Elkhorn (TV series)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- History
- Western
- Josh Flanagan
- Will Ilgen
- Andy Gosche
| Elkhorn | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre |
|
| Created by | Craig Miller |
| Inspired by | Theodore Roosevelt |
| Written by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | United States |
| No. of seasons | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 18 |
| Production | |
| Producers | Gary Tarpinian Paninee Theeranuntawat |
| Running time | 43 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | INSP |
| Release | April 11, 2024 – November 20, 2025 |
Elkhorn is an American television drama series, chronicling the early life of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Roosevelt became a cowboy and rancher in the American Frontier in his mid-20s, before returning east to become the country's youngest President.[1]
The first season of Elkhorn aired on INSP in spring 2024.[2][3] It was renewed for a second season, which premiered October 2, 2025.
Theodore Roosevelt was born into a wealthy New York family, and had a prominent political career in the New York State Legislature in the early 1880s. On Valentine's Day 1884, he suffered a pair of unimaginable personal tragedies, with both his wife and mother dying on the same day. He impulsively quit his role in politics in New York moving to the Wild West, the Dakota Territory.
Many historians have discussed the reasoning for this decision. His love for the American frontier was well documented, and the "beef bonanza" sweeping America at the time. Some believe he was running away from his problems and/or to mourn and piece his life back together. Roosevelt’s family and friends tried to stop him leaving for the Badlands, as they believed it would destroy his political career.[4]
It follows the day-to-day trials and tribulations of Roosevelt as he encounters thieves, hired guns, native wildlife, along with the need for law and order in the Badlands. Roosevelt was an upper class man, who had few interactions with people outside his bubble in New York, other than his servants. The Badlands thrust him into everyday life and he quickly learned how to relate to the "common man". His time in The Dakota Territory shaped him into the man that went on to lead the Rough Riders to victory many years later.[5]
The series tells the story of how he became known as "The Cowboy President" and the establishment of Elkhorn Ranch. It is the first time on television Roosevelt's story has been told in a scripted genre format.[5]
Release
Filming for the first season of Elkhorn was announced in 2023.[6] The first episode aired on April 11, 2024, on INSP, with the season finale airing in June 2024.[7][3]
Following a successful first season, Elkhorn was renewed by INSP for a second season to air in 2025.[8] The first episode of the second season is due to air October 2, 2025 and the season will contain eight episodes. The season finale in expected to air on November 20, 2025.[9]
Reception
Critical response
Following the completion of season 1, some media critics have suggested Elkhorn is the lesser known series in a batch of quality western series airing in the United States, drawing comparisons with Yellowstone and Landman. In the publication collider, the TV critic Michael John Petty stated "if you love Taylor Sheridan's Westerns (Yellowstone creator), this gripping drama series about America's cowboy President is a must-watch."[10]
Accolades
| Year | Award ceremony | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8th Annual Cowboys & Indians Awards | Best Actor in a TV Series | Mason Beals | Won | [11] |
| Best TV Series | Elkhorn | Won | [11] | ||
