Snowfall Spinoff Series Officially Ordered: Leon & Wanda are Back in the '90s!

Big news for all "Snowfall" fans! Fx has officially given a series order to the highly anticipated spinoff, bringing fan-favorite characters Wanda and Leon Simmons back to your screens for a whole new chapter set in the dynamic world of '90s Los Angeles. Get ready for West Coast rap, gang wars, and a familiar, powerful story.

TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know Right Now

• The untitled "Snowfall" spinoff has been officially ordered to series by FX.
• Gail Bean and Isaiah John will reprise their roles as Wanda and Leon Simmons, with the story centered around Wanda's journey as a recovering addict striving to take West Coast rap mainstream.
• Set in 1990s Los Angeles, the series promises a deep dive into the era's vibrant music scene, escalating gang conflicts, and the commercial exploitation of hip-hop culture.

The Snowfall Universe Expands: Leon and Wanda Take Center Stage

Hold onto your hats, fam! It's finally happening. FX has pulled the trigger and ordered a full series for the "Snowfall" spinoff we've all been buzzing about. And the best part? Our beloved duo, Wanda and Leon Simmons, are leading the charge!

If you were glued to "Snowfall" through its six incredible seasons (from 2017 to 2023), then you know Gail Bean and Isaiah John brought incredible depth and heart to their characters. Wanda's journey from the depths of addiction to recovery, hand-in-hand with Leon's complicated path, was one of the most compelling arcs in the original series. Now, we get to see what's next for them, and honestly, we couldn't be more excited for this new adventure.

Stepping Back into the Vibrant and Volatile '90s Los Angeles

The original "Snowfall" expertly transported us to the 1980s, right at the epicenter of the crack cocaine epidemic in South Central LA. This new series fast-forwards to the 1990s, picking up "soon after the end of the original series." Imagine the fashion, the music, the cultural shifts – it's going to be a ride!

The official logline for the untitled drama paints a vivid picture: "Set in '90s Los Angeles soon after the end of the original series, a recovering addict (Bean) 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 means we'll be exploring a whole new landscape, one where the echoes of the crack epidemic might still linger, but new forces are shaping the city: the rise of West Coast rap, the intensifying gang conflicts, and the corporate scramble to cash in on burgeoning hip-hop culture. Wanda, having overcome her crack addiction, will be at the heart of this tumultuous, creative era.

A Familiar Creative Team and Exciting New Faces Joining the Cast

Behind the scenes, the spinoff is in incredibly capable hands. Malcolm Spellman, known for his work on "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier" and "Empire," is writing and executive producing. This is huge, especially considering his background with the documentary series "Hip Hop Uncovered," which means he has an "encyclopedic knowledge" of the West Coast rap scene – exactly what this show needs!

Andron, a co-creator of the original "Snowfall" alongside the late John Singleton and Eric Amadio, is also on board as an executive producer, ensuring that the new series maintains that authentic "Snowfall" feel. Other veterans from the original creative team, including Thomas Schlamme, Julie DeJoie, Michael London, and Trevor Engelson, are also executive producing. It’s a reunion of master storytellers ready to expand this universe.

"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

It’s not just about the returning legends! The spinoff is also bringing in some fantastic new talent to join Gail Bean and Isaiah John. We’ll be seeing:

• Asante Blackk (from "This Is Us")
• Peyton Alex Smith (from "All American: Homecoming")
• Simmie Sims III (from "Rap Sh!t")

This fresh blood, combined with the seasoned veterans, promises a dynamic and compelling ensemble ready to tackle the complexities of '90s LA.

The Enduring Legacy of Snowfall and What This Spinoff Means

"Snowfall" carved out a significant space in television history, offering a gritty, raw, and often heartbreaking look at the crack epidemic through the eyes of various characters, from Franklin Saint's rise and fall to the machinations of CIA operative Teddy McDonald and cartel enforcer Gustavo "El Oso" Zapata. Its critical acclaim and loyal fanbase made it one of FX's most successful dramas.

Fans have been vocal about wanting more from this universe since the original series concluded in 2023. The excitement on social media was palpable, with many calling it "the best news ever" and "exactly what the culture needed." The focus on Wanda, a character who truly earned her redemption arc, is particularly resonant, with viewers praising Gail Bean's performance and feeling her story deserved further exploration.

This spinoff isn't just a continuation; it's an evolution. By shifting the focus to Wanda and Leon and moving into the '90s, the series promises to explore how the city and its culture transformed in the years after Franklin Saint's empire crumbled. It’s about new beginnings, the relentless pursuit of dreams, and the enduring struggles against systemic exploitation. It connects the deeply personal stories of its characters to a rapidly changing social and musical landscape.

When and Where Can You Watch This Highly Anticipated Series?

While an exact premiere date isn't locked in yet, the "Snowfall" spinoff is slated for debut sometime in 2026. You'll be able to catch all the action on FX and Hulu. This dual-platform release means fans will have easy access to dive back into the world of "Snowfall" whenever they're ready.

As more details about the specific release schedule, episode count, and further plot points emerge, we'll be sure to keep you updated. For now, we can all revel in the fact that the "Snowfall" universe is far from over, and two of its most enduring characters are ready to tell their next story.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Snowfall Spinoff

What is the "Snowfall" spinoff about? The spinoff is set in 1990s Los Angeles, following the original series. It centers on Wanda (Gail Bean), a recovering addict, as she attempts to bring West Coast rap into the mainstream amidst escalating gang wars and record labels looking to exploit hip-hop culture. Which original "Snowfall" characters are returning? Gail Bean will reprise her role as Wanda, and Isaiah John will return as Leon Simmons. Their story will be central to the new series. Who is involved in the creative team for the spinoff? Malcolm Spellman (known for "The Falcon and The Winter Soldier") is writing and executive producing. He is joined by "Snowfall" veterans Dave Andron, Thomas Schlamme, Julie DeJoie, Michael London, and Trevor Engelson as executive producers. FX Productions is the studio. When and where will the "Snowfall" spinoff be available? The series is slated to premiere in 2026 on FX and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. An exact release date has not yet been announced.