Fans have hailed the crime drama Snowfall, currently streaming free on BBC iPlayer, as 'television at its peak' and 'criminally underrated', with many declaring it the 'best show since The Wire'. The series holds a 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
A hidden gem from John Singleton
Created by the late John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, Snowfall first launched in July 2017 and concluded in April 2023 after six seasons totalling 60 episodes. The show follows aspiring drug dealer Franklin Saint, played by Damson Idris, as he navigates the crack cocaine trade during the 1980s crack epidemic in South Central Los Angeles.
The official synopsis reads: "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 leads an ensemble including Carter Hudson, Emily Rios, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Michael Hyatt, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Alon Aboutboul, Gail Bean, and Isaiah John, with all cast members receiving widespread praise. A spin-off, The Drop: A Snowfall Saga, featuring Bean and John reprising their roles as Wanda Bell-Simmons and Leon Simmons, is scheduled to debut on September 8, 2026.
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer describes the show as "a rush and a joy to watch." Another draws comparisons 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." A critic added: "None of this can end well, it would seem, but it's a dark, enjoyable, sharply etched ride in the meantime."
Viewer comparisons to TV's Holy Trinity
Fans have compared the series to The Sopranos, The Wire, and Breaking Bad. One IMDB viewer wrote: "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 review claimed it was '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 Rotten Tomatoes viewer wrote: "What an amazing series! I am HOOKED! Do not miss this under-rated series, it just keeps on getting better and better." Another added: "Heart pounding and emotional. The concluding episodes were Emmy worthy. What an incredible cast. Mr. Idris should get a best actor nomination." A fan said: "Each episode has you on the edge of your seat, it will keep you glued to your seat! Phenomenal acting and story line." Another viewer wrote: "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.
