The gritty crime drama series "Godfather of Harlem" offers a fictionalized portrayal of the 1960s Harlem underworld and the notorious gangster Bumpy Johnson. Beyond its compelling storyline and talented cast, the show's visual authenticity is impressive. The production team put a significant effort into recreating the atmosphere of 1960s New York City, transforming modern locations into convincing historical backdrops. Let's explore some of the key filming locations featured in "Godfather of Harlem."

The Heart of Harlem

Much of "Godfather of Harlem" unfolds in, naturally, Harlem itself. The production made extensive use of the neighborhood's streets and architecture to establish a sense of place. Significant locations include:

• Sugar Hill Historic District: This picturesque area with its grand brownstones stands in for Bumpy Johnson's home territory. Its well-preserved architecture helps evoke the desired period feel for the show.

• Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Boulevard): A main street in Harlem, Lenox Avenue sees its share of action in the series, from bustling street scenes to more pivotal moments of the story.

Other Notable New York Locations

• Coney Island: The iconic beachfront location makes an appearance in the show, showcasing its unique amusement park atmosphere that stands in contrast to the intensity of Harlem.

• Cobble Hill, Brooklyn: This charming neighborhood offers historic streetscapes that were also utilized to portray period Harlem.

• Staten Island: Some scenes have been filmed on Staten Island, taking advantage of its varied locales for different needs of the production.

Beyond the Streets

Interior locations are crucial to the production as well. While some indoor scenes are likely filmed on soundstages, the "Godfather of Harlem" team has incorporated several notable real-world places:

• The Apollo Theater: The legendary Harlem performance venue plays itself in the show, hosting appearances by historical figures associated with it.

• Rao's Restaurant: A classic Italian eatery in East Harlem appears in the series, lending an authentic flavor to certain scenes.

References

• Godfather of Harlem - Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godfather_of_Harlem
• Godfather of Harlem (TV Series 2019– ) - Filming & Production - IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8080122/locations/
• The 1960s come alive on the set of 'Godfather of Harlem' in Sugar Hill: https://www.thecuriousuptowner.com/post/2019/01/28/the-1960s-come-alive-on-the-set-of-godfather-of-harlem-in-sugar-hill

Let me know if you'd like more details on specific locations or have any other aspects you'd like me to cover!