Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1 hit MGM+ on April 13, 2025, and it didn’t just come back — it stepped back in like it owned the block. The new season wastes zero time dropping us back into the raw, dangerous streets of 1960s Harlem, where Bumpy Johnson isn’t just fighting the mob — he’s fighting for his soul, his daughter, and his legacy.

To celebrate this massive return, MGM+ went all out with back-to-back premieres in Harlem and Los Angeles that felt less like red carpet events and more like declarations: This show isn’t just entertainment — it’s a movement.

The Harlem Premiere Brought It Home

On April 8, fans, creators, and media pulled up to Harlem Stage — which MGM+ flipped into a full-on immersive experience rooted in the world of Godfather of Harlem. The big draw? An early screening of Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1, introduced by none other than Swizz Beatz, the series’ Executive Music Producer. The man brought the energy like only Swizz can.

Then Rome Flynn (aka the newly introduced Frank Lucas) took the mic for a Q&A hosted by on-air personality Maria Clifton. He opened up about stepping into the role of one of Harlem’s most infamous gangsters and how his character’s arrival shakes the table for everyone — especially Bumpy.

And just when the vibes couldn’t get any better? Busta Rhymes showed up. Yes, really. Swizz and Busta hit the stage together and tore the house down with a surprise performance that reminded everyone this show doesn’t just live on-screen — it lives in the culture.

L.A. Got Some Love Too

Not to be outdone, MGM+ hosted a For Your Consideration (FYC) event in Los Angeles on April 9 at the Culver Theater. Forest Whitaker, series creator Chris Brancato, and MGM+ boss Michael Wright were in the building. They screened Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1 and followed it up with a powerful conversation moderated by Variety’s Clayton Davis.

The panel touched on the show’s growing cultural impact, Whitaker’s approach to playing Bumpy through the storm of civil rights upheaval, and the importance of expanding the narrative now that Frank Lucas is entering the story. Heavy-hitters like executive producers Nina Yang Bongiovi and James Acheson were in the audience, keeping the spotlight burning bright.

2209457287 — CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: (L-R) Clayton Davis and Forest Whitaker attend the “Godfather Of Harlem” Season 4 FYC Event at Culver Theater on April 09, 2025 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for MGM+)

2209457274 — CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: (L-R) Clayton Davis and Forest Whitaker attend the “Godfather Of Harlem” Season 4 FYC Event at Culver Theater on April 09, 2025 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Anna Webber/Getty Images for MGM+)

Season 4: A New Chapter of Blood, Power, and Resistance

This season takes place right after the assassination of Malcolm X, and Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1 makes it clear: everything’s changed. Bumpy’s daughter Elise is leaning into the revolution with the Black Panthers. The Italian mob is gunning for Harlem harder than ever. And Frank Lucas? He’s the wild card — hungry, ambitious, and eyeing Bumpy’s throne.

If you need to brush up on the real-life history behind this season’s conflict, check out our Godfather of Harlem breakdown of Bumpy Johnson and Frank Lucas.

Produced by 20th Television, the series continues to be led by Forest Whitaker (also an executive producer), Chris Brancato, Swizz Beatz, and Nina Yang Bongiovi — keeping the vision tight from both a storytelling and musical perspective.

Episode Release Schedule: Don’t Fall Behind

Season 4 will run for 10 episodes, airing weekly every Sunday. Here’s what the drop schedule looks like:

Episode 1 – April 13, 2025
Episode 2 – April 20, 2025
Episode 3 – April 27, 2025
Episode 4 – May 4, 2025
Episode 5 – May 11, 2025
Episode 6 – May 18, 2025
Episode 7 – May 25, 2025
Episode 8 – June 1, 2025
Episode 9 – June 8, 2025
Episode 10 (Finale) – June 15, 2025

Each new episode promises to dig deeper into the violent power dynamics of Harlem while reflecting the tension between civil rights and criminal enterprise.

Where to Watch Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1

If you’re ready to dive into the chaos, you can stream Godfather of Harlem Season 4 Episode 1 now on MGM+ or Hulu. Seasons 1 through 3 are also available for your binge-watch pleasure — no excuses.

Be sure to follow @GodfatherOfHarlem and @MGMPlus on social to stay in the loop, and don’t forget to use #GodfatherOfHarlem when you post. This season’s going to be wild — you’re gonna want receipts.