Watch Reservation Dogs

Reservation Dogs is a comedy-drama series about four Indigenous teenagers who reside in rural Oklahoma and try to survive in a world surrounded by poverty, crime, and discrimination. The show is named Reservation Dogs because of the indigenous term used to describe stray dogs that roam around reservations. The series is created by Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo and premiered on Hulu on August 9, 2021.

The plot of Reservation Dogs revolves around a group of teenagers, including Bear (D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai), Elora Danan (Devery Jacobs), Willie Jack (Paulina Alexis), and Cheese (Lane Factor), who are committed to escaping their reservation life and moving to California. They try to achieve their ambition by stealing and committing small crimes to make money to accomplish their goals. Along the way, they confront various obstacles, including the dogged pursuit of the white police officers, the internal feud within their community, and the struggle to overcome the traumatic experience of losing a friend.

The show is a blend of comedy and drama as it captures the daily struggles of the teenagers while highlighting the cultural differences, stereotypes, and prejudices against the indigenous people. It portrays the vibrant and robust culture of the Muscogee Creek Nation while also illuminating the social and economic challenges that the community faces. The series vividly illustrates how the young people struggle to reimagine their future without losing touch with their heritage, community, and identity.

Kawennáhere Devery Jacobs, who plays Elora Danan, is a gifted and versatile actress who portrays the character with authenticity, humor, and nuance. Her performance brings to life the complexities of being a young Indigenous woman grappling with love, loss, and the desire to break free from the socio-economic constraints that have held her back. Jacobs brings a unique perspective to the character as she is an Indigenous actress who grew up on the Mohawk reserve in Quebec, Canada. She has been vocal about her personal struggles with the representation of Indigenous peoples in the film and television industry and how Reservation Dogs aims to address this issue.

The dialogue of Reservation Dogs is a unique blend of English and indigenous languages, Muscogee Creek, and Cherokee, which highlights the significance of preserving indigenous languages and the importance of cultural connectivity. The show's soundtrack is also an essential element that gives character to the series. It features original music from Indigenous artists such as Nizhóní Girls, Tony-award winning singer Leah Harvey, and Latevera K. Beletso. The soundtrack adds depth and cultural significance to the show, making it a unique viewing experience.

Overall, Reservation Dogs is a fresh and engaging series that offers a new perspective on Indigenous life and culture. The show's emphasis on authenticity, cultural sensitivity, and humor make it an entertaining and educational experience for viewers. It is a breakthrough series that attempts to bridge the gap between the Indigenous community and mainstream media. Reservation Dogs is a must-watch for anyone interested in Indigenous culture and politics, but also for those who want to see a new type of storytelling from an underrepresented group in American society.

Reservation Dogs is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (28 episodes). The series first aired on August 9, 2021.