The documentary series The West begins by framing the American West as a land of boundless opportunity and brutal conflict, a place where ambition collided with harsh realities. The series highlights historical figures, including outlaws, lawmen, cowboys, ranchers, and trailblazing women. It tells the story without shying away from some of the darker aspects of expansion, particularly its devastating impact on Native American populations. The focus of Costner’s The West is on the post-Revolutionary War era, when the United States began forging its identity during the nation’s rapid expansion.

Kevin Costner’s The West: A New Era for Britain’s Former Colonies Latest News

The West opens with Costner addressing the audience directly. He asks “what do we see when we think of the West?” The 8-part series will attempt to answer the question. Costner talks about what ignited his love for the era. He says that it all started when he was just seven years old. He had gone to the movies, where he had seen How The West Was Won.

Kevin Costner’s The West: A New Era for Britain’s Former Colonies Cast

Costner has made multiple other Western-themed films, like Dances With Wolves, Silverado, and Wyatt Earp. During the opening of The West, Costner says, “The West has a power, like nowhere else, to fire up the imagination.” His command of history and love for the era really shine through, making him the ideal host for The West.

Kevin Costner’s The West: A New Era for Britain’s Former Colonies Premiere Date

This 8-part docuseries, Kevin Costner’s The West, premiered on the History Channel on May 26, 2025. The series picks up immediately after the Revolutionary War has been won. The American settlers had kicked out the British, who ceded the entire continent to them. Despite the fledgling government’s attempts to control the early expansion, some settlers saw access to the land as the spoils of war. This was a problem because there were already people living on much of the land.

Kevin Costner’s The West: A New Era for Britain’s Former Colonies Everything We Know