The FX series 'The Lowdown' emerges as a distinctive crime drama, artfully blending dark humor with a strong sense of community, all set within the vibrant landscape of Tulsa, Oklahoma. At its core is Lee Raybon, portrayed by Ethan Hawke, a self-proclaimed "truthstorian" whose unwavering dedication drives him to uncover the mysterious circumstances surrounding Dale Washberg’s death. The series boasts a rich ensemble of colorful characters, including Dale’s older brother Donald Washberg (Kyle MacLachlan) and his grieving widow Betty Jo (Jeanna Tripplehorn), alongside a white supremacist church leader (Paul Sparks) and a private investigator (Keith David). Lee, despite his good intentions, frequently finds himself embroiled in danger, risking disappointment to his daughter, Francis (Ryan Kiera Armstrong).

The creative vision for 'The Lowdown' is spearheaded by Sterlin Harjo, who serves as its creator, writer, director, and executive producer. Harjo's previous success as the showrunner for the critically acclaimed three-season comedy 'Reservation Dogs', which followed four Indigenous teenage friends on an Oklahoma reservation, significantly boosted his confidence. This prior experience allowed him to experiment more freely and cultivate a desirable working environment, leading to numerous actors actively seeking opportunities to collaborate with him. For 'The Lowdown', Harjo employed a strategic directing approach: he helmed the initial block of episodes to meticulously establish the series' unique tone and visual aesthetic, and later returned to direct the finale, ensuring a consistent and impactful conclusion. He noted that directing 'The Lowdown' felt less pressured and more enjoyable than 'Rez Dogs', providing him greater creative freedom for experimentation.

Harjo’s storytelling in 'The Lowdown' is deeply informed by his profound appreciation for specific cinematic influences. He particularly values films that possess high rewatchability, allowing audiences to continuously discover new layers and nuances. He cited seminal works such as 'Inherent Vice', 'The Long Goodbye', 'The Big Lebowski', 'True Romance', 'Fury Road', and 'The Departed' as examples of films that construct rich, immersive worlds. A particularly significant influence on Harjo is the distinctive style of David Lynch, especially the iconic series 'Twin Peaks'. Harjo recounted taking a dedicated David Lynch class at the University of Oklahoma, where he engaged in extensive discussions about Lynch’s complete oeuvre. He identifies with Lynch's mastery of world-building and aims to craft narratives that feel singular and deeply personal. This mutual admiration is evident, with actors like Kyle MacLachlan and Eric Edelstein remarking that Harjo's set evoked the distinctive atmosphere of David Lynch's productions.

A core tenet of Harjo’s directorial philosophy is the cultivation of a fun and engaging atmosphere on set. He firmly believes that an enjoyable working environment is crucial for cast and crew to deliver their best work, stating,