Two Decades Ago, This HBO Western Was Misunderstood – Now It's a Cult Classic With 95% on RT

In 2004, HBO released a series that was ahead of its time. Deadwood, an epic drama set in the Wild West, initially failed to meet the network's ratings expectations. Despite a devoted fan base and critical acclaim, the show was canceled after three seasons.

However, time has put everything in its place. Today, Deadwood is considered one of the greatest TV dramas and enjoys cult classic status, paving the way for many prestigious series.

What Is 'Deadwood' About?

Set in the 1870s, the action takes place in the eponymous South Dakota mining camp of the same name – a lawless place where money, ambition, and violence abound.

The plot centers on the conflict among three main characters: Seth Bullock, a stern but principled marshal, Al Swearengen, a cynical, calculating, and charismatic saloon owner, and George Hearst, an unscrupulous tycoon.

This is not a romanticized Western, but rather a merciless exploration of civilization's birth from chaos.

'Deadwood' Was Canceled Too Early Because It Was Too Complex (And Expensive)

Despite its artistic merit, Deadwood fell victim to its own ambition. Its intricate storylines, rich language reminiscent of Shakespeare, and deliberate narrative proved too complex for the mass audience of the time.

Each episode cost around $4 million, and although the show received awards and rave reviews, its ratings steadily declined.

Expecting a new The Sopranos, HBO failed to see the series as a commercial breakthrough and made the difficult decision to cancel it after the third season, leaving numerous storylines unresolved.

'Deadwood's Story Ended With a Feature-Length Movie

For nearly 13 years, fans had hoped for a fitting conclusion to the saga. Their wish was granted in 2019 with the release of the feature-length movie of the same name. Thanks to creator David Milch's tenacity, filming was made possible.

Set 10 years after the events of the series, the movie reunited the legendary cast and brought the main characters' stories to a close.

The release was all the more significant because of the fact that Milch wrote the script after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The result was a poignant and uncompromising finale that gave fans a long-awaited sense of closure, though not without compromise.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Deadwood'?

• Deadwood has 92% from critics and 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the series has a score of 8.6/10.

Where to Watch 'Deadwood'?

Deadwood is available to stream on HBO Max.