Patrick Stewart reveals Deadwood as his favorite TV show, surprising longtime fans used to seeing him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation or as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. Although Stewart’s career is closely aligned with science fiction and the extraordinary, it turns out his all-time top choice is HBO’s acclaimed Western, Deadwood.
Patrick Stewart Surprises Fans With Top TV Choice
Known around the world for his legendary roles in futuristic sagas, Sir Patrick Stewart has a vast acting career that spans far beyond Star Trek and X-Men. He has starred in everything from historical films and Shakespearean adaptations to lending his voice to animated projects like The Prince of Egypt. Stewart even delved into comedy, voicing characters in Family Guy and taking on historical roles such as in the television series I, Claudius. Given this diversity, perhaps it should not be all that startling for audiences to learn that a Western drama could earn such high regard from Stewart himself.
Stewart’s Candid Interview Unveils His Unexpected Favorite
During an interview with BAFTA Guru, Stewart was asked about his favorite TV show, and he delivered an answer that caught many by surprise:
“This may surprise you, but it’s quite a recent television series, a few years ago, they only did three seasons, and it was called Deadwood.”
—Patrick Stewart, Actor
Deadwood, which concluded in 2006 after just three seasons, holds a special place in Stewart’s heart. The interview took place in December 2017, more than a decade after the show ended. Stewart also shared personal answers to other questions. When recalling the first film he saw at a theater, he revealed:
“The Monkey’s Paw, which I should not have seen.”
—Patrick Stewart, Actor
He described how, before becoming an actor, he once worked for a local newspaper. When the topic turned to whether acting training is worthwhile, Stewart was crystal clear that he would, “Certainly recommend it.” He even gave advice on brewing the perfect cup of tea, suggesting that warming the cup helps retain heat, and that enjoying a cookie or biscuit alongside tea is ideal.
After several years, fans had the chance to revisit the story of Deadwood when HBO released Deadwood: The Movie in 2019, finally resolving loose storylines that had long lingered since the show’s finale. With such an affinity for the series, Stewart was likely among those who tuned in for the film’s premiere.
Deadwood’s Status as a Television Landmark
Patrick Stewart’s selection of Deadwood as his ultimate favorite is testament to the show’s influence in television history. The series is widely regarded as one of the most compelling Westerns ever broadcast, offering an unvarnished portrayal of frontier life in the 1870s Dakota Territory. Audiences watched as the modest camp of Deadwood, South Dakota grew into a bustling and perilous town, showcasing drama and character development of remarkable depth.
Why Deadwood Became a Classic
Timothy Olyphant shone in his role as Seth Bullock, joined by Ian McShane’s unforgettable turn as Al Swearengen. The cast delivered nuanced performances that helped make the show a standout entry in the genre. The accomplishment of Deadwood is underscored by its accolades, receiving eight Emmy Awards out of a total 28 nominations, and a Golden Globe win from two nominations.
Deadwood arrived during a transformative period for HBO, alongside celebrated series like The Sopranos and The Wire, and shortly before Rome and True Blood. The success and critical acclaim of Deadwood cemented HBO’s reputation as a home for innovative, high-quality television, amplifying its influence during the rise of “prestige TV.”
The Lasting Influence of Stewart’s Favorite
Now more than 20 years have passed since Deadwood’s premiere, and its celebrated run places it firmly in the pantheon of classic television. For both longtime viewers and those new to the series, Deadwood is a prime example of how television can capture atmosphere, character, and grit while telling a story that endures. Patrick Stewart’s endorsement only raises the series’ standing, inviting audiences who may not typically consider Westerns to give the show a chance, echoing Stewart’s own adventurous spirit and diverse career.
