Netflix announced Tuesday that it has officially ordered a new television series adaptation of “Lonesome Dove.” The project will be helmed by co-showrunners Zoe Kazan and Jeb Stuart, who are also attached to direct and executive produce the series.
The streamer secured the rights to the legendary Western through Teton Ridge Entertainment, which holds the production rights to Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, first published in 1985. The source material was previously adapted into the acclaimed 1989 CBS miniseries that starred Robert Duvall and won both Emmy and Golden Globe awards.
Kazan and Stuart share a recent collaboration history, having worked together as co-showrunners on Netflix’s upcoming limited series “East of Eden.” Alongside them, executive producers on the “Lonesome Dove” project include Thomas Tull, Jen Gorton, and Jillian Share from Teton Ridge, as well as Diana Ossana and Curtis McMurtry representing the McMurtry Estate.
The series follows Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call as they embark on one final cattle drive. The two former Texas Rangers journey from the Rio Grande to the rugged wilderness of Montana, driven by a dream they may have already outlived. The narrative promises to explore themes of unrequited longing, enduring friendship, frontier justice, and the search for meaning across the American West.
“‘Lonesome Dove’ is one of the great American stories, and there was no question we wanted to follow Zoe and Jeb wherever they went next,” said Jinny Howe, Netflix’s head of scripted series in the U.S. and Canada. “After ‘East of Eden,’ we know exactly what they’re capable of — the depth of character, the sweep of place, the emotional precision. This material deserves that level of care. In their hands, it’s going to be something extraordinary. We’re excited to partner with Teton Ridge to bring this legendary story to life.”
In a joint statement, Kazan and Stuart expressed their enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We come to this material with love and respect, and can’t wait to hit the trail with Gus and Call and the rest of these beloved characters.”
Jillian Share, president of Teton Ridge Entertainment, added that the property is “the kind of story that only comes along once in a generation,” noting the opportunity to introduce McMurtry’s world to a new generation of viewers.
Finally, a Western with actual depth. Netflix picking up McMurtry’s work is a smart move.
Jeb Stuart?! After the 80s miniseries, this feels risky. Hope they respect the source material.
As long as they don’t ruin Gus and Call, I’m in. That book is sacred to me.