Reservation Dogs (2021–2023) User Reviews (155)

This is brilliant on so many levels

[thejdrage · 9/10 · 16 July 2022]

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!!

The Gen-Z Indian Experience

[hilary89 · 9/10 · 10 August 2021]

• 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.

this is exactly what i didn't know i needed

[christiancarden · 9/10 · 22 August 2021]

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.

Totally on point

[gordonrm-31460 · 10/10 · 10 August 2021]

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.

Hilarious!!

[wintuguy · 10/10 · 10 August 2021]

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.

Fantastic and Funny

[starry_oceans · 10/10 · 9 August 2021]

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!

Representation Done Right

[stefstars · 8/10 · 18 October 2021]

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 !

This is my Rez story...just not in the details

[oscar_chip · 10/10 · 10 August 2021]

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.

Sup, White Jesus?

[crimeagainstcreation · 10/10 · 12 August 2022]

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!

Beetween Poetry & misery

[hubertguillaud · 7/10 · 28 January 2022]

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!

Two episodes and I'm Hooked

[radley-35253 · 9/10 · 9 August 2021]

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.

Funny and touching - truly a gift to watch

[ElianBaker · 4 September 2023]

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.

Season 1 was mixed, but then it got quite good

[cherold · 7/10 · 23 October 2021]

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.

Apparently I don't get it

[ingothehero · 4/10 · 12 April 2022]

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.

Great NDN Humor and Characters

[quitwastingmytime · 9/10 · 10 August 2021]

Dallas Goldtooth is the standout here. His wry satire of every mystical Indian stereotype.

But all the young newcomer actors deserve praise. You really feel they are just playing themselves, early and mid teen kids trying to figure things out and making dumb choices.

Some of the jokes may make outsiders scratch their heads. But if they can laugh along to Black comedians telling their own experiences, they can do so for rez Natives too.

Pop Pop Pop

[owen-watts · 8/10 · 22 September 2021]

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.

Truly phenomenal

[JBP_Ace · 10/10 · 28 September 2022]

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.

Taika Waititi back to his roots.

[glenhart-04677 · 9/10 · 11 August 2021]

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.

Masterpiece

[jimi99 · 10/10 · 4 August 2022]

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.

Come And Get Your Love

[SuperCal44 · 10/10 · 31 August 2021]

Aho! From the first episode I was hooked. It's funny, relatable, & music throughout is nice! This show is a gem and I want more. The latest episode they played Come and Get Your Love by Redbone, through all these years I thought was a black band, Lolly Vasquez has a soulful voice. Beautiful, just watch.

Decent show with odd final season

[mjtothemax3 · 7/10 · 13 October 2023]

Reservation Dogs hits extremely well right out of the gates as a fun, sort of coming of age feel show about 4 teens going through life on the Res. The show has laughs, feels, some excitement throughout but slowly matures into more about the community rather than the teens it seems to push as the stars. Season 2 was more of the same, but let's talk about season 3... To me this is where the show runners knew the show was done and instead of naturally flowing the story line it became more of an anthology in which each episode did not flow into the next and more satisfied goals in random order. Very jarring if you ask me. I really wanted this show to go out on a complete high note because it was well done, but to me it exited on a whimper in terms of what could have been.

So good it hurts

[fvga_dix · 10/10 · 1 September 2021]

I the real question that comes to mind; Are they even aware of the masterpiece they are creating?! Or could it be just as simple as keeping it real? By far the realest show I have ever seen, the only thing that would come close is 'The Grizzlies'. "Life is comedy from afar and a tragedy up close". So funny at times, well written and great acting. Instantly fell in love with Willie. Solid 10 any day of the week.

It's not all about the extremes....

[krupocin-1 · 6/10 · 18 January 2022]

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.

It's shot really well, but sort of dull

[mark-30080 · 5/10 · 14 August 2021]

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.

FUNNY, CREATIVE, SMART, WELL DONE

[mcc-08445 · 8/10 · 10 August 2021]

First impression is everything. Watched the first 2 episodes and decided to continue. It is different and thoughtful. Good directing, good acting and good script. Highly recommended.