7 Binge-Worthy Indigenous TV Shows for Cozy Fall Nights
Get the popcorn and the blankets ready! This list of five binge-worthy shows are just in time for cozy fall nights. These shows are breaking ground when it comes to Indigenous Representation and proving that Indigenous people are the best narrators of our own stories. These shows will make you laugh, they will make you cry, and they will have you not-so-patiently awaiting new episodes.
Dark Winds
Set in 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley, Dark Winds follows Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) of the Tribal Police as he is besieged by a series of seemingly unrelated crimes. The closer he digs to the truth, the more he exposes the wounds of his past. He is joined on this journey by his new deputy, Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon). Chee, too, has old scores to settle from his youth on the reservation. The two work closely with Navajo police sergeant Bernadette Manuelito (Jessica Matten) as they look into the murder of two Native American residents during a bank robbery. The team fights against their town’s demons while trying to fight off their own as well.
Watch: Prime, HBO MAX, AMC+
Reservation Dogs
The series follows Bear, Cheese, Elora, and Willie Jack: four teenagers who, following the loss of one of their close friends a year before the start of events in the series, decide to steal, rob and save in order to get to the exotic, mysterious, and faraway land of California. To succeed, they will have to save enough money, outmaneuver the methheads at the junkyard on the edge of town and survive a turf war against a much tougher rival gang. This first-of-its-kind creative team tells a story that resonates with them and their lived experiences.
Watch: Hulu
Rurangi
Caz Davis (Elz Carrad) left his home in the small town of Rūrangi, abandoning everyone, and moved to Auckland to start his new life. Years later, he returns to the town where he grew up for the first time as an out trans man. He now must face his father (Cohen Holloway), childhood best friend (Awhina-Rose Ashby), and ex-boyfriend (Liam Coleman) that he abandoned and start to rebuild those relationships. As he does so, Caz finds himself swept up in the environmental fight which is dividing the town. This show features Māori water protectors, reconnecting Relatives, and Aunties doing graffiti.
Watch: Hulu
Marvel’s Echo
The Marvel Cinematic Universe continues with the origin story of ECHO (Alaqua Cox). Maya Lopez, the titular heroine Echo, is able to perfectly copy others’ movements. She was introduced in Hawkeye and returns for fans to follow her own pursuit of justice and peace. Maya’s whose ruthless behavior in New York City catches up with her in her hometown. She returns to Oklahoma, where she learns to “come to terms with her past, reconnect with her Native American roots, and embraces family and community.”
Watch: Disney+
Tribal
TRIBAL is a Canadian crime drama series that, at present, has aired two seasons and is currently under development for the third season! The department of Federal Justice attempts to save political face under the mask of inclusion and collaboration with the controversial appointment of Officer Sam Woodburn (Jessica Matten) - a young, female, indigenous Chief of Tribal Police. They pair her with big-city detective to tackle indigenous-related crime in the city. Now at the helm of the new integrated police force, she is forced to work with a notoriously racist detective, Chuck “Buke” Bukansky (Brian Markinson). They begrudgingly work together before uncovering the largest scandal in the history of the city - a tomb, full of murdered indigenous bodies. TRIBAL examines First Nation crime stories based on real world cases including mistaken identity, pipeline controversy, healing lodge justice, social services, tobacco, hostages and missing Indigenous Peoples.
Watch: Apple TV, Lumi
Rutherford Falls
RUTHERFORD FALLS invites viewers into a delightful comedic journey centered around the lives of two inseparable friends, Nathan Rutherford and Reagan Wells. Nathan, portrayed by Ed Helms, and Reagan, portrayed by Jana Schmieding, find themselves standing at a crossroads when an unexpected twist shakes up their tranquil town. The quaint, sleepy atmosphere of the town is disrupted when the mayor decides to relocate a statue honoring Nathan's ancestor, the town's founder, due to frequent collisions with drivers.
In this comedic rollercoaster, Terry Thomas, portrayed by Michael Greyeyes, steps into the scene as the CEO of the Minishonka casino.
The show made its much-anticipated debut on Peacock on April 22, 2021, presenting a fresh and entertaining take on history, culture, and friendship. The brainchild of Ed Helms, Michael Schur, and Sierra Teller Ornelas, "Rutherford Falls" quickly gained popularity and was met with enthusiasm from its audience. The success was evident as the series secured a second season, which graced the screens on June 16, 2022
Watch: Apple TV
Mohawk Girls
MOHAWK GIRLS is a half-hour dramatic comedy that delves into the lives of four 20-something Mohawk women as they navigate the challenges of being Mohawk in the 21st century. Join them on their journey to find their place in the world and, of course, to find love.
But in a close-knit community where dating options are limited and the new attractive arrival might just be a long-lost relative, love is far from simple. These friends are caught between the expectations of family, the pull of tradition, and the allure of the "outside world."
As they grapple with family pressure, cultural obligations, and the temptations of newfound freedom, this fabulous foursome embarks on a quest to uncover happiness and, most importantly, themselves.
Developed by Tracey Deer, "Mohawk Girls" originated from her 2005 documentary of the same name. The series made its debut on OMNI Television and APTN in the fall of 2014, ultimately running for four successful seasons.
