Watch The Good Lord Bird
- TV-MA
- 2020
- 1 Season
-
7.6 (7,579)
The Good Lord Bird is a show that premiered on Showtime in 2020, starring Ethan Hawke, Daveed Diggs, Wyatt Russell, Joshua Caleb Johnson, McKinley Belcher III, Rafael Casal, Beau Knapp, Nick Eversman, Ellar Coltrane, Moses Brings Plenty, Steve Zahn, Victor Williams, Miles Mussenden, Orlando Jones, Brooks Ashmanskas, Zainab Jah, Maya Hawke, David Morse, Alex Sharp, Gia Crovatin, Killer Mike, and Keith David. The show is based on James McBride's novel of the same name, which was published in 2013.
The Good Lord Bird is set in the mid-19th century, during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. The show tells the story of a young slave named Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson) who is taken in by abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke). Brown believes he is chosen by God to lead a violent uprising against slavery, and Onion becomes his loyal companion, joining him on his crusade and sometimes dressing in women's clothing to avoid detection.
The show is full of vibrant characters, with a talented cast bringing each one to life. Ethan Hawke delivers a powerful performance as John Brown, playing the character with a mix of passion, madness, and conviction. Daveed Diggs, known for his role in the Broadway musical Hamilton, plays the charismatic abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who Brown seeks to win over to his cause. Wyatt Russell plays the conflicted and ultimately tragic character of J.E.B. Stuart, a Confederate officer who crosses paths with Brown.
One of the strengths of The Good Lord Bird is its blend of drama and comedy. The show has a dark sense of humor, which helps to lighten the heavy subject matter. Onion is generally an observer of the events around him, providing a fresh perspective on the complex and often violent historical period.
The show also explores issues of race, gender, and identity. Onion's cross-dressing is a major plot point, and the show uses it to explore themes of masculinity and femininity. The relationships between the characters are also complicated and nuanced, with each one struggling with their own demons and prejudices.
The production design and costumes are also worth mentioning. The show's depiction of the mid-19th century is visually stunning, with detailed sets and authentic costumes. The cinematography is also impressive, with sweeping shots of the American landscape and intimate close-ups of the characters.
Overall, The Good Lord Bird is a compelling and unique show that tackles important historical themes while also providing entertainment. The cast is excellent, the writing is sharp, and the direction is top-notch. It is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those looking for something out of the ordinary.
The Good Lord Bird is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between October 4, 2020 and on Showtime