Waco (2018)
A tense, meticulously crafted miniseries that brings the harrowing 1993 Branch Davidian standoff to life through riveting performances and unflinching storytelling.
Waco - Series Information
- Original Title: Waco
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2018
- Created by: John Erick Dowdle, Drew Dowdle
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (42 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 6
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: January 24, 2018 (United States - TV-14), January 24, 2018 (Canada - 18+), January 24, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), January 24, 2018 (Germany - 16), January 24, 2018 (France - 10), January 24, 2018 (Brazil - 14), January 24, 2018 (Mexico - C), January 24, 2018 (Spain - 16), January 24, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: Paramount Network
- Production Companies: Brothers Dowdle Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Waco - Plot
The harrowing true story of the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and the Branch Davidians, a spiritual sect led by David Koresh in Waco, TX that resulted in a deadly shootout and fire.
Waco - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the tension of the 1993 siege unfold:
Where to Watch Waco
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Waco - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- John Erick Dowdle
- Drew Dowdle
Main Cast
- Michael Shannon
- Taylor Kitsch
- Rory Culkin
- Paul Sparks
- Andrea Riseborough
- Shea Whigham
- Melissa Benoist
- Julia Garner
- Camryn Manheim
- John Leguizamo
Writers
- John Erick Dowdle
Executive Producers
- Drew Dowdle
- John Erick Dowdle
Waco - FAQs
Is Waco based on a true story?
Waco is directly based on real events. The miniseries dramatizes the 51-day 1993 standoff at the Branch Davidian compound near Waco, Texas, drawing from two firsthand accounts: FBI negotiator Gary Noesner's memoir 'Stalling for Time' and survivor David Thibodeau's book 'A Place Called Waco.'
Who plays David Koresh in Waco?
Taylor Kitsch portrays David Koresh, the charismatic and deeply unsettling leader of the Branch Davidians. Kitsch's performance earned widespread praise for capturing Koresh's magnetic hold over his followers while conveying the dangerous volatility lurking beneath his messianic persona.
Where can I stream Waco?
Waco is available to stream on Paramount Plus Premium, Paramount Plus Essential, and through Paramount+ channels on Apple TV, Amazon, and Roku. If you prefer to own it, the series can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home.
How many episodes does Waco have?
Waco is a self-contained miniseries consisting of 6 episodes, each running approximately 42 minutes. The single season tells the complete story of the 1993 siege from start to its devastating conclusion, making it an ideal binge-watch over a single weekend.
Is Waco worth watching?
Absolutely. Waco earned strong reviews for its nuanced, humanizing approach to a polarizing historical tragedy. Critics praised the dual-perspective storytelling — following both the FBI negotiator and the Branch Davidians — and standout performances from Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch make it compelling throughout.
Who are the main actors in Waco?
The ensemble cast is led by Michael Shannon as FBI negotiator Gary Noesner and Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh. Supporting roles are filled by Rory Culkin, Paul Sparks, Andrea Riseborough, Shea Whigham, Melissa Benoist, Julia Garner, Camryn Manheim, and John Leguizamo.
Did Waco win any awards?
Waco received several award nominations following its 2018 premiere, with particular recognition for its performances and writing. Taylor Kitsch and Michael Shannon were highlighted by critics' circles, and the series helped revitalize the Paramount Network's prestige drama ambitions upon its debut.
Are there any follow-up series to Waco?
Yes. Waco: The Aftermath (2023) serves as a direct continuation, exploring the legal and political fallout following the siege. The documentary Waco: American Apocalypse (2023) on Netflix also revisits the events using archival footage, offering a compelling companion piece to the dramatized miniseries.
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