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Reservation Dogs

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Reservation Dogs
Company typeTelevision series
IndustryEntertainment
FoundedAugust 9, 2021; 5 years ago (2021-08-09)
FounderSterlin Harjo, Taika Waititi
Headquarters
United States
ProductsTelevision series
Websitewww.fxnetworks.com/shows/reservation-dogs

Reservation Dogs is a comedy-drama television series from the United States, developed by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi under the FX Productions banner. The narrative centers on Indigenous youth living in rural Oklahoma, as they navigate the intersection of their cultural roots and ambitions beyond the reservation. Following its renewal for a second season in 2021 and a third and concluding season in 2022, the final installment debuted on August 2, 2023, and wrapped up on September 27, 2023.

This series stands out as the first American television production to assemble an entirely Indigenous writing and directing team, alongside a predominantly Indigenous North American cast and crew. The inaugural season was shot exclusively in Oklahoma, marking a groundbreaking achievement for scripted television. It premiered on Hulu under the FX on Hulu label on August 9, 2021, coinciding with International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.

Critics have widely praised Reservation Dogs, which has garnered multiple prestigious awards such as two Peabody Awards and two Independent Spirit Awards. It received five nominations at the Primetime Emmy Awards, including categories like Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. Additional recognition includes nods for a Golden Globe, six Television Critics Association Awards, and nine Critics' Choice Television Awards. The American Film Institute consecutively recognized it among its top ten television programs in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Premise

Set within a small town in the Muscogee Nation territory of rural Oklahoma, the story follows four Indigenous teenagers known as the Rez Dogs. Their daily lives oscillate between petty offenses and attempts to stay out of trouble. A year prior to the series’ timeline, their friend Daniel—who aspired to relocate to California—passed away. As they come to terms with his loss, they contemplate pursuing Daniel’s dream themselves while confronting unresolved personal and communal challenges.[1]

In the second season, the group's bond has weakened amid ongoing grief over Daniel’s death. Their idealized vision of California fades into disillusionment, fueling feelings of abandonment. They rely on humor as a coping mechanism but face mounting adult responsibilities such as financial pressures and family obligations.[2]

The third season delves into the backgrounds of community elders, illustrating how decisions made in their youth have influenced their current lives. Storylines draw parallels between these elders’ younger selves and the present-day Rez Dogs.[3]

Main

  • Devery Jacobs (Kahnawà:ke Mohawk) portrays Elora Danan Postoak.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Named after a character from Willow, Elora is recognized as the most dependable and ambitious member of the group. She lost her mother during early childhood.
  • D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (Oji-Cree) plays Bear Smallhill, who sees himself as the Rez Dogs’ leader. Raised by his mother alone, Bear yearns for connection with his absent father and experiences visions involving a spirit guide.
  • Lane Factor (Caddo/Seminole/Muscogee) takes on the role of Chester "Cheese" Williams.[1] More easygoing than Elora or Bear, Cheese tends to go along with whatever mischief arises. He lives with his "cousin uncle," Charley, and interacts with several adult figures.
  • Paulina Alexis (Alexis Nakota) embodies Wilhelmina Jacqueline "Willie Jack" Sampson. A tomboy closely connected to her parents, Willie Jack is deeply affected by Daniel’s passing; he was her cousin.

