Here’s a bold statement: one of the most underrated and brilliantly subversive Western series of recent years is hiding in plain sight, and it’s a 98% Rotten Tomatoes gem you’ve likely never heard of. Ethan Hawke’s The Good Lord Bird on Showtime is a must-watch, but it’s not for the faint of heart or those seeking a conventional history lesson. Adapted from James McBride’s novel, this miniseries flips the script on Civil War-era storytelling, blending razor-sharp satire, chaotic humor, and a deeply human narrative into something utterly unforgettable. But here’s where it gets controversial: while it’s rooted in real events—like John Brown’s 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry—it’s not afraid to take creative liberties, as cheekily announced by its opening title card: ‘All of This is True. Most of It Happened.’ Love it or hate it, this show refuses to play it safe.
Told through the eyes of Henry ‘Onion’ Shackleford (Joshua Caleb Johnson), a fictional enslaved boy who masquerades as a girl after crossing paths with the fiery abolitionist John Brown (Hawke), the series dives headfirst into the moral complexities of revolution. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just a story about fighting slavery; it’s a wild, often absurd ride that questions heroism, sacrifice, and the messy humanity behind historical icons. Hawke’s performance as Brown is electric—a far cry from the white savior trope, as he balances zealotry with vulnerability, making Brown both inspiring and deeply flawed. Johnson’s Henry, meanwhile, is the heart of the show, a spirited yet conflicted young man grappling with freedom, violence, and the cost of change.
If you’re expecting a dry, by-the-book drama, The Good Lord Bird will throw you for a loop. Its tone is relentlessly unpredictable, shifting from boisterous comedy to gut-wrenching drama in the blink of an eye. The gunslinging chaos is real, the violence is unfiltered, but Henry’s witty narration keeps it from becoming overwhelming, highlighting the absurdity of it all. It’s a tightrope walk between farce and gravity, and the show never stumbles.
Here’s the kicker: Despite its 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, stellar performances, and impeccable production design, this series hasn’t gotten the mainstream love it deserves. Why? Maybe it’s too bold, too unapologetic in its approach. Or perhaps it’s because it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about history and heroism. Either way, it’s a crime that more people aren’t talking about it.
So, is The Good Lord Bird a perfect show? Not quite. Its tongue-in-cheek style might rub some viewers the wrong way, and its pacing can feel frenetic. But that’s also what makes it unique—it’s a show that dares to be different, to challenge expectations, and to entertain while it educates. Available on Apple TV and Prime Video, it’s a binge-worthy gem that’ll leave you laughing, thinking, and maybe even arguing about what it means to fight for change.
Controversial question for you: Does The Good Lord Bird honor history by reimagining it, or does it do a disservice by taking too many liberties? Let’s debate it in the comments—because this is one series that demands discussion.
