User reviews

First off - I am an old white lady who bypassed this for a while until I saw a trailer and was intrigued. I cannot believe this isn't sitting along "Resident Alien" and "Better Call Saul" it is so well done and so beautifully off center. It also has several of my favorite native actors in it - both young and old(er).

The humor, at times, is so subtle, that you have to really watch what's happening. Also you have to see the quiet things in the background too. After a while, you will want to sit and just watch it - and see what this group is up to next.

It is not always funny. It's like everyone's day - mixed with different happenings and different feelings and emotions. The more I got to know the kids and the families and the characters in the town, the more at home I felt.

Am anxious for the next season!! THANK YOU FX for this incredible series!!

PS -Zahn McClarnon (Big) is absolutely brilliant in his subtle comedic timing. It's worth watching just to see him. And then there is SO MUCH MORE!!

• Just a few episodes in and I already know this will be one of the best series this year. It's hilarious and deliciously original. -

My family is from Eastern Oklahoma (Choctaw Nation) and save for the lack of Okie accents, this series is so spot on. I can't recall any media that frames the Indian experience with such raw humor (impeccably delivered by this young crew, btw). Most depictions of Native American life is either pure tragedy and destitution, or an elevation of the "noble savage" trope. To be clear, the driving circumstances here are the very real challenges of poverty and crime that plagues rural Indian communities. But the comedic approach in this series puts these kids in the mainstream and makes their lives widely relatable. Native kids really are just like all other American kids from marginalized, minority backgrounds - with the same attitudes, hustles and pop culture references. In a lot of ways this show is unique to the Indian experience, but it could easily be translated to a black inner city, or an immigrant setting. Basically, anyone and everyone can and should enjoy this show.

Also, side note for anyone unfamiliar with Native American territories - there aren't actually any reservations in Oklahoma. Reservations are sovereign territory with tribal jurisdiction - ie. The Wind River Reservation near where I grew up in Wyoming. However, when OK was made a state, the feds dissolved the tribal governments to make way for the land runs by white settlers. Today, there's this whole complicated governance structure within nations where only tribe members are subject to tribal law, but the state retains most authority.

I know, this isn't all that pertinent to this TV show, but I just wanted to point it out since it's explicitly tying Oklahoma to reservations which is misleading. I absolutely love the reference to Reservoir Dogs, and its totally relevant to the storyline. But considering how little most Americans know about Indian affairs, I hope they find a way to clarify this distinction in future episodes.

Instant classic, unique perspectives, expertly written cast directed and performed. A perfect blend of adventure, compassion, crime, and COMEDY!

The cherry on top, Captain Bobby Lee out of nowhere bringing the "A" game. FX found a diamond here, hope they take care of it.

Native here, raised on the rez. I won't say this is 100% accurate because it's obviously a caricature in some ways, but they get so much right, especially the slang. I found it hilarious that the old warrior character truly represents Native humor in a way I've never really seen before in pop culture, just really fast, double barreled, and then suddenly drab. The sets are very close to real life. I watched these first two episodes thinking "I've been there," or "I've done that." Probably the best glimpse into rez life since Smoke Signals which is a huge tip of the cap.

I don't find it offensive like some people do and I'M NATIVE. This show is hilarious and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I get all the jokes and it has me rolling. I can't wait to watch another episode.

I highly recommend this show. It is hilarious and touching at the same time. Character development is strong and the acting is great. Definitely worth your time to watch it. And then rewatch because it is so good!

This is one of VERY few shows out there that represents a community that has long been overlooked or stereotyped by the entertainment industry and it's not in an artificial, forced way. Why ? Because the creators and majority of the writers on this show are of Native American / Indigenous backgrounds. As a result the storytelling feels natural, it comes across in an authentic way, and it's not preachy in the "please don't cancel us" way that a lot of recent "representation matters" shows are guilty of.

That being said, I very much enjoyed the first season of this show. It's a coming of age story about 4 teenagers living on a Native American reservation in Oklahoma. We not only watch them experience the typical angst and dilemmas that come with adolescence, but we also see them discover their roots and find their respective places within their community. The teens are not of the cookie cutter variation, they commit petty crimes and grand theft auto (if the stealing of the truck in the first episode can count as that) for the sake of making enough money to go and live out a California dream, that their late friend had thought of. A simple storyline, but it's told in a very engaging way that not only serves as representation for the Native American/ Indigenous communities but also reminds viewers of all backgrounds that regardless of skin tone, religion, or ethnic backgrounds - we're all humans experiencing the same issues. The only thing that differs is our settings.

