Watch The Good Lord Bird

TV-MA
2020
1 Season
7.6 (7,040)

The Good Lord Bird is a show that premiered on Showtime in 2020, starring Ethan Hawke, Daveed Diggs, Wyatt Russell, Joshua Caleb Johnson, McKinley Belcher III, Rafael Casal, Beau Knapp, Nick Eversman, Ellar Coltrane, Moses Brings Plenty, Steve Zahn, Victor Williams, Miles Mussenden, Orlando Jones, Brooks Ashmanskas, Zainab Jah, Maya Hawke, David Morse, Alex Sharp, Gia Crovatin, Killer Mike, and Keith David. The show is based on James McBride's novel of the same name, which was published in 2013. The Good Lord Bird is set in the mid-19th century, during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. The show tells the story of a young slave named Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson) who is taken in by abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke). Brown believes he is chosen by God to lead a violent uprising against slavery, and Onion becomes his loyal companion, joining him on his crusade and sometimes dressing in women's clothing to avoid detection. The show is full of vibrant characters, with a talented cast bringing each one to life. Ethan Hawke delivers a powerful performance as John Brown, playing the character with a mix of passion, madness, and conviction. Daveed Diggs, known for his role in the Broadway musical Hamilton, plays the charismatic abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who Brown seeks to win over to his cause. Wyatt Russell plays the conflicted and ultimately tragic character of J.E.B. Stuart, a Confederate officer who crosses paths with Brown. One of the strengths of The Good Lord Bird is its blend of drama and comedy. The show has a dark sense of humor, which helps to lighten the heavy subject matter. Onion is generally an observer of the events around him, providing a fresh perspective on the complex and often violent historical period. The show also explores issues of race, gender, and identity. Onion's cross-dressing is a major plot point, and the show uses it to explore themes of masculinity and femininity. The relationships between the characters are also complicated and nuanced, with each one struggling with their own demons and prejudices. The production design and costumes are also worth mentioning. The show's depiction of the mid-19th century is visually stunning, with detailed sets and authentic costumes. The cinematography is also impressive, with sweeping shots of the American landscape and intimate close-ups of the characters. Overall, The Good Lord Bird is a compelling and unique show that tackles important historical themes while also providing entertainment. The cast is excellent, the writing is sharp, and the direction is top-notch. It is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those looking for something out of the ordinary.

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Seasons

7. Last Words

November 15, 2020

John Brown and his remaining army take a last stand as more federal troops descend upon Harper's Ferry. With John Brown captured and held for public execution, Onion, truly on his own, risks his life to say his goodbyes to Brown.

6. Jesus Is Walkin'

November 8, 2020

The plan to take control of the nation's largest armory at Harper's Ferry is finally put into action. However, a crucial mistake by Onion threatens the success of the entire operation. John Brown's army takes hostages, grabbing the attention of an angry mob and local militia. With shots firing, Onion is sent out to get reinforcements.

5. Hiving the Bees

November 1, 2020

Onion and new recruit John Cook head to Harper's Ferry to prepare for the arrival of John Brown and his army. However, Onion quickly struggles to perform his mission of recruiting more African-American soldiers from the area when Cook's reckless behavior threatens their exposure to suspicious neighbors. After several weeks of waiting, Brown, his army and his daughter Annie finally arrive

4. Smells Like Bear

October 25, 2020

John and Onion continue their fundraising mission, this time heading to Canada on foot. After seeing true freedom for the first time and frustrated with Brown's increasingly irrational behavior, Onion demands freedom from Brown's army. But, when the legendary Harriet Tubman endorses Brown in a room full of new recruits, Onion realizes that he may be more invested in the cause and the "old man" than he thought.

3. Mister Fred

October 18, 2020

Following the battle in Pikesville, John Brown, now one of the most wanted men in America, travels north with Onion to raise funds for the abolitionist cause. They take refuge at the home of famed orator and "King of the Negroes" Frederick Douglass and his two wives. When Brown and Douglass clash over methodology, Onion discovers just how complex the fight for justice and human equality really is.

2. A Wicked Plot

October 11, 2020

Separated from Brown's army, Onion and fellow slave Bob leave the fight in Kansas only to cross paths with pro-slavery "red shirts" who escort them to the slave-trading town of Pikesville, Missouri. Onion is taken under the wing of Pie, a mixed-race prostitute working out of the local hotel, who instructs him in the ways of the world despite her discovering his dangerous secret. Onion soon finds himself enmeshed in a mounting slave insurrection where he learns the consequences of his own actions.

1. Meet the Lord

October 4, 2020

A slave has a fateful run-in with abolitionist John Brown. Series premiere.

Description

The Good Lord Bird is set in the mid-19th century, during the tumultuous years leading up to the American Civil War. The show tells the story of a young slave named Onion (Joshua Caleb Johnson) who is taken in by abolitionist John Brown (Ethan Hawke). Brown believes he is chosen by God to lead a violent uprising against slavery, and Onion becomes his loyal companion, joining him on his crusade and sometimes dressing in women's clothing to avoid detection.

The show is full of vibrant characters, with a talented cast bringing each one to life. Ethan Hawke delivers a powerful performance as John Brown, playing the character with a mix of passion, madness, and conviction. Daveed Diggs, known for his role in the Broadway musical Hamilton, plays the charismatic abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who Brown seeks to win over to his cause. Wyatt Russell plays the conflicted and ultimately tragic character of J.E.B. Stuart, a Confederate officer who crosses paths with Brown.

One of the strengths of The Good Lord Bird is its blend of drama and comedy. The show has a dark sense of humor, which helps to lighten the heavy subject matter. Onion is generally an observer of the events around him, providing a fresh perspective on the complex and often violent historical period.

The show also explores issues of race, gender, and identity. Onion's cross-dressing is a major plot point, and the show uses it to explore themes of masculinity and femininity. The relationships between the characters are also complicated and nuanced, with each one struggling with their own demons and prejudices.

The production design and costumes are also worth mentioning. The show's depiction of the mid-19th century is visually stunning, with detailed sets and authentic costumes. The cinematography is also impressive, with sweeping shots of the American landscape and intimate close-ups of the characters.

Overall, The Good Lord Bird is a compelling and unique show that tackles important historical themes while also providing entertainment. The cast is excellent, the writing is sharp, and the direction is top-notch. It is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas and those looking for something out of the ordinary.

The Good Lord Bird is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on October 4, 2020.

Where to Watch The Good Lord Bird

The Good Lord Bird is available for streaming on the Showtime website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Good Lord Bird on demand at Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV and Apple TV.