You have to know the drill by now, right? When “Yellowstone” first aired back in 2018 on Paramount Network, it drew in millions of viewers who turned it into an immediate ratings bonanza. Every subsequent season only broke more and more records, leading to the juggernaut that Paramount has on its hands today. Part of that success comes from a certain quality that simply can’t be replicated — brand awareness — and that competitive advantage comes from audiences knowing exactly where to look to get their “Yellowstone” fix. In that light, it’s no surprise that fans will have to be subscribed to the Paramount+ streaming service to check out “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” where the first two episodes have been available to stream since Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Based on the real-life historical figure, who became the first African-American lawman of such a high rank as Deputy U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi, the new series purports to tell “the untold story” behind Reeves’ efforts to balance his campaign against criminals with his duty to his family. The new series is created by Chad Feehan, who also serves as showrunner, writer, and executive producer (along with Taylor Sheridan). Consisting of 10 total episodes, the season will air in weekly installments every Sunday night.
Revealing the untold story of the most legendary lawman in the Old West, LAWMEN: BASS REEVES follows the journey of Reeves (Oyelowo) and his rise from enslavement to law enforcement as one of the first Black U.S. Deputy Marshals west of the Mississippi. Despite arresting over 3,000 outlaws during the course of his career, the weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family.