‘Phenomenal’ Western drama from Yellowstone creator is your next Netflix TV binge

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, which is executive produced by Taylor Sheridan and stars David Oyelowo, is coming to Netflix soon

alling all Western fans! If you’re still looking for a gripping show to fill the Yellowstone-shaped hole left in your viewing schedule following the hit show’s climactic end, Netflix might just have the answer.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves, which Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan executive produces, is coming to the streaming giant soon – and fans of the genre are in for a treat.

David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves in Lawmen: Bass Reeves© Emerson Miller/Paramount+
David Oyelowo stars as Bass Reeves in Lawmen: Bass Reeves

The eight-part series, set near the end of the American Civil War, follows the real-life tale of an enslaved man turned US marshal in the American West.

The series was met with positive reviews upon its initial release on Paramount+ in 2023, hailed for its gritty action, impressive cinematography and compelling performance of leading star David Oyelowo, who plays the titular character.

Western fans know they’re in safe hands when Taylor Sheridan is on board. If, like me, you associate Taylor’s projects with sweeping, dramatic landscapes and masterful storytelling, then you won’t be disappointed by Lawmen: Bass Reeves. Plus, the drama comes from Chad Feehan, who created and wrote the hotly anticipated Yellowstone spin-off, Dutton Ranch, which arrives on screens this week.

Keep reading to find out more…

What is Lawmen: Bass Reeves about?

The series tells the story of Bass Reeves, who rose from enslavement to law enforcement as the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi.

The synopsis reads: “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.

David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves in Lawmen: Bass Reeves© Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is coming to Netflix soon

“Lawmen: Bass Reeves is an all-new, standalone anthology series and future iterations will follow other iconic lawmen and outlaws who have impacted history.”

What have viewers and critics said about Lawmen: Bass Reeves?

The series has been hailed as “outstanding” and a “must-watch” by viewers.

Taking to social media following its 2023 release, one person wrote: “Lawmen: Bass Reeves was phenomenal,” while another added: “Lawmen: Bass Reeves is one hell of a brilliant show, and David Oyelowo is really bringing Bass Reeves to life.”

David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves and Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn in Lawmen: Bass Reeves© Emerson Miller/Paramount+
The series was released on Paramount+ in 2023

Meanwhile, the series was met with rave reviews from TV critics, with The Telegraph hailing David Oyelowo’s performance as “brilliant” in its four-star review, while The Guardian also handed out four stars and described the show as “utterly distinctive” and a “rare treat”.

How to watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves

The series is currently sitting in Netflix’s ‘Worth the Wait’ list. While there’s been no official word from the streamer, it’s been reported that the drama will arrive on the platform globally on 1 June.