Ethan Hawke is having a moment. Hot off an Oscar nomination for his role in Richard Linklater's Blue Moon and a well-received turn alongside Russell Crowe in the Western The Weight, Hawke is now set to return to the small screen in a big way. His critically acclaimed FX series, The Lowdown, officially returns for a second season this October.
Created by Sterlin Harjo (known for Reservation Dogs), The Lowdown is a neo-noir comedy that has quickly become a favorite among critics and audiences alike. The first season, which premiered in 2025, earned a near-perfect 98% “Certified Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it alongside genre standouts like Silo and Slow Horses. The show’s blend of mystery, humor, and a deep affection for its Tulsa, Oklahoma setting has struck a chord.
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Keith David, Kyle MacLachlan, Macon Blair, Tim Blake Nelson, Tracy Letts, and Peter Dinklage. Hawke leads the pack with his signature “hangdog” charm, which the Rotten Tomatoes consensus praises as a key ingredient in the show’s appeal.
When Does Season 2 Premiere?
Mark your calendars: The Lowdown season 2 will debut on October 14, 2026, with eight episodes airing weekly through November 25. The release date puts it in direct competition with Taylor Sheridan’s Tulsa King, which returns for its fourth season on October 16. While both shows share a Tulsa setting, they offer very different takes on crime and character. If you’re looking for a more character-driven, offbeat alternative to the Sheridan universe, The Lowdown is your best bet.
Hawke has been balancing his indie cred with bigger projects, including the upcoming Black Phone 2 and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. His TV work has been equally varied, from the Western limited series The Good Lord Bird to this current hit. For fans of thriller reunions and top-tier crime shows, The Lowdown is a must-watch.
While you wait for the new season, you can catch up on the first season on FX and Hulu. And if you’re in the mood for more crime drama, check out this British duo or BritBox’s The Tower. But for now, all eyes are on Hawke and the return of The Lowdown.
