Deadwood (2004)
David Milch's landmark HBO Western drama set in a lawless South Dakota gold-rush town, where ambition, violence, and civilization collide.
Deadwood - Series Information
- Original Title: Deadwood
- First Air Year: 2004
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Created by: David Milch
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Western, Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Number of Seasons: 3
- Number of Episodes: 36
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: March 21, 2004 (United States - TV-MA), March 21, 2004 (Canada - 18+), March 21, 2004 (United Kingdom - 18), March 21, 2004 (Germany - 16), March 21, 2004 (France - 12), March 21, 2004 (New Zealand - 16), March 21, 2004 (Australia - MA 15+), March 21, 2004 (Brazil - 18), March 21, 2004 (Italy - VM12), March 21, 2004 (Spain - 18)
- Networks: HBO
- Alternative Titles: Дэдвуд (RU), 死木 (CN)
- Production Companies: Roscoe Productions, HBO, Red Board Productions, Paramount Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Deadwood - Plot
The story of the early days of Deadwood, South Dakota; woven around actual historic events with most of the main characters based on real people. Deadwood starts as a gold mining camp and gradually turns from a lawless wild-west community into an organized wild-west civilized town. The story focuses on the real-life characters Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen.
Deadwood - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a taste of Deadwood's raw frontier world:
A hell of a place to make your fortune
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Deadwood - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- David Milch
Main Cast
- Timothy Olyphant
- Ian McShane
- Molly Parker
- W. Earl Brown
- Dayton Callie
- Brad Dourif
- John Hawkes
- Paula Malcomson
- Leon Rippy
- William Sanderson
Writers
- David Milch
- Ted Mann
- Jody Worth
- Elizabeth Sarnoff
- Regina Corrado
Executive Producers
- Gregg Fienberg
- Mark Tinker
- David Milch
Deadwood - FAQs
Is Deadwood based on a true story?
Yes. Deadwood is grounded in real history. Most principal characters — including Seth Bullock, Al Swearengen, Calamity Jane, and Wild Bill Hickok — were actual historical figures. The show dramatizes the genuine transformation of Deadwood, South Dakota from a lawless gold-rush camp into an organized frontier settlement during the 1870s.
Where can you stream Deadwood online?
Deadwood is available to stream on Max (formerly HBO Max) and through the Max Amazon Channel. It can also be purchased digitally on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Availability may vary by region; check JustWatch for current options in your area.
Why was Deadwood cancelled after three seasons?
HBO cancelled Deadwood in 2006 primarily due to escalating production costs and scheduling conflicts with creator David Milch, who had committed to a new project. The abrupt cancellation left many storylines unresolved, frustrating fans. A feature-length reunion film, Deadwood: The Movie, was eventually released in 2019 to provide closure.
Who are the main actors in Deadwood?
The principal cast includes Timothy Olyphant as Sheriff Seth Bullock and Ian McShane as saloon owner Al Swearengen. They are joined by Molly Parker, W. Earl Brown, Dayton Callie, Brad Dourif, John Hawkes, Paula Malcomson, Robin Weigert as Calamity Jane, and Kim Dickens, among others.
How many seasons and episodes does Deadwood have?
Deadwood ran for three seasons on HBO, each comprising 12 episodes, for a total of 36 episodes. Season 1 aired in 2004, Season 2 in 2005, and Season 3 in 2006. A standalone feature film, Deadwood: The Movie, was released in 2019 to wrap up the series' unresolved storylines.
What is Deadwood about?
Deadwood chronicles the turbulent birth of a South Dakota frontier town during the 1870s gold rush. Blending fact and drama, it follows real-life figures Seth Bullock and Al Swearengen as they navigate greed, violence, and political intrigue while a lawless mining camp slowly evolves into a functioning, if morally complex, civilization.
Did Deadwood win any major awards?
Yes. Deadwood earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. Ian McShane won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and the show received multiple Emmy nominations across its run, including Outstanding Drama Series. It is widely regarded as one of the finest HBO dramas ever produced.
What is the content rating for Deadwood?
Deadwood is rated TV-MA, meaning it is intended for mature audiences only. The series contains strong language — including an exceptionally high frequency of profanity — graphic violence, sexual content, and adult themes including prostitution, addiction, and murder. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
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