Lawmen: Bass Reeves has emerged as Taylor Sheridan‘s anthology Western rivaling True Detective in both grit and complexity, becoming a standout among recent Western television projects. Premiering on Paramount+, this series brought David Oyelowo front and center as Bass Reeves, transforming an overlooked marshal into a prime-time legend and challenging expectations set by Sheridan’s Yellowstone universe and 1923.
This show distinguished itself not merely by association with the Yellowstone franchise but by offering a compelling, layered narrative crafted by Chad Feehan, whose vision for the series went far beyond any initial notion of it being a simple spin-off. Feehan steered the project into unfamiliar yet riveting territory, hinting at anthology possibilities that could take Western storytelling in a direction reminiscent of what True Detective accomplished for crime drama.
Despite critical acclaim and streaming success, Lawmen: Bass Reeves remains in an unusual limbo, with no official word regarding renewal or cancellation, leaving both fans and industry observers questioning its future potential.
Breaking Free from the Yellowstone Mold
For years, Western drama on television has been heavily associated with the Dutton family saga crafted by Taylor Sheridan in Yellowstone and its spinoffs. While Sheridan’s universe brought millions of viewers into the world of cowboys and rugged lawmen, it also inadvertently created a formulaic structure, confining creative exploration within a single family legacy.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves challenged that pattern with a fresh perspective. Rather than rely on Yellowstone’s mythology, the series stood on its own, driven by David Oyelowo’s magnetic performance and Feehan’s willingness to depart from brand conventions. Instead of rehashing stories of the Duttons or familiar names like Wyatt Earp, the series introduced audiences to Bass Reeves—a man whose story demanded more than passing reference.
The show‘s creators made a strategic decision to separate the series from the Yellowstone lineage, dismissing early speculation that it might be linked to the 1883 timeline. In doing so, Lawmen found both independence and critical success, earning comparisons to the best of Western television, including the revered Deadwood and surpassing even Sheridan’s own 1923 in many viewers’ eyes.
The Anthology Format: Expanding the Western Frontier
Unlike many Westerns prone to sprawling, interconnected subplots, Lawmen: Bass Reeves stayed true to a focused narrative approach. The series thrived by delving into the complex life of Bass Reeves, portraying him with authenticity and gravitas rarely afforded to historical figures of his kind. By choosing to spotlight an unsung hero, the show offered an alternative take on American lawmen, distinct from the usual legendary personas populating Western tales.
If there is another season of Lawmen, it will focus on a new lawman or law woman. There are several figures in history much like Bass who deserve their day in the sun.
—Chad Feehan, Creator
Feehan’s vision positions the series as an anthology, exploring a new sheriff, marshal, or enforcer each season. American history is rich with such individuals—people who lived and died boldly without enjoying the recognition traditionally granted to figures like Wyatt Earp or Billy the Kid. The possibilities for future seasons are broad, with names like Virgil Earp, Morgan Earp, and others waiting for their stories to be told, potentially in forms as compelling as True Detective’s acclaimed season-by-season structure.
While Taylor Sheridan has featured historical lawmen in his wider narrative universe—such as Billy Bob Thornton’s Marshal Jim Courtright in 1883 and Jennifer Carpenter’s Marshal Mamie Fossett in 1923—these often appear as fleeting cameos rather than fully developed portraits. Lawmen: Bass Reeves, in contrast, aims to elevate these overlooked stories from supporting anecdotes to centerpiece status.
Lack of Renewal Amid Western Revival and Industry Shifts
The cinematic quality and narrative discipline of Lawmen: Bass Reeves set a new standard, especially when compared to other shows in the genre. Where 1923 struggled with a multitude of subplots and failed to maintain narrative momentum, Lawmen maintained its focus and delivered a concentrated, powerful story. This approach enabled it to engage audiences seeking more than spectacle—a resonant, truthful depiction of an African-American lawman whose historical significance transcended myth.
The Western genre has recently witnessed attempts at revival, with productions like Joe Pickett, Walker, Billy the Kid, American Primeval, and the genre-bending Outer Range. Despite these efforts, many have suffered from premature cancellations, and the enthusiasm surrounding Westerns has started to wane as major series fade from the spotlight.
Against this backdrop, Lawmen: Bass Reeves stands out for not just meeting the expectations set by its contemporaries, but for exceeding them. Yet, its journey remains uncertain, in part due to evolving studio priorities and shifting attitudes toward Westerns. Paramount+ has yet to show a commitment to extending the series, leaving viewers to speculate about the show’s future and the fate of anthology Westerns that challenge the mold.
The Enduring Appeal of Lawmen: Bass Reeves and What Lies Ahead
Lawmen: Bass Reeves has set itself apart from its predecessors and rivals not only through a remarkable lead performance by David Oyelowo but also with Chad Feehan’s innovative storytelling. It has brought figures like Bass Reeves to the forefront, prompting audiences to reconsider the boundaries of Westerns and the stories told within them.
Although David Oyelowo, Taylor Sheridan, Chad Feehan, and their ensemble have yet to receive news of renewal, their work has left a lasting mark on the television landscape. The anthology format championed by Feehan may offer the Western genre a new lease on life, transforming the familiar tale of cowboys, marshals, and outlaws into a broader canvas for historical exploration.
By breaking away from the Dutton-centric universe and daring to explore lesser-told stories, Lawmen: Bass Reeves demonstrates that high-quality, moving Westerns can both rival and even surpass contemporary anthology series like True Detective. As fans and the television industry alike await Paramount+’s next move, the show’s silent hiatus serves as a reminder that there are many more lawmen—and lawwomen—who deserve their day in the sun.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Yellowstone, and 1923 continue to stream on Paramount+, their stories contributing to the ongoing evolution of Western storytelling on television.
