Is Snowfall Based on a True Story? Was Franklin Saint in Snowfall Real?

 Is Snowfall Based on a True Story? – Hey there, folks! If you’ve been binge-watching the captivating crime drama series “Snowfall,” chances are you’ve wondered how much of it is grounded in reality. You’re in the right place because we’re about to delve into the gritty world of “Snowfall” and separate fact from fiction.

In this article, we’ll uncover the truth behind the series, explore the intricate characters, and understand if real-life events inspire the storyline or if it’s purely a work of fiction. So, grab your popcorn and let’s embark on this thrilling journey into the heart of “Snowfall.”

What is ‘Snowfall’ About?

Before jumping into the nitty-gritty, let’s learn what “Snowfall” is all about. This electrifying crime drama, created by John Singleton, Eric Amadio, and Dave Andron, takes us back to the mean streets of 1980s Los Angeles. It’s a time when the crack cocaine epidemic first took hold of the city, leaving an indelible mark on its residents.

At its core, “Snowfall” weaves a tale of interconnected lives. The central character is Franklin Saint, portrayed brilliantly by Damson Idris. Franklin’s journey from a street-savvy teenager to a ruthless drug lord is both gripping and disturbing, shedding light on the harsh realities of the drug trade and the choices one makes when driven by desperation.

But it’s not just Franklin’s story; the show offers a multi-faceted perspective by following other characters’ lives, too. From Mexican luchador Gustavo “El Oso” Zapata to CIA operative Teddy McDonald and a Mexican crime boss’s niece, Lucia Villanueva, each character brings a unique angle to the narrative.

What makes “Snowfall” stand out is its innovative approach to storytelling. Instead of relying on a single protagonist, the series unfolds through the lives of these interconnected characters. This mirrors the complexity of the crack epidemic itself, highlighting how it affected people from various walks of life.

Beyond its storytelling, “Snowfall” earns accolades for its meticulous recreation of the 1980s era. From the fashion to the music and the historical events that shaped the period, the show immerses viewers in the time like a time machine. Now that we’ve got a sense of the show’s backdrop let’s dig deeper and explore whether “Snowfall” is based on a true story or not.

Is Snowfall Based on a True Story?

The burning question: is “Snowfall” based on a true story? Well, the short answer is no, “Snowfall” isn’t directly based on actual events. However, it’s essential to note that the show draws inspiration from real-life circumstances. It revolves around the emergence of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles during the early 1980s. The scrappy and conflicted Franklin Saint may be a work of fiction, but the epidemic he navigates isn’t.

In the 1980s, the crack cocaine wave hit American streets, particularly in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. This smokable form of cocaine was developed to counter the dropping cost of traditional cocaine, and it quickly gained popularity. Why? Because it was cheaper to produce, it could be sold in smaller quantities to a broader client base, bringing in more money for the drug dealers.

However, the impact of the crack wasn’t uniform. The epidemic disproportionately affected Black communities, and this was intertwined with economic factors. Due to racial segregation practices, Black families often resided in lower-income neighbourhoods, making them more susceptible to the drug dealers selling crack.

The crack epidemic also gave birth to its criminal ecosystem. As addiction rates surged, it became profitable for community members to enter the drug trade. This, in turn, led to a vicious cycle of more drug-related violence, arrests, and disproportionate effects on Black communities.