Deadwood

Created by David Milch, Deadwood was a Western television series which aired on HBO for three seasons from March 2004 to August 2006.

The show was set in Deadwood, South Dakota in the 1870s, in the years before and after the mining town's annexation into the Dakota Territory. The show featured many historical figures as characters including sheriff Seth Bullock, saloon owner Al Swearengen, Wild Bill Hickok, Sol Star, Calamity Jane and George Hearst among others. Thematically, the show was concerned with power, lawlessness and the changing nature of the American West.

The show, thanks in part to creator and head writer Milch's eloquent and liberal use of profanity and Ian McShane's performance as Al Swearengen, met with great critical acclaim. During its time on the air, the show earned eight Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe.

The show was unceremoniously cancelled for what many in the media have speculated was its high cost of production. HBO indicated that two television films would be created to wrap up the series, but the show's stars and writers have publicly stated that the series is unlikely to return in any form.

Fast Facts

1. Creator: David Milch
2. Network: HBO
3. First Aired: March 21, 2004
4. Ran 3 Seasons

Cast

• Timothy Olyphant - Seth Bullock
• Ian McShane - Al Swearengen
• Molly Parker - Alma Garret Ellsworth
• Jim Beaver - Whitney Ellsworth
• Powers Boothe - Cy Tolliver
• John Hawkes - Sol Star
• Paula Malcomson - Trixie
• William Sanderson - E. B. Farnum
• Kim Dickens - Joanie Stubbs
• Garret Dillahunt - Francis Wolcott
• Robin Weigert - Calamity Jane
• Dayton Callie - Charlie Utter
• Brad Dourif - Doc Cochran
• Keith Carradine - Wild Bill Hickok
• Geri Jewell - Jewel
• Keone Young - Mr. Wu

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