Everything We Know About “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” The Next Addition To The “Yellowstone” Universe
Yellowstone is the gift that keeps on giving.
The success of Paramount’s modern day Western spawned not one, but two, prequel series exploring the dramatic Dutton family history: 1883 and 1923. And then there are the spinoff series, 6666 and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, which are both set to premiere soon.
Lawmen: Bass Reeves, a spinoff of 1883, was first reported in September 2021 with the news that Selma star David Oyelowo was attached to play the show’s title character. Additional cast members who have since signed on include Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid, Garrett Hedlund, Donald Sutherland, Mo Brings Plenty, Forrest Goodluck, Lauren E. Banks, and Grantham Coleman.
The period drama, originally slated as a standalone series for Paramount+, shifted to an anthology format in April. Subsequent seasons will reportedly follow other legendary lawmen throughout history.
The first installment, set in the same time period as 1883, tells the “untold story” of Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi believed to be the inspiration for “The Lone Ranger.” Taylor Sheridan is an executive producer along with Chad Feehan and David C. Glasser.
The season, per its official logline, “will bring the legendary lawman of the wild west to life. Reeves, known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. The weight of the badge was heavy, and he wrestled with its moral and spiritual cost to his beloved family.”
