Watch The Young Riders

The Young Riders is a Western television show set in the year 1860, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1992. The show revolved around a group of young, brave Pony Express riders who risked their lives daily to deliver mail across the United States. It starred Stephen Baldwin as William F. Cody, or more commonly known as Buffalo Bill.

The show was created by Ed Spielman, who also worked on the western television series Kung Fu, and the co-creator of Miami Vice, Michael Mann. The Young Riders was produced by MGM Television, and it followed the lives of these young Pony Express riders as they struggled through the untamed west, learning valuable life lessons along the way.

The main focus of the show was on the six young riders who were recruited to deliver mail for the Pony Express, a pioneer mail delivery system that used horseback riders to transport mail across the western territories. The six young riders were Buck Cross (played by Gregg Rainwater), Ike McSwain (played by Travis Fine), Jimmy Hickok (played by Stephen Baldwin), Cody, Lou McCloud (played by Yvonne Suhor), and Kid Curry (played by Ty Miller).

Each episode of the show typically followed a similar format, with the young riders completing a mail delivery and facing some sort of obstacle along the way. This could be anything from bandits to natural disasters, and the riders often relied on teamwork and quick thinking to overcome these obstacles.

In addition to the various obstacles that the young riders encountered, the show also explored deeper themes, such as loyalty, morality, and the effects of violence on individuals and society. Each of the six riders had their own unique backstory, and the show often delved into their pasts to provide context for their actions and motivations.

One of the most interesting aspects of the show was its historical accuracy. The show was set in the 1860s, which was a tumultuous time in American history. The Pony Express only operated for a brief period of time, from 1860 to 1861, before being replaced by the transcontinental telegraph. The show also featured real-life historical figures, such as William F. Cody, who was a famous buffalo hunter and scout, and Wild Bill Hickok, who was an infamous gunfighter and lawman.

Another notable aspect of The Young Riders was its impressive ensemble cast. In addition to the main six riders, the show featured a talented supporting cast, including Josh Brolin as James Butler Hickok and Melissa Leo as Catherine Merrick. Other noteworthy guest stars included Mark Lenard (best known for playing Spock's father in Star Trek) and Don Swayze.

Overall, The Young Riders was a compelling and well-crafted Western show that provided a unique perspective on American history. Its impressive ensemble cast, historical accuracy, and exploration of deeper themes set it apart from other shows in the genre. Although it only aired for three seasons, it remains a beloved favorite among fans of Westerns and historical dramas.

The Young Riders is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (69 episodes). The series first aired on September 20, 1989.