Recurring

  • Sarah Podemski (of Muscowpetung Saulteaux heritage) portrays Rita, Bear's mother who is a single parent employed at the local Indian Health Service clinic. She is in search of a partner who can provide Bear with a stronger father figure than Punkin.
  • Zahn McClarnon (from the Standing Rock Lakota) plays Officer Big, a calm lighthorseman known for his superstitious nature.
  • Dallas Goldtooth (Mdewakanton Dakota/Diné) takes on the role of William "Spirit" Knifeman, a self-declared warrior who perished at The Battle of Little Big Horn; he acts as Bear’s spiritual guide and appears to Uncle Brownie in the second season.
  • Gary Farmer (Grand River Cayuga) is cast as Uncle Brownie, Elora’s uncle and former bar brawler now living in seclusion; he belongs to the 1976 friend circle planning to establish a dojo.
  • Elva Guerra (Ponca/Mexican-American) plays Jackie, the leader of the NDN mafia, raised in the city and eager to reclaim urban life; she forms a connection with Elora during their initial California venture.
  • Lil Mike (Pawnee/Choctaw) portrays Mose, one half of a local rap duo known for spreading community news.
  • Funny Bone (Pawnee/Choctaw) plays Mekko, the other member of the rap pair.
  • Jack Maricle appears as White Steve, part of the NDN mafia.
  • Jude Barnett is cast as Bone Thug Dog, another NDN mafia member.
  • Xavier Bigpond plays Weeze, affiliated with the NDN mafia.
  • Dalton Cramer (Seminole Nation) portrays Daniel, Willie Jack’s late cousin whose suicide inspires the Rez Dogs’ California aspirations; he features in dreams and flashbacks.
  • Bobby Lee acts as Dr. Kang, the primary healthcare provider at the tribal clinic.
  • Kirk Fox takes on Kenny Boy, owner of a salvage yard who falsely claims Indigenous ancestry and irritates genuine Native people by misusing Indigenous terminology.
  • Matty Cardarople plays Ansel, an employee at the salvage yard.
  • Jon Proudstar (Pascua Yaqui) portrays Leon, Willie Jack’s protective father following Daniel’s passing.
  • Kimberly Guerrero (Colville/Salish-Kootenai) appears as Auntie B, Willie Jack’s wary aunt and beadworker.
  • Jana Schmieding (Cheyenne River Lakota) is cast as Bev, receptionist at the clinic and Jackie’s aunt.
  • Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca) plays Irene, Cheese’s foster grandmother and 1976 activist who hopes to join AIM.
  • Kaniehtiio "Tiio" Horn (Kahnawà:ke Mohawk) portrays Deer Lady, a spirit manifesting as a woman with deer hooves.
  • Geraldine Keams (Diné) acts as Mabel, Elora’s grandmother and member of the 1976 friend circle involved in an old love triangle.
  • Jennifer Podemski (of Muscowpetung Saulteaux descent) appears as Dana, Willie Jack’s mother.
  • Tamara Podemski (also Muscowpetung Saulteaux descent) plays Teenie, Elora’s aunt and Mabel’s daughter.
  • JaNae Collins (Fort Peck Dakota/Crow) portrays Cookie, Elora’s deceased mother who returns as a spirit visible only to Rita in season three.
  • Wes Studi (Cherokee Nation) features as Bucky, an eccentric local artist and part of the 1976 boarding school friend group.
  • Richard Ray Whitman (Muscogee/Yuchi) appears as Old Man Fixico.
  • Bobby Wilson (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) plays Jumbo, an employee at a cannabis dispensary.
  • Migizi Pensoneau (Ponca/Ojibwe) portrays Ray Ray, Jumbo’s companion.
  • Warren Queton (Kiowa/Cherokee/Seminole) takes on Clinton, Rita’s supervisor at the IHS Clinic.
  • Nathan Apodaca (Northern Arapaho/Mexican-American) acts as Uncle Charley, Cheese’s “cousin uncle” who is arrested during season two.
  • Nathalie Standingcloud (Cherokee Nation/Muscogee/Salish) appears as Natalie, an ophthalmologist at the clinic and one of the Aunties.
  • Macon Blair plays Rob
  • Darryl W. Handy appears as Cleo
  • Rhomeyn Johnson takes on Miles

