If you’re not tapped into the STARZ original Raising Kanan, you’re seriously missing out. The series is one of the most compelling, layered, and best-acted series in the Power Universe. Honestly, it’s one of the strongest dramas on TV right now.
Set in South Jamaica, Queens, in 1991, Raising Kanan is a prequel to the original Power franchise, telling the origin story of Kanan Stark—the mentor, partner, and eventual adversary to Ghost and Tommy. But before the game turned him cold, he was just a 15-year-old kid raised by his mother, Raquel “Raq” Thomas, a rising queenpin running a growing drug empire. It’s a family drama exploring the complexities of identity, loyalty, betrayal, and legacy and how those closest to you often inflict the deepest damage.
Much like the original Power, no one can be trusted, and nothing is as it seems. With only three episodes left this season, this is the perfect time to catch up and ride the wave into what’s sure to be an explosive finale.
Here are 5 reasons You Should be Watching Raising Kanan below:
1. The Acting Is Next-Level
There has been some incredible acting with over four shows in the universe. That being said, the performances in Raising Kanan are unmatched- not just within the Power Universe but across TV in general. Patina Miller as Raq is nothing short of incredible. It is criminal that she has not been appropriately recognized for her consistently outstanding acting. Mekai Curtis holds his own as young Kanan, portraying a layered and evolving version of a character we thought we already knew.
Season 4 starts to explore how he became the man from the OG show. Hailey Kilgore’s portrayal of Jukebox has also been fantastic to watch because they take their time fleshing out the character. The Uncs, Malcolm Mays and London Brown, also deliver top-tier acting that helps build out the world Kanan is living in. And we can’t leave out the iconic rapper Joey Bad$$, who fully commits to his role as Unique.
2. A Fresh Entry Point Into the Power Universe
As mentioned above, four shows are currently in the Power universe, and another is on the way (Power: Origins). I completely understand if that seems overwhelming. The good news is that RaisingKanan is your perfect entry point. It’s a prequel set in the ’90s with its own energy, style, and stakes—no need to play catch-up. You can start here and work your way forward or let it stand alone as a fantastic drama on its own terms.
3. It Sets Up Power Icons in the Making
You don’t need to have seen Power to enjoy Raising Kanan, but if you have, the deeper connections hit even harder. Watching young Kanan Stark and Jukebox transform into the hardened versions we met in Power adds depth and heartbreak to their journey. The show masterfully weaves in moments that nod to what’s coming while still building a fresh, stand-alone story.
4. The Social Media Reactions Are Gold
Half the fun of watching Raising Kanan is logging onto Black Twitter right after. The reactions, memes, deep dives, and hilarious takes on Kanan, Raq, Marvin, and the crew are pure entertainment. And the show leans into that, highlighting fan commentary and staying part of the conversation weekly. Whether it’s heartbreak or a brutal plot twist, trust that the timeline will have jokes, theories, and therapy sessions ready.
5. The Music Is a Character of Its Own
From day one, Raising Kanan has used music as more than just background, it’s a key part of the storytelling. From Jukebox chasing her singing career to Famous trying to make it as a rapper to Loubuilding his music empire, music has always been tied to ambition, identity, and survival. Empire fans, this part is for you!
Season 4 keeps that same energy and then some. Artists like Pardison Fontaine and others are appearing on-screen, blending real-life hip-hop into the show’s universe. Within the show and outside of it, the cast have been making some bangers. Quincy Brown, who played Crown Camacho, recently dropped a track titled Raising Kanan, and we’ve had that on repeat ever since. Plus, Hailey Kilgore and Antonio Ortiz’s duet, “The Streets Need a Body,” is some heat. It’sa perfect blend of raw emotion and narrative tie-in.
In Raising Kanan, the music sets the tone and drives the story. And every beat hits a little harder because of it. Not to mention, you can’t help but sing when that intro comes on. Also, shoutout to Hailey Kilgore, who recently dropped a new song called Dangerous Game.