How the West Was Won (1976–1979) User Reviews (28)

A Great TV-series

[jessthomsen · 9/10 · 22 August 2000]

In my opinion the TV-series "How the West Was Won" is the greatest western ever made straight to TV. The cast is superb with James Arness (Zeb Macahan) in the lead and Bruce Boxleitner (Luke Macahan) co-starring.

I've now been watching all the episodes of this western on Swedish television for the third time (1978, 1989 and 2000). The quality of this series is how it's being able to get the grip of the viewer in such a fashion that not even a frontrunner like Gunsmoke can compete with "How the West Was Won".

Great western series

[ss2014 · 9/10 · 16 April 2007]

I thought this was a great series and wish they would air it again! It was a good family show, okay it had some shooting (It's the old west!) but overall it had good family values. It was about the trials and tribulations of a family traveling West from somewhere near the southeast after the Civil War. James Arness, played an Uncle from the West who escorts the family as they head to Oregon. As it turns out they end up living in various locations, during which time the family is put through many ups and downs before finally making it to Oregon. I think the show could have even continued on for at least a short time after they reached Oregon and settled down but unfortunately it ends when they make it to Oregon. Again, this is a great Western series and I wish it was replayed on one of the cable networks!

Far Better Than the Film

[nafps · 8/10 · 3 March 2022]

The series has more time to develop characters and present complex stories without the hurried rushed feeling that was in the original film.

And the film had most of the flaws of the time it was made, crude stereotypes and cliches, and things Hollywood has thankfully left behind like whites playing Indian and glamorizing the traitorous Confederates.

One reviewer called this a liberal western. True enough, and so was Arness's other great series, Gunsmoke. Both with plenty of sympathy for minorities, a conscience informed by the civil rights movement, and some of the earliest and best attempts to be anti racist.

HTWWW the series shows unprovoked massacres of Natives, mixed race marriages and children, religious minorities like Mormons and Amish. It shows Confederates trying to carry out a lynching. And it shows women having to raise families and run farms without men.

TV at its best, like Roots.

I just love it!

[sonie · 10/10 · 2 May 2003]

How the west was won, was sendt on tv in Norway in they early eigthies. I'v never forgot it, and has waited and waited for a rerun, or that dvd's or vhs's should show up in the stores. Can't wait to see it again, but so far my wish has not come thru. I had like most of the girls in Norway, a hugh crush on Luke and Wolf Paw! And the week could'nt go fast enough, waiting for the next episode. My highest wish for the future is that the whole series will be released on dvd, so I can buy it and see it as much as i want to. And I know that many in Norway would agree with me, we never forgot the Macahans, and saturday night on tv has'nt been the same since!!!!!!!!!!

WE ALL LOVE THE MACAHANS, THE GREATEST WESTERNSERIES EVER MADE PLEASE RELEASE IT ON DVD OR VHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Best ever TV series

[liv-leggitt · 10/10 · 25 September 2006]

This must be the best ever series made for TV. I have for years been looking for this to come on video or DVD, but with no luck in finding it as yet. I am not giving up hope, though, as I have just read that it is obviously very popular still. I watched it in Norway about 25 years ago when I was only about 14, but I still remember the series very clearly. I absolutely love it and hope that there will be a box set made with the entire collection of episodes from "The Macahans" and "How The West Was Won" and the films. It must be the best ever western series, with the actor James Arness as the perfect man for the job. All the actors are brilliant and really drags you into the story. A must have for all western fans all over the planet. Brilliant!!!

Best western series ever

[labolabo · 10/10 · 31 January 2011]

A huge success here in Sweden when it was first televised, and has been shown over and over again on different TV channels here (including as recent as yesterday). For some reason it does not seem to be as well known in America as it is here in northern Europe. Among the things you will find are great acting, great characters, great script, great direction, excitement, emotions and humor. It is also educating as it tells the story of the situation in North America during the 1860s, etc. It also pays great respect to the native Americans, portraying them as generally fair and honest people trying to live in peace with nature.

How The West Was Won is one of the best westerns ever made; Jim Arness' best work.

[slfreedjafreed · 10/10 · 23 July 2006]

Few shows (mini-series) except for "Centennial" have depicted the gritty realism of the west as well as How The West Was Won. Jim Arness brought the character of Zeb Macahan to life / bigger, rougher and tougher than Matt Dillon could have ever hoped to be. I have the entire multi-season mini series, including the premiere movie, on 15 year old VHS tapes that are losing their quality. I wish the series would be released on DVD in a boxed set. Gunsmoke has been released, and considering some of the awful shows that HAVE been released I don't know why they don't. Does anyone know the status of this situation? I would like to find out who produced the series and perhaps recommend that there is a large audience out there for this kind of DVD release. Perhaps Jim Arness' website could help.