Cast

Development

Initial reports about the series emerged in November 2019 and were soon confirmed by Taika Waititi via Twitter. Waititi collaborated with Native American director Sterlin Harjo to co-write the series; Harjo also served as executive producer and director. After filming the pilot in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, FX greenlit the series in December 2020. The lead cast—D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Devery Jacobs, Paulina Alexis, and newcomer Lane Factor—were announced along with guest stars for the pilot episode. Principal photography for season one wrapped up by July 2021 and was conducted across multiple locations in northeast Oklahoma such as Okmulgee, Tulsa, Sand Springs, Beggs, Inola, and Terlton. On September 2, 2021, FX renewed the show for a second season, which was also filmed in Okmulgee. Subsequently, Harjo developed another FX series titled The Lowdown, set within the same fictional universe as Reservation Dogs. While Ethan Hawke and Horn portray different characters in this new series, Alexis makes a cameo appearance in its pilot episode as Willie Jack.

Creative team

The series showcases a predominantly Indigenous ensemble both in front of and behind the camera, with Sterlin Harjo as its creator and a writers' room composed entirely of Native talent—the first instance of such a configuration. Taika Waititi underscored the significance of genuine storytelling, with Harjo, hailing from Oklahoma, spearheading the project and drawing heavily on narratives shaped by his own upbringing.

Casting prioritized emerging Indigenous performers, cultivating a strong bond among the youthful leads through their mutual enthusiasm for Indigenous humor, particularly that of the sketch troupe 1491s. Members of the 1491s contributed significantly to season one, and with Ryan RedCorn joining for season two, all members are now engaged as writers, actors, directors, or producers. On September 22, 2022, FX announced the renewal for a third season. Subsequently, on June 29, 2023, Harjo revealed that the series would conclude following season three.

Themes

The show delves into motifs such as mortality, mourning, and communal ties, reflecting realities frequently encountered within Native American communities. A pervasive sense of loss permeates the narrative—most notably represented by the off-screen passing of Daniel and Elora Danan’s mother, Cookie. This persistent theme resonates throughout all three seasons, culminating in an emotionally powerful conclusion.

Release

In the United States, the series debuted on FX on Hulu on August 9, 2021. Globally, it is available through Disney+’s Star hub. In Latin America, it premiered as a Star+ original series. Meanwhile, in India, the entirety of season one’s eight episodes launched on Disney+ Hotstar on October 2, 2021.

The show transitioned to traditional cable television with its U.S. premiere on FX on June 26, 2023.

Critical response

Reservation Dogs garnered widespread critical acclaim across all three seasons. It holds an aggregate approval rating of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 89/100 weighted average score on Metacritic. Each season was recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten television programs in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Season 1

The inaugural season achieved a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 61 reviews, with an average score of 8.2/10. Critics praised its authentic depiction of adolescent ennui and reservation life through its core cast. Metacritic assigned it an 84/100 from 22 reviews, signaling "universal acclaim."

Ellen E Jones from The Guardian awarded five stars out of five for its genuine Native American viewpoint that avoids outsider clichés. Candice Frederick at TV Guide gave it four stars out of five for balancing serious themes with engaging portrayals of reservation youth culture. Alan Sepinwall of Rolling Stone rated it four out of five stars, describing it as both "long overdue" and "exceptionally good." Allison Keene from Paste scored it 9.2/10, commending its unhurried narrative rhythm.

Danette Chavez at The A.V. Club assigned a "B+" after viewing two episodes, calling it one of the year's standout comedies. Kristen Lopez from IndieWire also gave a "B+", highlighting the compelling performances by the young ensemble. Emily St. James of Vox lauded the cast as among the strongest teen ensembles recently seen and praised the season as a premier comedy debut. Daniel Fienberg at The Hollywood Reporter emphasized both the cast's quality and its authentic representation of Native American culture.

