Watch Lawmen: Bass Reeves

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a historical drama series that premiered on Paramount+ in 2023. Set in the late 19th century, the show follows the life of Bass Reeves, one of the first African American deputy U.S. marshals west of the Mississippi River. Reeves was born into slavery in 1838 in Texas. After the Civil War, he moved to Oklahoma Indian Territory and became a deputy marshal, upholding the law in an area known for being lawless and dangerous. Reeves was said to have arrested over 3,000 felons, including his own son, during his long career as a marshal. He was known for his sharpshooting skills and courage in the face of danger.

The show depicts Reeves' early years starting out as a marshal in 1875. He is tasked with tracking down and arresting outlaws, gunslingers, and gangs wreaking havoc across the territory. Reeves faces rampant racism and discrimination as he carries out his duties. However, he perseveres and becomes legendary for his skills and adherence to the law.

Several storylines follow Reeves on specific missions to capture fugitives and restore order to the communities terrorized by violence and crime. He chases train robbers, takes down murderers, and goes after members of the notorious Tom Bell gang. Reeves uses his expertise with firearms and knowledge of Indian Territory to outwit and capture criminals who believe they can evade justice in the lawless territory.

Intertwined with the crime fighting plots are storylines that highlight Reeves' personal life. As a former slave, he struggles to reunite with his wife and children from whom he was separated when he was sold to another slave owner. His marriage suffers from the long stretches apart required by his work as a marshal. Reeves also experiences the challenges of navigating society in the Reconstruction Era as a free man of color.

The show casts light on other historical figures from the time period in the Oklahoma Indian Territory. It depicts the harsh realities of being a black lawman in the Wild West era plagued with virulent racism. Yet the series also shows Reeves persevering through adversity, driven by his strong moral code and determination to uphold the law.

With meticulous period detail, Lawmen: Bass Reeves authentically captures the world of the legendary deputy marshal. By focusing on Reeves' career from 1875 onward, it aims to tell the largely forgotten story of a pioneering African American lawman who brought order to the Wild West against all odds.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between November 5, 2023 and on Paramount+