A major new series looking at the life of Lakota leader Sitting Bull will debut on The HISTORY Channel across two nights, May 27 and May 28, starting at 9pm ET/PT each evening. Appian Way Productions, co-led by Leonardo DiCaprio, is among the teams behind this project.
The four hours of programming feature narration from Mo Brings Plenty, known for his role on “Yellowstone.” The series also includes Lakota actor Michael Spears. It traces Sitting Bull’s path from a tribal fighter to his work defending Native lands and guiding his people through a turbulent era in American history.
Working on “Sitting Bull” alongside Appian Way are Crystal Echo Hawk, Larry Pourier, Dee Jay Two Bears, and Stephen David Entertainment. The show also comes through partnerships with IllumiNative and GroupM Motion Entertainment.
This program joins The HISTORY Channel’s “HISTORY Honors 250” effort, which includes various content types and events leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026.
“Sitting Bull” looks broadly at the life and achievements of the Lakota chief, known for both his strength and his humility. In the mid-1800s, as settlers moved west, they began entering Native territories. During this time, Sitting Bull became a key figure standing up for his people and their customs. He managed to bring Native Nations together in a rare alliance, led them in the well-known Battle of Little Bighorn against the US Army under General George Armstrong Custer, gained fame around the world, including with Buffalo Bill Cody, and fought with courage against very difficult circumstances.
The series uses discussions with experts, acted parts filmed to look real, and existing photos and film. It covers significant moments and people in Native American history, such as the Washita Massacre, the warrior Crazy Horse, the Battle of Cedar Creek, and the Wounded Knee Massacre.
A+E Networks holds rights to show “Sitting Bull” worldwide.
Stephen David Entertainment and Appian Way Productions made “Sitting Bull” for The HISTORY Channel, with support from IllumiNative and GroupM Motion Entertainment. Stephen David is an executive producer for Stephen David Entertainment. Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, and Phillip Watson are executive producers for Appian Way Productions. Crystal Echo Hawk is an executive producer for IllumiNative. Dee Jay Two Bears and Larry Pourier also serve as executive producers. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are executive producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Mary E. Donahue and Zachary Behr are executive producers for The HISTORY Channel.