Excellent Western mini-series !

[Beass · 10/10 · 12 October 2005]

This TV-series is/was truly excellent ! It is interesting, fun and exciting. The characters are all watch-able ; Zeb, Luke, Laura, Aunt Molly, Hillary and Mr.Beasley. :-) The actors all do a great job.

The main title (theme) is terrific and I wish somebody would post a link to somewhere on the web, where it can be obtained/purchased. I can only seem to find the soundtrack for the original movie (1963) and NOT the TV-mini (1978)...

I saw the show for the first time when I was 10 - so that doesn't count. :-) he he However, I saw it again last year and now that I'm thirty-something, I still think it's a tremendous show ! :-)

I recommend the show to anybody, although obviously some parts may be a little scary for small children.

All in all, one of the greatest (mini) TV-series ! :-)

Two thumbs way way up!!!!

[hzenzenberger · 10/10 · 24 March 2007]

I agree with everyone else, excellent show. Considering some of the crap that they put on DVD, I am very disappointed that this mini-series is not available.

Best Mini-Series of all time in my opinion. I saw it 20 years ago and would buy it in a second if it came out on DVD. I just hope it wouldn't be like watching Billy Jack 15 years later. Oh....my....God, did I really think that was good the first time around? I was only a teenager when I first watched "The West" but my parents and my brothers all really enjoyed it too. We all thought it depicted the west how it really was, not as one of those phony westerns that are common to the big screen.

The best show ever

[Leidan · 5 January 2001]

I feel sorry for those of you who missed the adventures of Zeb and his family. Zeb (Arness) is the greatest man ever walked the screen. Josh is the little boy who never got to do anything. He is getting slapped around of all different sorts of people.

Luke is the handsome longhaired young stud who travels the west, facing problems proving to be the nephew of Zeb. Laura is the kid sister who just loves everything and everyone.

Laura is the oldest sister whose eyes starts to glow every time a man passes the macahan ranch. She is every feminist worst nightmare, hence she characterais the beutiful but week woman who just waits for a man to fulfill her dreams.

In summary, this is the greatest show ever broadcasted. Here in sweden nightclubs were forced to close when macahans was aired. Everybody was sitting at home watching it at saturday nights. more than half the swedish population that is. Just order the tapes and enjoy.

James Arness's Guilt-Driven PC Western

[TheFearmakers · 7/10 · 11 October 2019]

James Arness's Matt Dillon killed plenty on Gunsmoke for twenty long years, and here the leading man's still leading but is more a character-actor in the lead, an Indian loving mountain man who hates his own people, the whites, and thinks every Indian belch is worth more white man's gold than... white man's gold.

It's a good show that, for a season and a half, plays out like a miniseries more than a series, but the best stories go to Bruce Boxleitner as the fugitive nephew whose adventures that range from a beautiful sheriff's tough daughter Elyssa Davalos to a gang of classy villains led by Richard Basehart and Tim Matheson are entertaining as it gets. But Arness's stories, including Ricardo Montalbaun as a proud Indian who, again, is better than the evil whites, are one dimensional, which doesn't mean Arness isn't good in the role. He is good. But his stories lack story and are more preaching, so it's the young man's show here, really.

Extra in the Movie

[jimndena · 10/10 · 3 July 2005]

I was an extra in the first part of this series as a Russian soldier shooting buffalo, and doubled Cameron Mitchel as Coolly John. I even got to spend some time in make-up with Ricardo Mantalban. I got all the autographs, and had the time of my life. I have personal photos of Brian Keith, with Ricardo and many of the other stars. I was with them at the location shoot in Canon City Colorado. My problem is, I have not been able to find it on VHS or DVD since seeing the original broadcast many years ago. If anyone knows where I can find it, PLEASE write.

This has been a quest for almost 30 years. Jim Sellers [e-mail]

Fails The Test Of Time

[chrissso · 4/10 · 21 July 2022]

I love a great western series ... especially one that provides the historical context of the settlement of the west. 1883 (2022) ... Hell On Wheels (2011) ... Into The West (2005) ... Deadwood (2004) ... and Centennial (1978) are great examples.

Sadly, How The West Was Won isn't ... and to be honest it has not aged well at all. It's all there ... the worst of the late 70's television miniseries. We're talking B grade actors ... bad acting ... poor direction and a really weak script that fails to tell a big story.

My biggest complaint is the incongruity ... the inconsistencies ... between season 1 and season 2. It's like season 2 is a whole new show and the season 1 cliff-hanger is a total after thought. Combine that with the late 70's made for TV quality and I was looking for the doors.

My advice ... don't waste your time on this 46-year-old made for TV schlock! Focus on the series I mentioned above.

