Fans of Westerns and American History will love this mini-series
The Legend of Bass Reeves is the story of a Black man forced to fight for the confederacy, who escapes his cruel owner (FYI all slave owners were cruel), is a crack shot, and has a strong will to survive.
Bass Reeves (David Oyelowo) is a natural marksman and the series takes us on the journey as he becomes the first U.S. Marshal from 1875 to 1907 in the Indian Territory (Oklahoma). Bass is married to Jennie (Lauren E. Banks) who runs the home as the lawman tracks down criminals. The mini-series interweaves his gun and ability to speak multiple Native languages with his loving marriage and kids who could be a bit rebellious. The cast includes Shea Whigham and Garrett Hedlund as guest stars, and, in recurring roles, Joaquina Kalukango, Lonnie Chavis, Grantham Coleman, Tosin Morohunfola, Dale Dickey, Rob Morgan, Ryan O’Nan, Margot Bingham, Mo Brings Plenty, Justin Hurtt-Dunkley and Bill Dawes.
I saw the first episode and found it intriguing I always enjoy seeing the American history of underrepresented groups who built this nation. As well as the problems faced during that period with runaway slave catchers, the mistreatment of the Indigenous population, and how people lived.
I liked the first two episodes and wish my grandfather was still alive since this mini-series would have been his huge favorite. It has some adult themes that can spark a conversation with your children, friends, and family who may have a somewhat cursory knowledge of history. Some liberties were taken for story cohesion, storylines, and how people watch entertainment. But I do recommend subscribing to Paramount+ to watch it.
Starring Executive Producer David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Donald Sutherland and Dennis Quaid
Created for television by executive producer and showrunner Chad Feehan, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES also is executive produced by Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan, David Oyelowo, David C. Glasser, Jessica Oyelowo, David Permut, Christina Alexandra Voros, Ron Burkle, Bob Yari and David Hutkin. The series is produced by MTV Entertainment Studios, 101 Studios, Sheridan’s Bosque Ranch Productions, and Oyelowo’s Yoruba Saxon and is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ international markets.
For more information about Paramount+ and LAWMEN: BASS REEVES, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus and @lawmenbassreeves on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and @bassreevesppluson X.
About Paramount+
Paramount+, a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news, and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The premium streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows, and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, the service’s cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME® content, including scripted hits, critically acclaimed nonfiction projects, SHOWTIME SPORTS® (including industry-leading SHOWTIME BOXING®), and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball, and more, plus streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.
For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com and follow @ParamountPlus on social platforms.
About Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios
Paramount Media Networks & MTV Entertainment Studios is one of the preeminent media entities in the world that connects with global audiences through its nine iconic brands – MTV, Comedy Central, VH1, CMT, Pop, Logo, The Smithsonian Channel, Paramount Network and TV Land – and its Studios arm which produces acclaimed series and movies as well as award-winning documentaries through MTV Documentary Films.
About 101 Studios
101 Studios is a global entertainment company dedicated to the acquisition, financing, development, production, and distribution of high-caliber, creator-driven content. With an unmatched television slate partnered with outstanding filmmakers and talent, 101 Studios productions include the award-winning series Yellowstone, George & Tammy, and 1883. We also produce some critically acclaimed shows, such as 1923, MAYOR OF KINGSTOWN, TULSA KING and SPECIAL OPS: LIONESS. Upcoming projects include LAWMEN: BASS REEVES and LAND MAN.
Building upon this success, 101 Studios’ Unscripted Division works with talented storytellers to bring their vision to life. Some of these projects include the Amazon Prime documentary Kickback which is an expose on the corruption inside the largest sports organization in the world: FIFA; The Last Cowboy, a documentary on the high stakes world of professional horse reining, and the upcoming HBO docuseries about the sexual abuse and cover-up at Ohio State University, co-produced by George Clooney and Grant Heslov’s Smokehouse Pictures. On the scripted film side, past releases include the Sundance Audience award winner Burden, as well as the family comedyThe War With Grandpa, the historical drama The Current War: Director’s Cut, and the upcoming FINESTKIND—101 Studios advocates for first-class collaboration and innovation. As an example we are partnered with iHeartRadio and Sports Illustrated Studios on the Ambie-nominated podcast Choosing Sides: F1. 101 Studios also produces high-profile sports content under its label, 101 Sports. Additionally, 101 Studios’ Brand Division increases the exposure for the properties of our partners to millions across the world.