Take for example the episode where we are introduced to Bear's estranged relationship with his father. This is a dynamic that can, unfortunately, be found in any household of people from any background. The story is told in a very thoughtful and natural way as well so that anyone watching who has gone through something similar can relate to it. The show also tackles issues that are exclusive to the Native/Indigenous experience as well and it does so in a comedic but still serious manner. An example of that being the episode where Bear's mother meets a man at a local bar and goes home with him only to find out his attraction to Native women is not as innocent as it initially seemed. This is something that does happen within the Native/Indigenous community, unfortunately, and it's why there is a high number of Native/Indigenous women missing.

But, again, the shows takes on these subjects in a way that is not forceful or patronizing, it's all integrated into the story so that the message comes across naturally and not preachy. This is also seen in how the adult characters like the local reservation sheriff Big, Uncle Smoke, and Leon teach the kids about their Native/Indigenous roots without having to be cheesy about it; in a "Full House" moral of the day kind of way. When the adults pass on advice or cultural lessons to the teenagers, it's done so in a natural way and that goes back to good writing. Most importantly that it's being written by people who have actually experienced what they're writing about.

The acting is great, the characters are all memorable, however some of the jokes can be hit or miss. This is why I rated it at a 8/10, there were times where the jokes fell flat but considering how good the rest of the show is, this is something that can be overlooked.

I look forward to season 2 and hope the excellent writing keeps up. This is a great example of representation done right ! Thank you Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi !

If you thought a series from a First Nation reservation would be all about social historical tragedy, broken culture and alcoholism, think again. Yes, it's kinda dark, red, what ever, and it's also a comedy, not hilariously funny, and it got loads of ironical distance and sarcasm, but still it's dead serious, like the best humor always should be.

The dialogue, characters and acting performances are truly top notch. No need to say anything more now, other than it's good for you... This Is a Must See!

I love it...They got so much right. Not just the accents but themes of wanting out while needing to protect those you care about. The spirit guide is hilarious! I get everyone's story. I love the Willow references. They have an Elora Danan and my baby sister is named Kiaya after Willow's wife. I remember Ice Cube saying that he wrote Friday because while the place he grew up was surely Boyz n the Hood, it was also a good time with good people and this resembles that same sentiment.

I've never quite seen a show like this before. It makes me laugh so much, is so down to earth, relatable, and heartfelt, while also being beautifully filmed and crafted.

It's wonderful and refreshing to see a tv show made by Native & Indigenous creators from top to bottom and it shows in how lovingly crafted Reservation Dogs is. The writing and acting is spectacular and makes the characters feel so real. They are all so lovable, interesting, and complex as people.

There's something about this show that feels like home and it's hard to let go of. It deals with real problems, but in such a caring and thoughtful way that it's somehow comforting to watch it all unfold.

Between magical realism and social chronicle of a lost world, Reservation Dogs walks its camera on young people between perdition and redemption. The series tries to bring poetry out of misery. Endearing!

I've only seen two episodes but I am hooked on the story. I like the pace of character development that has already occurred. Looking forward to seeing more.

I wasn't a big fan of the first season (see original review below). But the second season was a lot more fun, funnier and more imaginative. The third season was too, although in the last few episodes the series kind of wound down to the style of season 1. So for me the second season was the best of this.

Original review (season 1) often aimless and occasionally terrific

Reservation Dogs mixes grubby daily life, teen angst, comedy, and magic, into a fitfully entertaining series (for me) and a wonderful series (for my girlfriend, who got me to watch the entire first season).

Sometimes it's great. The second episode is hilarious. There's an episode with a hooved lady that is really intriguing, and moments throughout that are touching or insightful. But overall I was just never that into it.

The series reminds me of Donald Glover's Atlanta, which is also a well-done, intriguing series I could just never get into.

Take a look, some people love it.

I'm really confused about all this great reviews.

The series starts okay with some promising characters, but after episode 2 everything goes downhill...FAST!

There is no story, it's not funny, thrilling, fascinating or educational. It's just weird, boring and incoherent.

I almost feel bad, because my review is such different than all the others. But for me the series is simply bad.

With a wild Taika-tinged swagger, Reservation Dogs arrived as a fully formed concept - giving audiences a sharp caricature of contemporary native culture with buckets of wit, personality and sincerity. The whole ensemble here are remarkable, and it feels tremendously fresh. In its breathless efforts to make up for centuries of little to no representation, Rez Dogs bursts right out the gate and pushes down character tangents which other shows would've only felt confident doing whole seasons in. This isn't 'other shows' though and the characters are easily strong enough to make the otherwise alienating diversions work. Over the course of these three short seasons I wept deeply, I laughed hugely and I learned absolute buckets. The cultural impact of it is already fairly apparently but here's hoping the shadow of Rez Dogs ends up long.

Just wrapped up season 3, which does a lot of things well, but this most recent batch delivered one the best anti-ageist portrayals I've come across.

Behind the young-but-wise Willy Jack, a community is built that reaches past the graveyard, through prison bars, and even extends to us white devils.