POST: Godless (2017) is by far the best western miniseries ever! It is light in historical context but man is it outstanding in every other way!!!

I'm still waiting and waiting. One of the Best TV Shows of the 70s

[joyousfive · 25 August 2011]

This was one of my all time favourites. It is where I fell in love with Bruce.

The acting was suburb. The one scene that stands out for me was when Fiona was either being raped or sexually harassed. She had that look on her face that showed a multitude of emotions: fear, indignation (how dare you), and that she was flattered (thinking she was beyond the age that someone would think her attractive).

The other episode I remember was when Bruce's sister in the show was stung by a Bee and almost died. This was when I first realized that people could be allergic to Bee stings.

Why, Why is this not out on DVD yet? It is only 2 seasons. I'd love for it to also have plenty of interviews with Cast & crew. And to see how Bruce fell in love and married his first wife was interesting, considering they were brother & sister on the show.

Please bring this out on DVD soon.

''HOW THE WEST WAS WON'' (1977) (mini)

[mguneyli · 10/10 · 26 December 2000]

I have seen the whole show in 1977 in England at ITV. It was an excellent TV show and I had to cancel my appointments not to miss it. It has taken me 100 years back. Photography,and the saga was so interesting. I have been trying to get hold of video cassettes of the whole show. Can anybody assist me ? It was also on TV in 1978 20 hrs episodes, 11 x 2 episodes in 1979. Plus 3 hrs in 1976.

Happy New Year to Everybody

Mehmet

Greatest Western Saga of a Family struggling to reach their dream

[dwallace-8 · 10/10 · 14 February 2005]

Even though I enjoyed the movie "How the West was Won" , this Mini Series was one of the best western theme movie/TV series I ever watched. My Family was in Okinawa during the late 1970's and by far, this was the most entertaining program on the Armed Forces Television in which the entire family enjoyed every time it showed. I have been trying and trying for years to purchase a copy of at least the original Pilot of the series but to no avail. The cast of characters and their interaction during the whole saga was just riveting to me. I have always likes James Arness as an actor and his portrayal of Zeb was one of a kind. The whole story of the family trekking across the west with such a wide variety of trials and tribulations depicted, to me, what many families could have encountered, but all encapsulated in this one family's pursuit of the Old West's "America Dream". Oh if someone could ever release this out in any video format, I would jump at the chance to get it or any portion of it.

Greatest Western TV Series

[andy_bumgarner · 10/10 · 2 March 2011]

"HOW THE WEST WAS WON" Was first - to my knowledge - a Louis L'Amour story. Louis was a storyteller and novelist who started his career in the 1940's. He wrote simple stories for magazines. He did this until he learned to do more.

The 1962 movie is much more true to the novel.

That being said,. I Love the TV Series. Jim Arness, all 6 foot 4 of him, Bruce, the kid who learns his lessons and marries his co-star, the scene where Arness tosses his knife underhand in the bushes and sticks the bad guy in the belly...

How The West Was Won the TV series is much more Jerimiah Johnson with family obligations. It's great and I love it.

I hope you will all see both the 1962 movie, and the 1979 TV series. The movie is Louis L'Amour's novel. The TV series is a wonderful adaptation beyond that.

2020 and still the greatest Western Series....

[brucecharm · 10/10 · 25 January 2020]

Been watching this TV series with my wife and we just can't stop watching it. The theme music is so moving and every episode has me enthralled. If anyone is looking for a template on how to make great westerns, look no further....

Blew me away

[grahamsj3 · 9/10 · 12 January 2005]

I've seen the original John Ford film by the same name and then this series and I found the series to be much better. It is, of course, MUCH longer, which allows for more story telling, more character development and a lot more depth than the original film could ever hope to achieve. But it is precisely that depth that makes this series so much better. This thing had a great cast, including James Arness, Bruce Boxleitner and Fionnula Flanagan. Other great actors and actresses made appearances in some of the episodes. The acting in this whole series is great by everyone. The Civil War also plays a huge role in this film. The story is gripping and will definitely keep the viewer interested - there are no "slow" places in this entire series. The screenplay was written by several writers but was seamlessly integrated. There are several emotional rollercoasters going at once with the family being torn apart and put back together a few times. Viewers just can't seem to tear themselves away. Movies of this caliber are rare and should you ever see this miniseries being run on TV, be sure to crank up your VCR and tape it. You'll want to see it again and again.

I have seen this movie like 3 times,.. why not on video?

