In a surprising twist, the beloved comedy series Reservation Dogs concluded its run after three seasons, despite initial plans for a five-season run. FX Chairman John Landgraf revealed this unexpected turn of events during a recent press tour, where he addressed the future of the show. Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs follows the lives of four Indigenous teenagers – Elora Danan, Bear Smallhill, Willie Jack, and Cheese – as they navigate life in rural Oklahoma.
According to Landgraf, the original intention for Reservation Dogs was to span five seasons. However, Harjo, the show's creator, made the decision to end it after season 3, believing that a perfect conclusion had been reached. Landgraf commended Harjo for his courage in acknowledging that the story had come to its natural end and expressed respect for his creative vision.
While the series may have reached its conclusion, Harjo has hinted at the possibility of revisiting Reservation Dogs through other mediums. He mentioned the potential for a follow-up movie, as well as spinoffs focusing on intriguing characters from the show. One such character is the Deer Lady, played by Kaniehtiio Horn, a spirit with deer hooves who exacts justice on unsavory men. Harjo also suggested a road trip-centric spinoff featuring Uncle Brownie and Bucky, portrayed by Gary Farmer and Wes Studi, respectively.
Despite the potential for future explorations, both Harjo and Landgraf agreed that the story needed closure for now. They emphasized that any continuation of the Reservation Dogs universe would happen at a later time, allowing the series to end on a high note and maintain its current legacy of success.
The genre-blending and heartfelt series gained immense popularity during its run, earning universal critical acclaim. In fact, the last two seasons achieved a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the first season not far behind at 98%. This remarkable achievement highlights the exceptional talent of the Reservation Dogs cast and the exceptional storytelling that resonated with audiences both on a deeply personal level and as a universal narrative.
For those who may have missed out on the Reservation Dogs phenomenon, the entire series is available for streaming on Hulu. The show's exploration of the Native American experience, coupled with its humor and relatable characters, make it a must-watch for anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking television experience.
While the story of Reservation Dogs may have reached its designated end, fans can hold onto the hope that Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi's creative vision may find new avenues of expression in the future. Until then, the legacy of Reservation Dogs will continue to inspire and entertain, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
