5 TV Shows That Spotlight Native American Stories and Perspectives
With increased diversity awareness comes the expansion of creative media. This includes television programming that extends to Native American TV shows. We’re lucky we have so many creative minds that have given us original content! Over the past few years in particular, we’ve had some seasons which brought us fantastic TV shows to appreciate.
Native American TV Shows Which Capture the Indigenous PoV
To make this list, we looked for three things: authenticity in storytelling, developed characters, and regard for Native American culture. The Native American TV shows we selected all pay proper homage to native and indigenous heritage. Plus they’re often full of sympathetic and complex characters.
“Dark Winds” (2022 – present)
Author Tony Hillerman’s creation of the Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels gave rise to this amazing TV series. Set in the 70s in the Navajo (Diné) Nation, “Dark Winds” follows Navajo culture, tribal law enforcement, and government intervention while seamlessly blending in traditions and lore onto a captivating story. Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, and Jessica Matten are a delight to watch as they navigate each case.
“Mohawk Girls” (2010 – 2017)
The long-running series created by Mohawk Tracey Deer is a testament to how good it was. Deer was able to effortlessly capture the little nuances, relationships, and dreams of four Mohawk young women. The indigenous answer to “Sex and the City,” and a decidedly younger “This is Us,” this Native American TV show was highly underrated and a true gem. It starred Maika Harper, Brittany LeBorgne, and Meegwun Fairbrother.
“Trickster” (2020)
Who needs another supernatural thriller when there are so many to select from? Well, this one is different in that it featured Jared, a young First Nations teen of the Haisla Nation from Kitimat, British Columbia. Unfortunately, he dealt with family issues at a young age and had to fend for himself. Strange occurrences start happening around him, and as the mystery deepens, Jared is soon pulled into the supernatural world.
“Rutherford Falls” (2021 – 2022)
Ed Helms is responsible for this comedy. With both touching and irreverent humor, this series examines what happens in a small town when the town’s namesake, Nathan Rutherford, (played by Ed Helms) starts fighting the town’s council. As expected, hilarity ensues, and it’s dealt with in the funniest and most indigenous way possible. This series also features Jana Schmieding and acclaimed indigenous actor Michael Greyeyes. Too bad it was only on for two seasons.
“Reservation Dogs” (2021 – 2023)
It’s no surprise here this Native American TV series has made the cut. Sterlin Harjo skillfully created an endearing and humorous coming-of-age dramedy about four teens growing up “on the rez” in eastern Oklahoma. The series garnered over 100 nominations, with 19 wins, to include Critics’ Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy noms. The show starred Devery Jacobs and was a breakout role for actor D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
“The Red Road” (2014 – 2015)
Yes, as usual, we have an honorable mention. This treasure of the TV show, which starred Martin Henderson and Jason Momoa, was on for criminally too short a time. A great plot, a talented cast, albeit not all were indigenous, made this one worthy of mention in our list of top Native American TV shows.
Wrapping It Up
With on-demand and streaming options, the landscape of television has become more like going to the cinema (and way cheaper!). Now using higher production values, better technology, and emphasis on indigenous storytelling, we have more variety than even a decade ago. Native American TV shows both entertain and educate. Best yet, they frequently offer an opportunity to start a conversation.