That said there is still plenty of comedic relief (when I die, I hope my "spirit" can deliver some modicum of that). The clear love between the four quirky, strong, memorable young leads is just tremendous. That alone has been there from the very start and like such friendships in real life is built to endure. Brought a tear to my eye repeatedly, even when having me laughing out loud a few minutes later.

Plenty of other topics and time-shifting were expertly woven in as well. Thank you...

No spoilers, do yourself a favor and enjoy all three seasons. Watch 'em with Daniel's spirit by your side.

Truly wonderful... another way of putting it.

Watching this show my heart can feel full.

Watching this show my heart can feel caved.

Watching this show I can feel proud.

Watching this show I can feel ashamed.

Watching this show I laugh.

Watching this show I cry.

Watching this show I want to hug.

Watching this show I want to be alone.

Watching this show I want to judge.

Watching this show I want to forgive.

Watching this show... well... I don't feel this a show, I feel it an experience.

The age of streaming has really released the gates of creativity, there's a lot of amazing stuff out there now. Watching this show... Truly wonderful. Well done all.

Initial cinematography reminds me of 'Boy', which in my opinion is Taika's best work. It's great how this series show cases the native American sense of humour and their dry wit which sort of aligns with Taika's.

And for the supposedly woke who gave this show a 1 star, show some respect for the hard work put in by the cast and crew most of which are native Americans. This is a quality production with a good plot and excellent writing not a low budget production that would actually deserve a 1.

The best thing about season two dropping is going back and watching season one over again. Rez Dogs is so unlike anything else "on TV" ever, so funny, poignant, provocative, with such engaging characters all down the cast. The four leads are just brilliant, so natural. And, needless to say, it says volumes about America.

Why is every review for this show a 1 or a 10? Clearly this isn't "The Room" or "Breaking Bad". We watched the entire series and were entertained enough to keep going, but it definitely wasn't a show to look forward to, more so just "well there's nothing else on PLEX we haven't watched - wanna put on Res Dogs?".

Positives for me were the seemingly authentic view of the Gen Z Native American perspective, and some of the cameos like Bobby Lee & Bill Burr.

Negatives were mostly related to the writing - I wanted to like the main characters but I just didn't - I didn't dislike them either they're just not well written imo and quite one-dimensional. The plot was just kind of blah, as well. I thought this would be more about them trying to get money to get to Cali but I honestly forgot about that aspect until the final episode. It's really meandering and boring at times.

All that being said though I'd still give it about a 5/10 as an experience, bumped up to a 6/10 because it shows us a glimpse into a world we don't often see, true representation as opposed to Hollywood shoehorning "diverse" characters into the same old roles, and for that I do think this show deserves an extra point. You could do much worse, but with all the prestige TV coming back after COVID from Succession to Better Call Saul to White Lotus to Station Eleven to Dexter: New Blood (besides the horrendous final episode) and everything else I would put this lower on your to-watch list.

A real gem in a sea of mediocrity. So many shows these days are dark, gritty and violent. I loved that Rez Dogs had a balance of fun, comedy, tragedy, weirdness and sweetness. It feels very real, life being horribly painful, beautiful and absured all at once. People aren't always one thing, and experiences will change you and your relationships, and this show gets that. I'm sad this is the last season,though I appreciate when shows end before they have a chance to start getting redundant and lacking engagement.

There are so many funny moments, and for each ine there is also a gut punch moment too. I can't remember the last time I felt so many emotions watching a TV show. Very worth a binge, and a few re binges afterwards.

I love Taika Waititi so I was really looking forward to this show. Maybe my expectations were too high. However, I don't find the characters (except Cheese) or the story very captivating. Some of the jokes are kind of funny but not original enough in my opinion. The only things I liked are the scenes that reference other classic movies. I usually know if I'll like a show by the first episode and even after watching the second one, I wasn't feeling it. I most likely won't keep watching.

Every person is really deadpan. The jokes are fairly basic and predictable for something Taika made. Every scene feels pretty much the same, if they're stealing a truck, or talking to their mom. It's the same delivery.

So far I've counted three people who gave this show a bad review that have terrible opinions of other shows and movies. One of them stated that Miyazaki's films are all the same and that all of his movies fail. You know, the director who won an Oscar for one of those "failed" movies. Anyway, that's the type of galaxy brained individual who thinks this show is bad. Take the opinion of anyone giving this show a bad review with a grain of salt.

Anyway, this is a charming, funny and touching show. It's very much slice of life, but after being fatigued by bombastic comic book nonsense, I welcome the simplicity. The characters feel like real people. They are likable, but with flaws that make them interesting. I decided to check this show out because I'm a fan of Taika's other show, What We Do in the Shadows, another show I adore.

If you're a fan of something that is funny and entertaining, but not too grandiose, I highly recommend checking it out.