cast. Mr. Idris should get a best actor nomination."
Another admirer wrote: "Each episode has you on the edge of your seat, it will keep you glued to your seat! Phenomenal acting and story line." While one viewer commented: "This is Astonishingly Good. Probably the best TV show since The Wire. This adaption of a true story is brilliantly written and the acting, without exception, is absolutely first class. Every character is believable and fully drawn. It's a show which has actually got better from season 1 to season 2."
Snowfall is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.
