Ethan Hawke's The Lowdown has been renewed for a second season.

      FX has announced the renewal of its crime comedy series, The Lowdown, for a second season, with Ethan Hawke reprising his role as the truth-seeking journalist Lee Raybon.

      Conceived by Sterlin Harjo and loosely inspired by journalist Lee Roy Chapman, the show follows Hawke as Lee Raybon, who probes into corruption in Tulsa, often straining his relationship with his daughter Francis. The first season culminated in one of Lee's investigations leading to the apparent suicide of one of his subjects, raising alarms for Lee that there is more to uncover. As he delves deeper, various forces attempt to thwart him from revealing their dark secrets.

      Production for the second season is set to kick off in Tulsa this spring. Harjo will serve as an executive producer alongside Hawke, Ryan Hawke, Garrett Basch, and Duffy Boudreau.

      Lee operates in a unique bookstore located in the heart of Tulsa, serving as both a local sanctuary and an unofficial center for the community. While he is not an idealist, he is passionately devoted to uncovering corruption and exposing the city’s hidden issues, even when it puts him in jeopardy. His relentless investigation draws him deeper into Tulsa’s underworld and often takes him away from his 14-year-old daughter, Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), a bright girl who shares his inquisitiveness and yearns to accompany him on his escapades. His ex-partner, Samantha (Kaniehtiio Horn), is frustrated by Lee’s unending probing but recognizes his good qualities, especially when it comes to their daughter, whom they are both committed to supporting.

      When Lee's latest exposé—a comprehensive investigation into the powerful Washberg family—is quickly followed by the suspicious suicide of Dale Washberg (Tim Blake Nelson), the family’s black sheep, Lee realizes he has uncovered something significant. Following a trail of clues left by Dale, which urge someone to dig deeper into the details of his death, Lee embarks on that journey. He discovers that Betty Jo (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Dale’s grieving widow, appears to be more focused on her brother-in-law, gubernatorial candidate Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan), than on her late husband. Meanwhile, powerful individuals are intent on preventing Lee from learning any further details.

      Additionally, Lee attracts the attention of a mysterious figure, Marty (Keith David), who seems to appear at unexpected moments. Suave and sophisticated, Marty shares Lee’s admiration for great literary minds and shows a particular interest in Lee's investigation into the Washberg family.

      The Lowdown features a cast that includes Ethan Hawke, Keith David, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Tim Blake Nelson, Kaniehtiio Horn, Tracy Letts, Peter Dinklage, and the late Graham Greene.

      Ricky Church – Connect with me on Bluesky for more updates on movies and discussions about all things nerdy.