July 1, 2026

MGM+ announced today that Godfather of Harlem is coming to an end after four seasons. But while a fifth season is not in the cards, the streamer has ordered a 2-hour episode that will serve as a proper series finale. Production is set to commence this month in Brooklyn.

"Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Bumpy Johnson has been nothing short of extraordinary, and this series has been a defining jewel of MGM+'s original programming slate," said Michael Wright, global head of MGM+. "We are deeply proud to give Godfather of Harlem the sendoff it deserves — a two-hour finale that honors the ambition, craft, and emotional power the creative team and cast have brought to this series from day one. This is exactly the kind of bold, character-driven storytelling that MGM+ was built to champion."

"Playing Bumpy Johnson has been one of the greatest experiences of my career," said Whitaker. "This character, this story, and this ensemble have allowed me to explore the complexity of a man caught between ambition, loyalty, and survival. I'm grateful to Michael Wright and MGM+, Chris Brancato, 20th Television, Amazon, the entire creative team, and our extraordinary cast, for five seasons of exceptional collaboration."

"I'm grateful to MGM+, 20th Television, and our talented cast and crew for the opportunity to complete Bumpy Johnson's extraordinary journey," said co-creator Chris Brancato. "Forest has filled the role with his signature blend of intelligence, ferocity, and gentility, bringing to life the boss who ruled Harlem's streets for more than two decades."

Inspired by infamous New York crime boss Bumpy Johnson, the series takes place in the 1960s with Bumpy returning home after a decade in prison to find his old neighborhood in shambles. With an Italian crime family now running the streets, Bumpy must take on the mob in order to regain control of his stomping grounds. During all this he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X, whose political rise is caught between social upheaval and a disruptive gang war.