Ethan Hawke’s TV success continues with the premiere of his latest series, The Lowdown, which launched on FX on September 23, 2025. This addition sustains Hawke’s remarkable five-year streak of acclaimed television performances, as he plays Tulsa journalist Lee Raybon in this neo-noir comedy crime drama created by Sterlin Harjo.
How The Lowdown Extends Ethan Hawke’s Television Acclaim
The Lowdown quickly earned strong praise from critics, boasting a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes after just two episodes. This achievement adds to the string of highly rated projects Hawke has been involved in throughout recent years. For example, his role as Arthur Harrow in the 2022 Marvel series Moon Knight received an 86% critic score. Additionally, Hawke starred as John Brown and served as executive producer on The Good Lord Bird in 2020, a series that holds an impressive 98% critic rating. He also directed the docuseries The Last Movie Stars, which achieved a perfect 100% score, reinforcing the trend of Hawke’s consistent involvement in well-received television productions.
Factors Behind The Lowdown’s Strong Critical Reception
Hawke’s ability to select or elevate TV projects through his presence appears to be key to his ongoing success. Critics highlight his compelling on-screen charisma and sharp comedic timing in The Lowdown, which blends well with costars including Keith David, Kaniehtiio Horn, and Peter Dinklage. Despite the show’s unusual, sometimes strange tone, created under the direction of Sterlin Harjo, it strikes a delicate balance between weirdness and coherent storytelling that resonates well with audiences and reviewers.
Many reviewers, even those less enthusiastic about the overall series, praised Hawke’s performance. His role helps anchor the show’s eccentric narrative, making the unusual elements more accessible and engaging for viewers.
Current Status and Future Prospects of Ethan Hawke’s TV Career
While Ethan Hawke remains a standout presence in television, there is no confirmed follow-up project lined up after The Lowdown. This absence is somewhat disappointing given his recent string of successes and suggests a period of careful selectivity in his career choices. Fans and critics alike may need to wait patiently for his next move, but given Hawke’s track record, whatever project he commits to next is expected to maintain or exceed his previous standards.
Hawke’s five-year streak of critically acclaimed roles solidifies his position as a significant figure in modern TV drama and thriller genres. His involvement tends to signal quality and the potential for further industry recognition, setting the stage for continued interest in his future performances.
