The Son

Two timelines drive The Son: a brutal rite of passage in 1849 as a kidnapped boy named Eli McCullough is claimed by a Comanche band and raised into their way of life; decades later the same Eli has become the hard driving overseer of a Texas cattle empire, facing rivals, violence, and the shifting politics of the region. The series tracks how his early experiences shape the man who leads a growing ranching dynasty, and how the choices of his younger and older selves echo through the generations. Based on Philipp Meyer's sprawling novel, the show blends frontier myth with family drama without shying from harsh truths of conquest and empire.

The Son arrived on AMC in 2017, created by Lee Shipman, Brian McGreevy and Philipp Meyer. It drew from Meyer's novel and unfolded across two generations with a varied slate of directors guiding its episodes, supported by meticulous production design.

The show stands out for its ambition in turning a sprawling Texas saga into a multi layered meditation on power, inheritance and the cost of empire. It juxtaposes frontier violence with family loyalty and native history, inviting audiences to rethink loyalty and ambition across generations, that lingers with viewers today.

Critics split on the pacing and tonal shifts but praised the cast, especially Pierce Brosnan as the patriarch whose ruthlessness masks a complicated past. The series leans into moral gray areas rather than outright heroism, examining how a child swept into another culture becomes the architect of a modern day enterprise while confronting the consequences of his choices. The show respects the source material while carving its own space for moral complexity.

Awards: The Son earned limited recognition at awards ceremonies, with critics noting strong performances and production value rather than broad acclaim. While it did not become a major awards magnet, the show was appreciated by fans for its serious take on legacy and power, and ongoing discussions.