The Low Down: Ethan Hawke Unveils A Tulsa Noir Thriller on FX and Hulu
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FX’s new drama The Low Down premieres Tuesday, September 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu. It’s already shaping up to be my new favorite series. It blends grit, suspense, and heart. The story feels both raw and authentic. At the center is Ethan Hawke as citizen journalist Lee Raybon, a self-proclaimed “truthstorian” obsessed with uncovering corruption in Tulsa. His relentless pursuit of the truth pulls him deep into the city’s underbelly. Just as often, it pulls him away from his 14-year-old daughter, Francis, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong. Francis has inherited her father’s curiosity. She longs to join him on his adventures. Lee’s ex, Samantha (Kaniehtiio Horn), remains both exasperated and quietly supportive. She is especially supportive when it comes to co-parenting. Lee’s journalism doesn’t make him rich—he can barely keep the lights on—but his mission gives him purpose.
The first episode opens with the shocking death of Dale Washberg, the troubled son of Tulsa’s powerful Washberg family. His suicide occurs just after Lee published an exposé on the Washbergs, a coincidence Lee refuses to accept. An estate sale is announced at the Washberg home. Lee can’t resist digging. He soon stumbles across clues that suggest foul play. His suspicions sharpen. He notices that Dale’s widow, Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn), seems more interested in her brother-in-law Donald (Kyle MacLachlan). Donald is a gubernatorial candidate. Betty Jo seems more focused on this than in mourning her late husband. Meanwhile, Marty (Keith David), a literary-minded stranger, appears deeply invested in Lee’s investigation, adding another layer of intrigue.
The ensemble cast is impressive. It includes Ethan Hawke, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, and Kaniehtiio Horn. Keith David, Tim Blake Nelson, and Jeanne Tripplehorn also star. Additionally, Kyle MacLachlan, Tracy Letts, Macon Blair, and Peter Dinklage are part of the cast. Together they bring depth and complexity to the unfolding mystery. At a press conference, Hawke explained how he approached Lee’s obsessive drive and tender vulnerability. “I love the expression ‘truthstorian’. It’s a trainwreck of an expression. That seemed perfect for Lee. I’m always drawn to people who follow their dreams, even when it costs them. Lee doesn’t compromise. But, there’s a price to be paid. That shows up in his family life, especially with his daughter. As a parent myself, I understand the balance of chasing dreams and showing up for your child. Sometimes they don’t line up, and that tension makes Lee a compelling character.”
Series creator and director Sterlin Harjo describes The Low Down as “Tulsa Noir.” This is a fitting label given the city’s texture. Tulsa’s secrets make it even more appropriate. “We’ve seen noir in L.A., New York, New Orleans,” he said. “Tulsa has the right grit, the right history, and the right secrets. It’s a place where truth has long been needed, and that’s where we put our hero.” The show’s rare bookstore setting, where Lee works and finds refuge, becomes almost a character itself. It serves as a safe haven and community hub. This mirrors the tug-of-war between stability and danger in Lee’s life.
Jeanne Tripplehorn also spoke about her layered portrayal of Betty Jo, whose grief is complicated by ambition and survival instinct. “Betty Jo’s a survivor. She comes from a small Oklahoma town, may or may not have been a stripper, was definitely a rodeo queen. She’s a hellcat. She’s not sentimental—she’s going to survive at any cost and take care of her daughter. She and her family were the black sheep of the Washbergs, so she’s determined to endure, no matter what.” Her performance balances toughness and unpredictability. It leaves viewers guessing whether Betty Jo is a grieving widow. Viewers are uncertain if she is a cunning manipulator or both.
Hawke delivers one of his most layered performances. Harjo’s world-building is sharp. Supported by a powerhouse cast, The Low Down offers a rare mix of mystery, character drama, and cultural commentary. It’s a compelling new addition to the television landscape and a must-watch series that redefines noir for 2025.
This eight-episode Tulsa noir series is created by Executive Producer Sterlin Harjo, who also wrote and directed the pilot. Garrett Basch, series’ lead Ethan Hawke and Ryan Hawke also executive produce. The Lowdown is produced by FX Productions.
