Lawman: Bass Reeves Is the Best Sheridan-Produced Western Series

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Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has become a huge success on television since 2018, leading to popular spin-offs like 1883 and Lawman: Bass Reeves. However, despite the popularity of the Dutton family’s story, Sheridan’s best work might be a different show altogether. A critically acclaimed Western he produced is slowly building a dedicated following, and many believe it surpasses even Yellowstone in quality.

As a huge fan of Westerns, I’ve been completely captivated by Taylor Sheridan’s work. After his incredible New American Frontier trilogy, he really became the go-to guy for modern Western entertainment. He’s achieved something rare – succeeding as a writer, director, and producer, which basically makes him a Hollywood legend. While his work with Kevin Costner is fantastic, I think his biggest achievement is creating what I genuinely believe is the best Western lawman show we’ve seen in decades.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves Is the Tombstone of Modern Western Television

In 2023, Chad Feehan partnered with Sheridan to create a Western crime series based on the life of . The show stars David Oyelowo as the historical figure, detailing his journey from being an enslaved Confederate soldier to his courageous escape into Indian territory.

He authentically portrays life with the Cherokee, Creek, and Seminole tribes, building friendships, adapting to their culture, and mastering their languages.

The miniseries mainly shows how Reeves becomes the town’s most effective lawman by combining his experience as a pioneering Black law officer with his practical wisdom and empathy. Working under the strict Judge Isaac Parker, known for his harsh punishments, Reeves establishes himself as a dedicated peace officer. He uses his deep understanding of the Indian Territory – the land he once knew as home – to enforce the law, pursue criminals, and deliver fair justice, rather than simply seeking revenge.

Like most biographical series, this one takes some dramatic license with the facts, exaggerating events in Reeves’ life to highlight the important moral issues of his era. This gives David Oyelowo a chance to showcase his impressive acting skills, delivering a performance that stands out compared to the actors in Yellowstone. Reeves lived during a time when people questioned whether he was truly human, which is a powerful contrast to the Dutton family’s wealth and control in Montana.

The idea of a tough, practical lawman starting a family after the Civil War is already compelling, and this series delivers on that promise beautifully. It feels similar in spirit to classic Westerns like Tombstone and 3:10 to Yuma, and it truly stands out as one of the best Western series of the past ten years – it deserves to be much more well-known.

The Underrated Taylor Sheridan-Produced Show Blows Yellowstone Away

Yellowstone is an enjoyable show, but it has some noticeable flaws. These include plot inconsistencies, characters whose stories don’t quite add up, and dialogue that sometimes feels unnatural. At times, the series leans too heavily into promoting a particular image of Midwestern life, bordering on predictable messaging.

The show’s problematic messaging, including the insensitive comment about Native Americans and its inaccurate portrayal of the Old West and history, can be frustrating. Ultimately, despite its dramatic elements, it doesn’t really capture the spirit of classic Westerns because it deviates so much from what the Old West was actually like.

While Taylor Sheridan aimed to improve upon earlier work with 1883, a series that offered a more realistic depiction of the Old West, the new series about Bass Reeves surpasses it in several important aspects. It stands out by focusing on a true historical figure instead of fictionalizing events, and its faster pace and more action-packed scenes make it both more entertaining and informative.

Bass Reeves’ story is remarkably authentic, showcasing his triumph over hardship, his independent spirit, and a genuine form of justice in the Wild West.

This show offers a compelling mix of family drama, a look at justice in the Old West, and exciting adventures. Ultimately, it truly embodies the essence of the American frontiersman, something that Yellowstone sometimes tries too hard to do.

Okay, so this series completely flips the script on the typical Western trope of glorifying wealthy landowners. Instead of that, we get a story about a man defined by hardship, constantly battling obstacles, and genuinely fighting for what’s right. It’s a refreshing change of pace, and thankfully, you won’t have to wait long to see it – Netflix is releasing the whole thing in June, perfect for a binge-watch!

Lawman: Bass Reeves Is an Important Western Series

It’s great that we’re finally seeing more stories beyond the usual Western heroes – for so long, it felt like unless you were an Earp, you didn’t get a look-in! That’s why I’m really enjoying this series about Bass Reeves. While other Westerns are entertaining, this one feels different. It shows us a life that’s not only incredibly compelling and larger-than-life, but also surprisingly relatable. It’s a story that really sticks with you.

Many wonder why this genre often lacks diversity, but this series stands out for its authentic representation, especially since the genre frequently minimizes or omits characters of color from leading positions. Adding to its significance, this was Donald Sutherland’s last acting project, marking the end of a remarkable career.

Look, as a big fan of Taylor Sheridan’s work, I think people are wrong to worry about Lawman: Bass Reeves. It’s clearly a show meant for television, and honestly, it’s surpassing even Yellowstone in my opinion, especially now that it’s heading to Netflix. It’s found its perfect home!

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2026-05-23 05:12