FX Expands the Snowfall Universe with a 90s West Coast Rap Spinoff

Get ready to revisit Los Angeles, but this time, the crack epidemic has faded, and the beats of West Coast rap are taking over. Fan favorites Wanda and Leon are back, leading the charge in an exciting new chapter.

TL;DR

• FX has officially greenlit an untitled Snowfall spinoff series, slated to premiere on Hulu next year (likely 2026).
• The new show jumps into 1990s Los Angeles, focusing on the burgeoning West Coast rap scene amidst escalating gang conflicts and record label exploitation.
• Gail Bean and Isaiah John will reprise their beloved roles as Wanda and Leon Simmons, with Wanda at the forefront as a recovering addict striving to bring hip-hop into the mainstream.

Remember the gritty streets of 1980s South Central Los Angeles, where Franklin Saint's empire rose and fell? What happened when the crack epidemic started to fade, but the city's pulse kept beating to a new, powerful rhythm? If you've been missing the compelling storytelling of Fx's critically acclaimed drama Snowfall, get ready for some exhilarating news: the universe is expanding, and it’s taking us straight into the heart of 1990s West Coast rap.

FX has given a series order to an untitled Snowfall Spinoff, confirming its arrival on Hulu next year. While most reports point to a "next year" premiere, some sources like Forbes and LaughingPlace specify 2026. This means we won't have to wait too long to dive back into the intricate world that Snowfall so masterfully crafted.

Fan-Favorite Characters Return to Navigate New Challenges in Los Angeles

This isn't just a new story in the same city; it's a direct continuation featuring characters you already know and love. Gail Bean and Isaiah John are officially reprising their roles as Wanda Bell-Simmons and Leon Simmons, respectively. Fans will remember Wanda's harrowing journey through severe crack cocaine addiction to eventual recovery, and Leon as Franklin Saint's loyal best friend and second-in-command, deeply connected to the PJ Watts Crips.

The spinoff picks up shortly after the events of the original series, transporting us to a 1990s Los Angeles on the cusp of a cultural revolution. The official synopsis reveals a fascinating premise: "A recovering addict strives to take West Coast rap mainstream – while gang wars erupt and record labels move to exploit hip hop culture for their own gain." This recovering addict is Wanda, signaling a significant spotlight shift onto her character and her new ambitions. Source: [ScreenRant, "Snowfall Spinoff Officially Happening With Returning Cast Members & 1990s Setting", November 3, 2025].

New Faces Join the Ensemble as West Coast Rap Ignites

While Wanda and Leon provide a familiar anchor, the series is also bringing in fresh talent to flesh out this new era. The cast will include Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, and Simmie Sims III in pivotal roles. Their presence suggests a diverse set of characters that will undoubtedly contribute to the complex narrative tapestry of gang conflicts, personal struggles, and the explosive music industry.

Behind the scenes, the project is in very capable hands. Acclaimed producer Malcolm Spellman, known for his work on the documentary series Hip Hop Uncovered, is writing and executive producing. He’s joined by several Snowfall veterans, including executive producers Dave Andron (who also co-created the original series), Thomas Schlamme, Julie DeJoie, Michael London, and Trevor Engelson. This continuity in the creative team is great news for fans hoping the spinoff will retain the original show's high quality and authentic voice.

"This new series takes us back to one of the most formative eras in music with the birth of the West Coast rap revolution. We worked with Malcolm Spellman on the documentary series Hip Hop Uncovered and he has encyclopedic knowledge of this material. This is a breakout starring role for Gail Bean and, as always, Isaiah John is terrific along with the ensemble cast. Snowfall was one of the most successful FX dramas ever and we’re excited that Dave Andron, Thomas Schlamme and other veterans of the Snowfall creative team are on board."

– Nick Grad, President of FX Entertainment. Source: [Deadline, "FX Orders ‘Snowfall’ Spinoff Starring Gail Bean & Isaiah John", November 3, 2025].

