'The Drop' expands on 'Snowfall' with a shift to hip hop

"Snowfall," a crime drama on FX that looked at the crack cocaine epidemic of 1980s Los Angeles, wrapped in 2023 following six seasons and 60 episodes.

But its story lends itself to an expanded universe. That's where "The Drop: A Snowfall Saga" comes in. Two characters from the original series, Wanda Bell (played by Gail Bean) and Leon Simmons (played by Isaiah John), seek to reinvent themselves in the West Coast hip-hop scene.

And new characters, like Lamar Kinsey (Asante Blackk), James Kinsey (Peyton Alex Smith) and Artillery (Simmie "Buddy" Sims III), help expand upon the original story in this new, music-centric world.

In this episode, co-host Bruce Miller first catches up with Bean and John and then has a conversation with Blackk, Smith and Sims. Blackk is among the most notable actors in the series, following an Emmy-nominated performance in "When They See Us," as well as notable roles on "This Is Us" and "Euphoria."

After that, co-host Terry Lipshetz talks about watching "The Howard Stern" show on HBO Max, which seems to be more for the biggest of fans, completely in on all of the inside jokes.

About the show

Streamed & Screened is a podcast about movies and TV hosted by Bruce Miller, a longtime entertainment reporter who is the retired editor of the Sioux City Journal in Iowa and Terry Lipshetz, managing editor of the National Newsroom for Lee Enterprises based in Madison, Wisconsin. The show was named Best Podcast in the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contest.

Theme music

Thunder City by Lunareh, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: FV694ULMCJQDG0IY

A podcast about movies and TV, hosted by Bruce Miller, the retired editor for the Sioux City Journal, who continues to report on Hollywood, movies, television and streaming programs as he has for more than 40 years. Get Bruce's insights and enjoy interviews with directors, stars and experts. Co-hosted by Terry Lipshetz, managing editor of the National Newsroom for Lee Enterprises.