10 Best Native American TV Shows That Celebrate Indigenous Voices

Last Updated: 2025-08-12 18:46:44

Native American culture has been gaining well-deserved attention in Hollywood with shows like Yellowstone shedding light on Indigenous stories and characters. From heartfelt dramas to witty comedies and insightful documentaries, they give Native creators, actors, and storytellers the platform they deserve.

If you're a fan of Nativ American TV shows, you're in the right place. In this guide, we will introduce you to the top 10 best Native American TV shows that celebrate Indigenous voices and culture in compelling ways.

Part 1: Why Native American Representation on TV Matters

For decades, mainstream media largely ignored Native American communities, often relying on harmful stereotypes or erasing their presence altogether. This lack of authentic Indigenous perspectives not only distorted public understanding but also limited how Native people saw themselves reflected on screen. Today, a new era is unfolding- Native-led production, inclusive writers, and authentic casting are finally giving Indigenous voices the space to share their own stories, on their terms.

Part 2: Top 10 Native American TV Shows You Shouldn't Miss

Here is a list of 10 must-watch Native American TV Shows that celebrate Indigenous voices and make a lasting impact on audiences worldwide:

1. Reservation Dogs (Hulu)

This native American comedy-drama follows Native teens - Bear, Elora, Willie Jack, and Cheese- as they navigate life, friendship, and loss while dreaming of escaping to California. It is the first American series to feature all Indigenous writers and directors, along with an almost entirely Indigenous North American cast and crew.

Native Representation: Created by Sterlin Harjo and Taika Waititi.
Where to Watch: All seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

2. Dark Winds (AMC/AMC+)

Dark Winds is an American psychological thriller television series created by Graham Roland, based on Tony Hillerman's acclaimed "Leaphorn & Chee" novels. Set in the 1970s on a remote Navajo Nation outpost, it follows Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate a series of crimes that test their beliefs, morality, and connection to their community.

Native Representation: Produced by Robert Redford and George R.R. Martin. Strong Native involvement, including lead actors Zahn McClarnon and Kiowa Gordon.
Where to Watch: Airs on AMC and is available for streaming on AMC+.

3. Rutherford Falls (Peacock)

Rutherford Falls is an American sitcom television series that premiered on the streaming service Peacock on April 22, 2021. It is about two lifelong friends, Nathan Rutherford and Reagan Wells, whose relationship is tested when a crisis hits their fictional small town.

Native Representation: Created by Sierra Teller Ornelas, Michael, and Ed Helms. It stars Jana Schmieding with a diverse Indigenous cast.
Where to Watch: All episodes are available on Peacock.

4. Molly of Denali (PBS Kids)

An native American TV comedy that follows the adventures of feisty and resourceful 10-year-old;d Molly Mabray, an Alaska Native girl, her dog Suki, and friends Tooey and Trini. Together, they embark on fun-filled quests around their small Alaskan community, solving problems, exploring nature, and learning about Native traditions.

Native Representation: Molly of Denali is the first nationally distributed children's series in the U.S. to feature an Alaska Native lead character.
Where to Watch: Episodes are available on PBS Kids.

5. Trickster (CBC)

Trickster is a supernatural drama series based on Eden Robinson's Son of a Trickster novel. It is set in British Columbia, and it follows Jared, a struggling Indigenous teenager juggling school, work, and caring for his dysfunctional parents.

Native Representation: A TV show with Native Americanactors such as Joel Oulette, Crystle Lightning, and Kalani Queypo.
Where to Watch: Aired on CBC in Canada and The CW in the U.S.

6. Spirit Rangers (Netflix)

Looking for the best Native American TV shows? Spirit Rangers is the best option. It is an animated preschool television series created by Karissa Valencia, a member of the Santa Ynez Band of the Chumash Nation. The series was released on Netflix on October 10, 2022.

Native Representation: Created by Karissa Valencia, the series boasts an all-Native room and a cast of Indigenous voice actors.
Where to Watch: Available on Netflix

7. Skindigenous (APTN / Amazon Prime)

It is a visually stunning documentary series that explores the rich, diverse traditions of Indigenous tattooing across the globe. Each episode introduces a different Indigenous tattoo artist, delving into their journey.

Native Representation: Features artists from Native American and other Indigenous communities.
Where to Watch: Airs on APTN in Canada and Amazon Prime in the U.S.

8. Native Shorts (FNX TV)

tv show with native american native shorts

Native Shorts is a film that highlights short films created by Indigenous filmmakers from around the world. The program covers a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, animation, and documentary.

Native Representation: Hosted by Native actors and produced in collaboration with Indigenous creatives.
Where to Watch: Native Shorts air on FNX TV

9. Future History (APTN)

Future History is an inspiring Native American documentary that follows hosts Kris Nahrgang, an Anishinaabe archaeologist, and Sarain Fox, an Anishinaabe activist and storyteller, as they explore the Indigenous knowledge and culture.

Native Representation: Its hosts, crew, and many featured belong to the First Nations.
Where to Watch: Available on APTN

10. The Red Road (SundanceTV)

The last Native American TV show on our list is "The Red Road." It is about a small-town New Jersey police officer as he navigates rising tensions between the local community and a nearby Native American tribe.

Native Representation: Featuring Native actor Jason Momoa in a lead role.
Where to Watch: Originally aired on Sundance TV

Part 3: [Bonus Tip] Enhance Your Native American TV Show Clips

If you want to enhance your Native American TV show clips, HitPaw VikPea is the best option. It is a powerful AI-powered tool designed to upscale video resolution, sharpen details, and reduce noise, without compromising the original quality. The standout feature of this tool is that it can enhance the native American show clips' resolution up to 8K. Further, it offers an intuitive interface, allowing beginners and non-technical users to enhance videos without editing skills.

Key Features of HitPaw VikPea

Support up to 8K: With the help of this tool, users can enhance video resolution up to 8K. It also supports various options such as 720p, 1080p, and 4K.
Noise Reduction: It automatically detects noise and grains in your video clips and removes them using AI technology.
Batch Processing: Allows users to upscale multiple videos at once, saving time and effort.
Intuitive Interface: The program offers a user-friendly interface, which is best for non-tech and beginner users.
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with various devices, including macOS and Windows. Plus, it supports various video formats such as MP4.

Step-by-Step Guide to Enhance Native American TV Show Videos

Launch HitPaw VikPea on your PC and click on the "Video Enhancer" option. Select "Import" and upload your video.
Now, select the "General Model." The General model includes five specialized AI sub-models, select according to your requirement.
Click on the "Preview" button to begin the enhancement process. Preview the results and click on "Export" to save it in MP4 format.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have mentioned the top 10 Native American TV Shows. Watching and sharing these series supports Indigenous creators. By engaging with these productions, you contribute to breaking stereotypes, preserving cultural heritage, and more. Plus, we have also introduced you to an AI tool known as HitPaw VikPea, allowing users to enhance Native American TV show clips.