From Crack Epidemic to Cultural Revolution: A Shifting Landscape

The original Snowfall ran for six seasons on FX from 2017 to 2023, earning an impressive 92% average score on Rotten Tomatoes. It was frequently compared to The Wire for its unflinching look at the drug trade, institutional corruption, and its impact on communities during the 1980s crack epidemic. With Damson Idris as the ambitious drug dealer Franklin Saint, the series offered a profound exploration of a dark chapter in Los Angeles history.

Shifting focus from the intense, central figure of Franklin Saint to Wanda, while compelling, presents a new narrative challenge. Viewers deeply invested in Franklin’s complex journey might initially feel a different connection. However, Wanda's arc in the original series, particularly her fight for sobriety, sets up a powerful foundation for her new role as a driving force in the hip-hop world. Her lived experience offers a unique lens through which to explore the 90s.

Another point of interest lies in balancing the familiar with the fresh. While Leon and Wanda offer a crucial link to the original, the 1990s setting and explicit focus on the music industry introduce entirely new dynamics. The creative team will need to skillfully weave these fresh elements into the existing Snowfall essence, ensuring it feels like a natural evolution rather than a departure, all while maintaining the grittiness and authenticity the series is known for. Source: [Forbes, "'Snowfall' Spinoff Exploring '90s West Coast Rap Scene Ordered At FX", November 3, 2025].

Understanding the Real-World Impact Through Storytelling

Shows like the Snowfall spinoff do more than just entertain; they educate. For example, imagine a young music enthusiast, let’s call her Chloe, growing up hearing snippets about the '90s West Coast rap scene, but never truly understanding the complex social fabric it emerged from. A series that vividly portrays the era’s gang violence, the struggles of recovering from addiction, and the often-exploitative nature of the record industry could offer Chloe a humanized look beyond the hit songs.

This isn't just about the beats and rhymes; it's about connecting the dots between culture, crime, and commerce in a transformative decade. The spinoff promises to be a powerful vehicle for exploring how a community, still reeling from the aftershocks of one crisis, found a new voice and economic opportunity through art, even as new dangers emerged.

Practical Takeaways for Fans Looking Forward to the Spinoff

• Mark Your Calendars (Tentatively): The untitled Snowfall spinoff is set for release "next year" on Hulu, likely in 2026. Keep an eye out for official release dates!
• Familiar Faces, New Focus: Get ready to follow Wanda (Gail Bean) and Leon (Isaiah John) as they step into central roles, offering a fresh perspective on a new chapter for Los Angeles.
• Dive into the 90s: The series will immerse you in the vibrant, yet volatile, world of West Coast rap, exploring its rise alongside escalating gang conflicts and the music industry's complex role.
• Catch Up on the Original: All six seasons of Snowfall are currently streaming on Hulu, making it the perfect time to revisit Franklin's story and prepare for Wanda and Leon's next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Snowfall Spinoff

Q: What is the Snowfall spinoff about? A: The untitled Snowfall spinoff is set in 1990s Los Angeles and follows a recovering addict, Wanda Bell-Simmons, as she strives to bring West Coast rap to the mainstream while navigating ongoing gang wars and the exploitative nature of record labels.

Q: Who is returning for the spinoff? A: Gail Bean and Isaiah John will reprise their roles as Wanda Bell-Simmons and Leon Simmons from the original Snowfall series.

Q: When and where will the Snowfall spinoff premiere? A: The series is slated to premiere next year (likely 2026) on Hulu. FX Productions is producing the series.

Q: What new cast members have been announced? A: Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith, and Simmie Sims III will join the cast in new roles.

Sources:

• ScreenRant, "Snowfall Spinoff Officially Happening With Returning Cast Members & 1990s Setting", November 3, 2025.
• Deadline, "FX Orders ‘Snowfall’ Spinoff Starring Gail Bean & Isaiah John", November 3, 2025.
• Forbes, "'Snowfall' Spinoff Exploring '90s West Coast Rap Scene Ordered At FX", November 3, 2025.
• LaughingPlace, "FX Orders Snowfall Spinoff Set in the 90s Featuring Wanda and Leon", November 3, 2025.
• TVLine, "Snowfall Spinoff Ordered At FX Starring Two Series Vets — Get A First Look", November 3, 2025.