The American West looms large in popular imagination, often reduced to simple tales of cowboys and outlaws. Stan’s upcoming documentary series, “Kevin Costner’s The West,” seeks to move past these familiar myths, presenting a richer, more comprehensive look at the people and events that truly shaped the region. Hosted and executive produced by Academy Award winner Kevin Costner, the series aims to offer a fresh understanding of this pivotal period in history.
The eight-part documentary series, titled “Kevin Costner’s The West,” will make its debut on the Australian streaming service Stan. Viewers can watch the first three episodes starting Tuesday, May 28, 2025. Following the premiere, new episodes will be released each Tuesday. Joining Costner as an executive producer is Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, adding significant historical weight to the production.
Spanning a century of profound change, the series steps away from traditional Western clichés. It examines the era through multiple viewpoints, exploring the history of westward expansion. The documentary intends to shed light on the diverse experiences that defined this time, moving beyond simplistic narratives.
The series spotlights a wide range of figures and groups crucial to the story of the West. These include explorers Lewis and Clark alongside Sacagawea, famous lawmen and notorious outlaws, everyday cowboys and ranchers, women forging new lives, fortune seekers chasing dreams, abolitionists fighting for freedom, and the numerous Native American tribes whose lives were irrevocably altered. Viewers will learn about the contributions of pioneers and the resistance mounted by tribes like the Blackfeet, Comanche, and Lakota Sioux, featuring leaders such as Chief Little Turtle, Red Cloud, and Crazy Horse, as well as figures like Joaquin Murrieta and events like the Battle of Fallen Timbers involving General “Mad” Anthony Wayne.
“Kevin Costner’s The West” utilizes historical archives, compelling visuals, and interviews with experts to piece together this multifaceted story. Produced for The HISTORY Channel™ by RadicalMedia in association with Territory Pictures, Pastimes Productions, and APX Content Ventures, the series looks set to provide Stan subscribers with a detailed exploration of a defining chapter in American history.
