Netflix is bringing Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Western novel Lonesome Dove to the screen, with Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart attached as co-showrunners. The upcoming drama will revisit the story of two former Texas Rangers and their dangerous journey across the American frontier.
What Is the New Lonesome Dove Series About?
Set in the 19th-century American West, Lonesome Dove follows Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, two retired Texas Rangers who set out on one last cattle drive from the Rio Grande toward Montana.
Their journey will take them through an unforgiving landscape while confronting themes of friendship, longing, violence, loyalty and the search for a meaningful life. The series will also introduce a wide-ranging group of characters along the way.
McMurtry’s original novel was published in 1985 and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. It remained on The New York Times bestseller list for more than five consecutive months.
Who Is Behind Netflix’s Lonesome Dove Adaptation?
Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart will serve as co-showrunners on the new series. The project marks their second collaboration with Netflix following East of Eden, another literary adaptation starring Florence Pugh, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist.
The series will be executive produced by Thomas Tull, Jillian Share and Jen Gorton for Teton Ridge Entertainment, alongside Jon Jashn, Diana Ossana and Curtis McMurtry representing the McMurtry Estate.
Teton Ridge Entertainment is partnering with Netflix on the adaptation, with the production aiming to introduce McMurtry’s Western classic to a new generation.
Why Is Lonesome Dove an Important Literary Adaptation?
Lonesome Dove is among Larry McMurtry’s best-known works and has remained popular decades after its original publication. The late author also wrote novels including Terms of Endearment and The Last Picture Show, both of which were adapted into acclaimed films.
McMurtry additionally co-wrote Brokeback Mountain, based on Annie Proulx’s short story, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Netflix has not yet announced casting for Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, a production start date or a release date for the new Lonesome Dove series.
