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If Western fans are in need of another drama to binge - look no further. Based on the life of one of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshals west of the Mississippi River, Lawmen: Bass Reeves tells the untold story of the legendary figures of the wild west. The series follows Reeves, portrayed by David Oyelowo, tracing his journey from enslavement to U.S Marshal, known for apprehending more than 3,000 outlaws without ever being wounded.

Created by Chad Feehan and executive produced by Taylor Sheridan, the eight-part drama premiered on Paramount in 2023. The cast includes Dennis Quaid as Deputy Marshal Sherrill Lynn, Donald Sutherland as Judge Isaac Parker, Lauren E. Banks as Jennie Reeves, Demi Singleton as Sally Reeves, Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow, and Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce. While the drama was originally pitched as a spin-off of the Yellowstone prequel, 1883, it does not take place in the same universe.

The series, available to purchase on Amazon Prime, was inspired by the life of Bass Reeves, one of the greatest lawmen of the western frontier. Born in 1838 in Crawford County, Arkansas, Bass Reeves spent his early years enslaved in Northeast Texas under Colonel George R. Reeves, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society.

As a young man, he escaped into Native American territory, where he formed friendships with members of several tribes while avoiding capture.

He gained his freedom in 1863 following the Emancipation Proclamation. He apprehended thousands of fugitives during his 32-year career and even agreed to hunt down his own son after a warrant was put out for his arrest.

Critics lauded the series, highlighting David Oyelowo's portrayal of Bass Reeves as a standout. Fans have awarded the series their own commendations, with many hailing it a "masterpiece".

Another wrote: "Lawmen: Bass Reeves is one of the best shows on television. Moving, visceral, well written, and thought provoking. I'm a softie but am in tears every episode. Highly recommend."

Leaving a five star review, a third shared: "This true story about a US Marshall in the Oklahoma Territory after the Civil War is superbly acted, extremely well written, and fairly well directed. David Oyelowo as Bass is outstanding. He has a brilliant way of conveying his emotions through his facial expressions and through the look in his eyes. Outstanding supporting cast."

A fourth echoed: "After viewing the first two episodes, I'm fully invested. Also, I'm pleased the scenario is faithful to the source material, "Black Gun: Silver Star..", by Art Burton. I've been a longtime fan of David Oyelowo, and he doesn't disappoint in this project."

Another agreed: "So we just watched the last episode of Lawmen: Bass Reeves tonight. One of the best shows I've seen in a long time. Taylor Sheridan is a genius. He turns out some of the best series I've ever seen."