Doreen St. Félix from The New Yorker described it as a poetic exploration extending beyond just its main characters. Daniel D'Addario at Variety called it an engaging success that portrays reservation life authentically. Joshua Rivera from Polygon noted its sharp wit and ability to challenge viewers to engage with overlooked perspectives. Matt Fowler at IGN praised its relatable characters and immersive community setting. Esther Zuckerman from Thrillist highlighted its distinctive tone that combines melancholy with irreverence into artistically fulfilling television.

Season 2

Season two holds an unblemished 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 9.1/10 from 35 reviews and a Metacritic score of 93/100 based on 16 reviews—both indicating universal acclaim. Critics praised its blend of poignant themes and incisive humor addressing complex community issues.

Early access to the first four episodes resulted in grades ranging from "A" to "B+." Manuel Betancourt at The A.V. Club applauded its treatment of heavy topics such as generational trauma and systemic challenges through charming humor. Chase Hutchinson from Collider highlighted strong writing, comedic elements, and performances—especially those by Jacobs and Woon-A-Tai. Daniel Fienberg at The Hollywood Reporter singled out Jacobs’ performance in “Mabel.” Kristen Reid at Paste gave it a 9.3/10 score for celebrating Native life while inspiring positive transformation.

Caroline Framke at Variety emphasized the show's distinct voice and sincere depiction of Indigenous Americans, calling it a "welcome relief" in contemporary television. Joe Keller from Decider noted this season’s deeper exploration of reservation traditions and life’s richness.

For the finale episode, TVLine named Woon-A-Tai, Jacobs, Factor, and Alexis as "Performers of the Week," recognizing their chemistry and emotional range that balanced humor with heartfelt storytelling.

Season 3

The concluding third season maintains a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 9.5/10 based on 40 reviews. The critical consensus praises it for ending creatively strong: "Bowing out while still having plenty of creativity to spare, Reservation Dogs' final season satisfies on every level." On Metacritic, it holds a score of 94/100 from 15 reviews indicating "universal acclaim."

Critics' top ten list

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Accolades

Art Directors Guild Awards (2024) | Excellence in Production Design for Half Hour Single-Camera TV Series | Brandon Tonner-Connolly ("Deer Lady") | Won | align=center| Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Television Comedy Series | Angelique Midthunder et al. | Won | align=center| Astra TV Awards (4th) | Best Streaming Comedy Series | Reservation Dogs | Nominated | rowspan=4 align=center| Devery Jacobs | Nominated |- Best Directing in Streaming Comedy Series | Sterlin Harjo ("Dig") | Nominated |- Best Writing in Streaming Comedy Series | Chad Charlie & Sterlin Harjo ("Dig") | Nominated |- rowspan=4 | Critics' Choice Television Awards (29th) | Best Comedy Series | Reservation Dogs | Nominated | align=center rowspan=4| D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai | Nominated |- Best Actress in Comedy Series | Devery Jacobs | Nominated |- Best Supporting Actress in Comedy Series | Paulina Alexis | Nominated |- rowspan=3| Dorian Awards (2024)| Best TV Comedy| Reservation Dogs| Nominated|
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result
2021 American Film Institute Awards Top 10 Programs of the Year Reservation Dogs Won
Gotham Awards Breakthrough Series – Short Form Won
Outstanding Performance in a New Series Devery Jacobs Nominated
2022 American Film Institute Awards Top 10 Programs of the Year Reservation Dogs Won
Artios Awards (38th) Outstanding Achievement in Casting – Television Pilot & First Season Comedy Series Angelique Midthunder et al. Nominated
Critics' Choice Television Awards (27th) Best Comedy Series Reservation Dogs Nominated
Golden Globe Awards (79th) Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Reservation Dogs Nominated
Hollywood Critics Association TV Awards (2nd) Best Streaming Series – Comedy rowspan=3 align="center"|
Tiffany Anders | Nominated | align="center"|
Reservation Dogs | Won | rowspan=2 align="center"|
Reservation Dogs | Won |
Nominated | rowspan=2 align=center|
Tazbah Rose Chavez et al. rowspan=2 align=center|
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