You might have noticed TV looks a little different these days. Flip to a new show, and you’re as likely to meet a young Choctaw superhero or a group of hilarious kids on an Oklahoma reservation as you are another lawyer in New York. Indigenous stories are everywhere, and it’s about time!
Reservation Dogs and the New Cool
Let’s talk about “Reservation Dogs.” Nobody saw it coming, but man, did it land with a bang! This FX on Hulu gem plunks you down in rural Oklahoma—and you never want to leave. Four teens, all Indigenous, all hilarious, are hustling for bigger dreams. Forget stereotypes. Here, you get sharp, weird, funny, and bittersweet in one bite.
Plus, “Reservation Dogs” made some serious Emmy waves this year. How often do you see a show staffed—top to bottom—by Indigenous creators? Not often, until now. In 2024, it bagged multiple major Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Comedy Series. D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai even scored himself a best actor nod.
Big Moves and Bright Stars
But don’t think this is a one-show parade. There’s “Dark Winds,” AMC’s moody police drama, turning Navajo life into must-see TV. This series went deep, right into the heart of Navajo culture and wrapped it up in a 1970s cop jacket. The acting? Authentic because the cast is Indigenous. The storytelling? Even better. Indigenous folks directed much of it, so you get a genuine, gritty vibe.
And don’t overlook “Echo.” Disney+ and Hulu dropped this one, and it’s loud and proud. Meet Maya Lopez: deaf, Choctaw, superhero, and downright unstoppable. The Choctaw Nation even teamed up with Disney to nail the language and culture. It’s a show that understands both power and heritage matter.
North of the Border: Fresh Laughs and Hard Truths
Canada is on the wave, too. “Don’t Even,” which just hit Crave in August 2024, digs into the world of two First Nations friends. High school is over and life’s getting real. It’s raw, it’s funny, and it’s 100% fresh. Creator Amber-Sekowan Daniels and director Zoe Hopkins—both Indigenous women—steer the ship. Suddenly, coming-of-age stories from the rez aren’t rare. They’re the new normal.
Looking to learn something new? “Treaty Road” is right up your alley. APTN aired this series in March 2024, and it doesn’t sugarcoat anything. This show journeys into Canada’s chilling history of the “Numbered Treaties.” Hosts Erin Goodpipe and Saxon de Cocq dig deep, unearthing what these agreements mean for Indigenous people today.
Awards Season and Long Overdue Love
You know the industry is shifting when awards nights go wild for Indigenous stars. This year, Lily Gladstone shocked (and delighted!) the world. She bagged the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Female Lead, a first for an Indigenous actor. Her turn in “Killers of the Flower Moon” left everyone speechless. Magical moments like this say something huge: the stories are changing—and people like it.
And let’s not forget the Emmys. No one can ignore the nods for “Reservation Dogs,” or the kudos for Kali Reis in “Dark Winds.” Studios are paying attention, and so are audiences.
Why It’s Not Just TV
So why does this all matter? TV is more than a box with pictures. For Indigenous communities, these shows mean:
- Family can actually see themselves—no stereotypes, just real.
- Elders hear their language on prime-time TV. That’s rare, and it keeps tradition alive.
- Young creators get a shot at telling stories from their own perspective. That changes everything.
And don’t forget what it means for the industry:
- Hollywood finally figures out audiences want new voices.
- Risky, unconventional stories suddenly rake in views, making studios rethink what gets the green-light.
- Writers’ rooms get a whole lot more interesting—and so do the scripts.
A Fresh Chapter for TV
Indigenous stories tearing up the TV rule book? Yes, please. These shows are funny, weird, wise, sometimes sad, and always real. They aren’t just out there for kicks. They’re here to stomp out tired clichés and show what real representation feels like.
Who knows what tale’s next? If the past couple years say anything, it’s that Indigenous voices are here to stay—and so is the wild, electric TV magic they bring. So maybe next time you scroll around for something to watch, let those stories surprise you. You might find a new favorite, learn something, or just get a good laugh. Either way, it’s brand new—and it’s just beginning.
