The Lowdown Episode 1: Release date news, time, streaming details and more about the premiere

FX
Sterlin Harjo and Ethan Hawke attend FX's "The Lowdown" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

The Lowdown is a show worth watching if you are a mystery lover who appreciates a smoky small-town atmosphere with a dark sense of humor. It is set in Tulsa and created by the writer of Reservation Dogs, Sterlin Harjo, featuring Ethan Hawke. It follows a bookstore owner who becomes a local detective and soon gets into trouble as he starts digging into the secrets of the city.

FX has big premiere plans for The Lowdown. The first two episodes will be released consecutively on TV, and subsequent episodes will air weekly. There is no need to worry if you prefer streaming, as all episodes will be available on Hulu and Disney+ shortly after airing on FX. The first episode has already caused ripples at film festivals, so it is expected to generate significant buzz.


Release details of The Lowdown

FX has confirmed that The Lowdown will premiere on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The premiere night will feature two back-to-back episodes. Subsequent episodes will air weekly on Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. until all eight episodes have been released.

If you do not have cable, the episodes will be available on Hulu the following day, as is FX’s standard schedule for its fall shows. For audiences outside the U.S., the series will be accessible on Disney+ the day after its original airing, giving international fans the chance to watch shortly after the U.S. premiere.


What to expect from The Lowdown Episode 1

Episode 1 will introduce Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke. Lee owns a small rare-book store in Tulsa and refers to himself as a truthstorian, meaning he is both a reporter and a conspiracy hunter. His latest case involves a suspicious murder connected to a wealthy and influential family. What begins as a single story soon unravels into a broader network of politics and secret wrongdoings in town.

The first episode blends dark, gloomy mystery with quick comedic moments and family conflicts. The relationship between Lee, his ex, and their daughter is a significant part of the story, making it not only a crime puzzle but also a tale about people and relationships.

The Lowdown Episode 1 is presented as a double feature, which helps build the mood, reveal more of the mystery, and immediately establish the stakes. Other cast members include Ryan Kiera Armstrong (as Lee’s daughter), Kaniehtiio Horn, Tim Blake Nelson, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Kyle MacLachlan, and Keith David. Collectively, they bring richness and personality to the show, promising strong potential from the very first night.


Festival buzz before the TV premiere

The Lowdown is not a typical fall TV premiere; it has already made a splash before its official release. The show opened the Primetime segment of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in early September. This indicates that networks expect it to stand out as critics’ reviews and early buzz begin to generate hype.

At a large festival, attendees usually watch the first one or two episodes as a film and pay particular attention to the style, acting, and overall atmosphere. Early impressions highlight creator Sterlin Harjo’s Oklahoma roots and the solid Tulsa backdrop. The city is not merely a setting, it has a personality of its own.

Critics who viewed the premiere before September 23 praised the show’s distinct voice and Ethan Hawke’s performance. With its festival slot, strong ensemble cast, and two-episode premiere, The Lowdown is designed to draw audiences into a low-key small-town mystery. It offers a slower, more atmospheric experience, rather than the rapid, glitzy crime series often seen on TV.


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Edited by Ritika Pal