The Son (2017)
A sweeping AMC epic spanning two Texas timelines — Comanche frontier and cattle empire — anchored by Pierce Brosnan's commanding performance.
The Son - Series Information
- Original Title: The Son
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Brian McGreevy, Lee Shipman et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (45 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: April 8, 2017 (United States - TV-14), April 8, 2017 (Brazil - 14), April 8, 2017 (Mexico - C), April 8, 2017 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: AMC
- Alternative Titles: 더 썬 (KR)
- Production Companies: Mad Hatter Entertainment, AMC Studios
The Son - Plot
The multigenerational epic follows two concurrent time periods: One, the story of young Eli McCullough after he is kidnapped and indoctrinated into a tribe of Comanches in 1849. The other, 60 years later, when we see a grown Eli struggle to maintain his family's cattle empire during the turbulent Bandit Wars of South Texas. Based on Philipp Meyer's acclaimed novel.
The Son - Trailer
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The Son - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Brian McGreevy
- Lee Shipman
- Philipp Meyer
Main Cast
- Pierce Brosnan
- Jacob Lofland
- Zahn McClarnon
- Carlos Bardem
- James Parks
- Sydney Lucas
- Kathryn Prescott
- Henry Garrett
- Elizabeth Frances
- Paola Nuñez
Writers
- Wes Brown
The Son - FAQs
Is The Son based on a true story or novel?
The Son is based on Philipp Meyer's acclaimed 2013 novel of the same name, which was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. While the characters are fictional, the story draws heavily on real Texas history, including Comanche culture, the Bandit Wars, and the brutal realities of frontier life in the 19th century.
Where can you stream The Son?
The Son is available to stream on AMC+, AMC Plus via Apple TV Channel, AMC+ via Amazon Channel, and AMC+ via Roku Premium Channel. It can also be watched on YouTube TV and Philo. For free viewing with ads, check The Roku Channel. It's available to buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
Why was The Son cancelled after two seasons?
AMC cancelled The Son after its second season in 2019, citing low viewership ratings. Despite critical appreciation for its ambitious scope and Pierce Brosnan's performance, the series never built a large enough audience to justify continuation. The cancellation left some storylines unresolved, frustrating fans of the source novel.
Who plays Eli McCullough in The Son?
Pierce Brosnan plays the older Eli McCullough, the ruthless cattle baron navigating the Bandit Wars of South Texas. Jacob Lofland portrays young Eli, captured by Comanches in 1849. The dual-timeline structure lets both actors explore different facets of the same complex, morally ambiguous character.
How many seasons and episodes does The Son have?
The Son ran for two seasons on AMC, with 10 episodes each, totalling 20 episodes. Season 1 premiered on April 8, 2017, and Season 2 followed in 2019 before the series was cancelled. Each episode runs approximately 45 minutes.
What is The Son TV series about?
The Son is a sweeping multigenerational saga set in Texas. It follows Eli McCullough across two timelines: as a boy kidnapped and raised by Comanches in 1849, and as a powerful cattle baron decades later during the violent Bandit Wars. The series explores identity, survival, empire-building, and the brutal cost of ambition.
Is The Son worth watching for western drama fans?
For fans of sweeping historical westerns, The Son offers a rich and distinctive experience. Pierce Brosnan delivers one of his most commanding performances, and Zahn McClarnon's portrayal of Comanche chief Toshaway is widely praised. The dual-timeline structure and authentic period detail set it apart from conventional frontier dramas.
What shows are similar to The Son?
If The Son appeals to you, consider Deadwood for gritty frontier drama, Texas Rising for Texas history, and Preacher for dark, unconventional western storytelling. Blood & Oil and Dallas share the Texas dynasty theme, while Frontier offers a similarly rugged, morally complex portrait of survival and power in a harsh historical landscape.
More About The Son
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