Here’s a bold statement: one of the most underrated yet brilliant Western series of recent years is hiding in plain sight, and it’s a show you absolutely need to watch. Ethan Hawke’s *The Good Lord Bird*, a Showtime miniseries with a staggering 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, is a masterclass in blending dark humor, historical subversion, and raw emotion—yet it remains criminally overlooked. But here’s where it gets controversial: this isn’t your typical Civil War-era drama. It’s irreverent, unapologetic, and refuses to hold your hand as it dives into the messy, often brutal corners of history. And this is the part most people miss: it’s also laugh-out-loud funny, sharply satirical, and deeply human.
Adapted from James McBride’s novel, the series follows Henry 'Onion' Shackleford (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy who stumbles into the orbit of real-life abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke) during the Bleeding Kansas era. Mistaken for a girl, Henry becomes an unlikely participant in Brown’s infamous 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry. But don’t expect a by-the-book history lesson. As the show’s cheeky title card declares, 'All of This is True. Most of It Happened.' This is a story that plays fast and loose with facts, prioritizing emotional truth and biting wit over historical accuracy.
Ethan Hawke’s performance as John Brown is nothing short of electrifying. He could have easily slipped into the 'white savior' trope, but instead, Hawke delivers a nuanced portrayal that balances fervor with fragility, idealism with madness. It’s arguably his career-best work, and it’s impossible to look away. Meanwhile, Joshua Caleb Johnson’s Henry is the perfect foil—a spirited, resourceful young boy grappling with the chaos of revolution and the bittersweet taste of newfound freedom.
What makes The Good Lord Bird so unique is its tone. One moment, you’re laughing at its absurdist humor (Henry’s deadpan narration is a highlight), and the next, you’re gutted by the unflinching portrayal of slavery and violence. It’s a tightrope walk between farce and tragedy, and the show never stumbles. The result? A series that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
But let’s address the elephant in the room: Why hasn’t this show gotten more attention? Is it too unconventional for mainstream audiences? Or does its unapologetic approach to history make people uncomfortable? These are questions worth discussing. The Good Lord Bird doesn’t shy away from controversy, and neither should we. It’s a show that challenges you to think, feel, and question—all while keeping you thoroughly entertained.
With impeccable set design, a stellar ensemble cast, and a tightly woven narrative, this is television at its finest. Whether you’re a history buff, a comedy lover, or just someone looking for something truly memorable, The Good Lord Bird delivers. Available on Apple TV and Prime Video, it’s a must-watch that deserves far more than its current level of recognition.
So, here’s my question to you: Do you think shows like The Good Lord Bird are overlooked because they don’t fit neatly into a genre, or is there something more at play? Let’s debate it in the comments—because this is one series that demands to be talked about.
