The Lowdown is a 2025 U.S. noir-drama series created by Sterlin Harjo, centered on Lee Raybon (played by Ethan Hawke), a bookstore owner and citizen journalist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The show follows his investigation into political corruption after a high-profile death.
The series also stars Keith David, Kaniehtiio Horn, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, Tim Blake Nelson, and Tracy Letts. The series explores real-life issues, including corruption, media distrust, and extremism. The Lowdown will premiere on September 23, 2025, on FX, with episodes streaming the next day on Hulu. It was previously showcased in the TIFF Primetime lineup in September 2025.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Lowdown |
| Genre | Drama, Noir, History, Biography |
| Director/Writer | Created by Sterlin Harjo, written by Sterlin Harjo, David Barrocal, and David Oliva |
| Starring | Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Kaniehtiio Horn, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, and others |
| Runtime | TBA |
| Age Rating | TV-MA (Mature Audiences) |
| Release Date | September 23, 2025 (FX); Hulu (next day streaming) |
| Distributor/Platform | FX, Hulu (streaming) |
| Languages | English |
The Lowdown Age Rating
The series has received a TV-MA rating, indicating that it is intended for mature audiences due to strong language, violence, and mature themes. The show includes disturbing violence related to hate crimes, assaults, and political extremism, as well as intense psychological drama involving the protagonist’s investigation into a corrupt system.
Is The Lowdown Suitable for Kids?
No. The TV-MA rating signifies that the show is not suitable for children under 17. Teens (13-15) may find the violence, extreme language, and mature political themes too distressing. Older teens (16-17) may watch with parental guidance, as the show’s realistic violence, disturbing themes, and graphic content make it more appropriate for mature teens.
Age-by-Suitability Table
| Age Group | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Ages 3–7 | No / Not suitable for young children. |
| Ages 8–12 | No / Not recommended for this age group. |
| Teens (13–15) | Not recommended / Viewer discretion advised. |
| Teens (16–17) | Yes, with guidance / Older teens may watch with context and discussion. |
| Adults | Yes / Suitable for mature audiences. |
The Lowdown Parents Guide
This intense drama series delves into corruption, extremism, and the consequences of investigative journalism, with mature content, violence, and distressing themes.
- Sex & Nudity: None. There is no explicit sexual content or nudity in the series, though it explores relationships with intense emotional undercurrents.
- Violence & Gore: Strong violence is a key part of the series. Expect graphic depictions of assaults, hate-motivated crimes, and perilous situations. There are physical altercations, with scenes of beatings and high-stakes confrontations. While the violence is not excessively graphic in terms of gore, it is psychologically intense.
- Profanity: Strong language is prevalent throughout the series, especially in moments of tension. Expect the frequent use of profanity, including the f-word and other explicit terms in both confrontations and investigative settings.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: The series includes alcohol consumption, particularly in scenes related to political meetings and conflict-resolution. Smoking may appear in some scenes but is not a major theme. There are no hard drugs depicted.
- Frightening & Intense Scenes: High tension is present throughout the series, particularly in scenes of violence, emotional breakdowns, and extremist rhetoric. The psychological intensity of the series is heightened by the themes of extremism, hate crimes, and societal unrest.
Tips for Parents
- Preview the first episode: If you are uncertain about the content, consider watching the first episode yourself to gauge the intensity of the violence and language.
- Set expectations: Explain to your teen that the series tackles real-world issues such as political corruption, media distrust, and extremism, and that it may be disturbing in nature.
- Discuss safety and the real world: Use this series as an opportunity to talk about hate crimes, violence, and the importance of standing against extremism.
- Pause and discuss: If the tension or violence becomes too intense, consider pausing the episode to discuss what’s happening and how the characters are dealing with fear and conflict.
The Lowdown Official Trailer
Watch the official trailer here:-
FAQs
Q1. What is the age rating for The Lowdown?
A: The series is rated TV-MA for strong language, violence, and mature themes.
Q2. Is The Lowdown appropriate for teens?
A: The series is not suitable for younger teens due to its intense violence and disturbing themes. Older teens (16–17) may watch with parental guidance.
Q3. How violent is The Lowdown?
A: The violence is moderate-to-strong, including assaults, confrontations, and scenes tied to hate crimes. The show contains graphic, realistic violence but avoids excessive gore.
Q4. Does The Lowdown include strong language?
A: Yes, there is strong language throughout, including frequent use of the f-word and explicit terms during investigations and confrontations.
Q5. Is there sexual content in The Lowdown?
A: No sexual content is indicated. The series focuses on political corruption and emotional conflict.
Q6. Where can I watch The Lowdown?
A: The Lowdown premieres on FX on September 23, 2025, and will be available for streaming on Hulu the next day.