For six tumultuous yet exhilarating years (2017–2023), we watched Snowfall's Franklin Saint (Damson Idris) build a lucrative drug empire brick by brick. But as his community continued to suffer season after season, his business would eventually do the same.
Last night we said goodbye to Snowfall, and I'm still not over it. John Singleton's American crime drama blossomed into one of FX's highest-rated shows and earned top scores on Rotten Tomatoes (90% Tomatometer and audience score).
What started off as a pandemic watch for me in 2020 turned into a show I'll always cherish. From the fully developed character arcs to the cinematography and costume design, Snowfall held my attention year after year without fault.
Damson Idris, Leon Simmons, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Michael Hyatt, and several other cast members delivered award-worthy performances time and time again.
And the subtle yet notable Easter eggs thrown in throughout Snowfall really set the tone for the show. What one might think was a show about drugs was really a realistic look at family bonds, street loyalty, corrupt government organizations, and the realities of the crack cocaine epidemic in Black LA neighborhoods.
Here's how fans on Twitter reacted to the series finale and the impact the show made on television:
Warning: Spoilers ahead! If you haven't watched the finale, now would be the time to exit this post.
1.
Damson Idris absolutely, positively, needs an Emmy for his #SnowfallFX performance. If not to get what he’s owed for these last 6 seasons, this finale proves that he’s mastered this role. He made Franklin Saint what we know him to be. He deserves all the awards for it.
2.
This show went six seasons to make Franklin a JUNKIE #SnowfallFX
3.
I went back to watch episode 1 and it’s so full circle. Franklin used to work at that same liquor store. And when Mel asked him what was his end game, he said: #SnowfallFX
4.
My God. #SnowfallFX was a tale of addiction. Whether you’re chasing a high, a dollar, or power… it ultimately leads to ruins. The transformation of Franklin Saint is something I’ll never stop feeling. This series is the purpose of storytelling. #SnowfallFX
5.
The parallels between how Alton & Franklin turned out after the government fucked them is…something. #SnowfallFX
6.
This is reality. An authentic ending. My GOD. That was so real it made me uncomfortable. #Snowfallfx
7.
I would’ve rather seen Franklin get popped than go out like this #Snowfallfx
8.
“Ain’t no chains on me, I’m finally free from this shit, not your way, not their way, but I’m free…” #SnowfallFX man I almost lost it.
9.
Franklin was a villain and got a villains ending. But he’s at peace man. He said no chains around him anymore. All 6 seasons he either had either Avi, his family, his friends, the CIA, the KGB all tryna control and manipulate him and now he don’t. This shit crazy #Snowfallfx
10.
What's sad is that this series didn't receive any award accolades....the same way The Wire didn't...and they both deserved all of them. #Snowfallfx
11.
The irony is that Franklin is turning into a fiend right before our eyes. He’s acting exactly like a crackhead would act - the crackheads he made. So it’s coming full circle #SnowfallFX
12.
13.
Nah Damson Idris You Did Your MF Thing! Snowfall 10/10 🔥🔥🔥 #SnowfallFX
14.
Manboy’s final words foreshadowed the end for Franklin #Snowfall #SnowfallFX
15.
All this nigga wanted was his money and everyone in his life decided he didn’t deserve it back after living off him all these years. That’s some BS man idc #SnowfallFX
16.
I was so scared they were gonna kill Leon every episode since Season 1 but he made it to the finale and THRIVING👏🏽🫡#SnowfallFX
17.
You felt Franklin’s spiraling anxieties; you felt Cissy’s disappointment; you felt Leon’s survivor’s guilt; you felt Louie’s fear—truly moving performances that deserve to be recognized. #SnowfallFX