[skilled_man64801 · 9/10 · 4 February 2004]

I have looked and looked for a copy of this move for 3 years,.. I know who owns it even,.. I do not know why it is not on VHS/DVD.. I would love to own it If you know where I can get a copy,.. Please send me an e-mail.. I rate this movie a 10. best of westerens

Nit-Picking A Great Western

[PrairieCal · 10/10 · 26 March 2022]

If you're like me and loved this series you've probably purchased all three seasons on DVD. The first thing to know is that the original TV Movie that started it all, called "The Macahans," should be viewed first. It's on Disc 2 of Season 1, but listed under "Special Features" rather than as an Episode. Episode or not, it should be viewed FIRST. This a a great series but like all Hollywood Westerns there are a few things that readers of history will find not only wrong, but rather comical. For example when they reach Kansas the landscape isn't like Kansas at all, more like the arid plains of Wyoming before you reach the Rockies. They got the farm wagon right. It's actually the type of wagon used on the Oregon Trail, not a Conestoga which were seldom used because they were too heavy to be practical on such along journey. Secondly Oxen are driven by someone walking along side them. They are NOT driven with reins. I began laughing when I saw this. And above all at least four oxen were used, not two. But nit-picking aside I LOVE this series. It's one of the best westerns ever -- for me right up there with "The Searcheers." I think you'll love it too.

Best of the "How the West Was Won" mini-series!

[AbeStreet · 14 October 2003]

I remember watching this mini-series when it was first aired in the late 70's as a child. While I enjoyed the original tv movie THE MACAHAN'S" and the 78 & 79 mini-series which followed I still find the 77 mini-series to be the best one. I used to get goosebumps when I would hear the opening title song accompanied by William (Cannon) Conrad's narration.

First there is Zeb Macahan, a huge mountain man that does things as he sees fit. If it means standing against the Union Army or taking the law into his own hands he has got to be the coolest character on the show. I also was saddened when Zeb had to kill his trapper friend Cully Madigan to prevent him from being slain by Indians. I think my favorite line in the series comes from Zeb during the final moments of the series when Grey the bounty hunter is trying to take Luke to jail. Zeb, while under gun point by Grey, turns to him and says "Grey, I'm gonna lay hands on you and then it's gonna be all over!!" Nothing fazed this man.

Secondly I enjoyed the romance between Luke Macahan and Erika Hanks, the young lady that helped heal Luke's gunshot wound and hide him form his various pursuers. It unfolds in a believable way and the fate of their relationship will have the viewer near tears.

Lastly, the sets were all well done. It appears that most if not all the scenes were shot on location and not some studio back lot. I can only imagine what a visual treat it must have been like to work on the production of this mini-series.

I was luck enough to tape this series during the late 80's and still enjoy watching it at least once a year. Hopefully this mini-series and the other HTWWW series will find their way to DVD soon!!

One of the greatest Westerns ever made and one of my personal favorites

[eb-77766 · 10/10 · 20 December 2020]

I am just now watching this on DVD for the second time after watching it 10 years ago in full. I also watched a few episodes in the 90's when it was broadcasted on Swedish television.

This is without doubt one of quite few series I can rewatch and enjoy it just as much the 2nd time as the 1st.

It's one of the greatest tv-productions ever with one my favorite soundtracks and a great cast. Both the main cast and all the guest stars are really good with few exceptions.

But what I like the most about this series is the way it's made and how they go about the characters, the story and the scenes.

There is violence but they don't revel in it. I like it that way, we get it anyway. The characters are mostly likable but they all have their weaknesses. The Caucasians and the Native Americans (deliberate choice of words) are not shown as too much of either way too. No side is completely good or bad. Different, yes but to me quite believable.

Zeb Macahan is said by some to be an "Indian lover" and hate his own but I don't agree really..

I am not PC at all but what I see in Zeb Macahan is every man's or woman's right to mind their own business as long as you don't harm others. And that I am a strong believer in..

I'll just leave it at that and will continue to watch this excellent series.

Great TV-series about the of the civil war

[pvtluz · 10/10 · 4 July 2019]

Very interesting and exciting storyline! The actors are very good as well and include many interesting characters.

Pretty good show....but...ages don't add up..

[murcool · 9/10 · 14 March 2024]

I have watched this show several times now..even bought the DVD set...only problem I had was the ages...in the Polit movie. Luke( then Seath) was 22..how that was established was Zeb hadn't seen them in 10 years and "Seath" was 12 then. Laura was 20. Josh (then Jed) was 18. Jessie was 16 it was 1861 when show began and 1863 at end

In season 1. It had been three years now 1865 but Luck was still 22 and Laura is "Almost 19 in Season 2. Now 2 years later.. Jessie is just about ready to turn 17 when she gets lost in the desert.

Season 3 three years have past and Jessie is still 16..Laura is 19...Josh is 19 and Luke is 23..

If I did my math right it is 1869. Luke is 30...Laura is 28...Josh is 26. And Jessie is 24...