Snowfall Spinoff The Drop Puts Wanda and Leon in 1990s Hip-Hop World

Snowfall is coming back in a new form, with Wanda and Leon at the centre of the story.

The Drop: A Snowfall Saga is a spin-off, meaning a new series built from an earlier one, to the FX drama Snowfall about the origins of the crack cocaine epidemic, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Malcolm Spellman serves as showrunner, the lead writer-producer in charge. The first season runs for eight episodes.

The action moves forward to the 1990s. FX places the series in Los Angeles in that decade, with an earlier review putting it in South Central circa 1991. The story follows the rise of West Coast hip-hop as street violence continues around its characters.

Gail Bean returns as Wanda Bell and Isaiah John returns as Leon Simmons. Wanda is trying to build a career in the music industry. Leon is running a non-profit community legal centre.

FX describes the pair as fighting to reinvent themselves and to take West Coast rap mainstream, according to FX. That gives the returning characters new jobs and a new world. No courtroom past. No corner past. New start.

Two brothers drive much of the new ensemble. Asante Blackk plays Lamar Kinsey, a producing prodigy. Peyton Alex Smith plays James Kinsey, Lamar's brother. Simmie “Buddy” Sims III is also listed in the cast as Artillery.

Quincy Chad appears briefly as Deon in the first five episodes. A cameo, meaning a short appearance, is the right word here. Spellman told The Hollywood Reporter: “I’m not gonna chase cameos.” He said the pilot was in development for over two years.

One familiar face is not expected back. Damson Idris starred as drug kingpin Franklin Saint in Snowfall. Franklin Saint is not expected to appear in The Drop.

For fans, this means familiar names in unfamiliar places. Wanda behind music desks, not on the street. Leon behind a legal centre desk. And a 1991 soundtrack to argue over.