Is Jason Momoa’s Forgotten Police Thriller the Must-Watch Series You’ve Been Missing?

Jason Momoa's police drama, The Red Road, is gaining renewed attention after being made available on ITVX. The series, which originally aired from February 2014 to May 2015, stars Martin Henderson as a police officer whose investigation into a college student's disappearance leads him to a Native American tribe, where he encounters Momoa's character, Phillip Kobus. This gripping drama has been praised for its intense storytelling and strong performances, particularly Momoa's, and has left fans longing for more after its premature cancellation.

Last updated: 09 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Red Road, a series that many viewers may have overlooked during its original run, is now accessible for UK audiences on ITVX. This resurgence offers a chance for both new viewers and long-time fans to experience the intense narrative and complex characters that have garnered critical acclaim over the years. With all episodes available to binge, it’s an opportune time to dive into the world of Harold Jensen and Phillip Kobus, and explore the themes of family, loyalty, and the struggles of identity in a modern context.

Key takeaways

• The Red Road is now streaming on ITVX, allowing for a new audience to discover its compelling story.
• Jason Momoa's performance has been widely praised, highlighting his range as an actor beyond action roles.
• The series has a strong critical reception, with season 2 rated 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Timeline: how we got here

The Red Road had its original premiere on SundanceTV on 28 February 2014 and concluded its run on 28 May 2015. The show aired for two seasons, comprising a total of 12 episodes. Although it received positive feedback from viewers, it was ultimately cancelled, leaving fans disappointed and longing for closure. Since its cancellation, interest in the series has fluctuated, but its recent addition to ITVX has reignited discussions about its quality and the potential for revival.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The availability of The Red Road on ITVX is the primary news, allowing viewers to revisit or discover the show anew. This brings a fresh wave of interest and conversation surrounding its themes and performances.

What was already established

Before its arrival on ITVX, The Red Road had been praised for its storytelling and character development. Jason Momoa's portrayal of Phillip Kobus was noted for its depth and vulnerability, a departure from his typical action-hero roles. The series' exploration of Native American issues and small-town dynamics was recognised, but its abrupt cancellation left many fans unsatisfied.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK viewers, the release of The Red Road on ITVX provides an opportunity to engage with a critically acclaimed series without additional costs, as ITVX offers free streaming options. This could lead to a broader conversation about representation and storytelling in media, particularly regarding Indigenous narratives.

Businesses and jobs

The renewed interest in The Red Road could also benefit the entertainment sector in the UK, driving engagement with platforms like ITVX. This can potentially lead to more investment in similar projects that explore diverse stories, increasing job opportunities in the industry.

Policy and regulation

While The Red Road's revival on ITVX may not directly influence policy, it highlights the growing demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling in media. This could encourage broadcasters to invest more in varied narratives and potentially impact content regulations in the long run.

Numbers that matter

• 12 episodes across two seasons, highlighting the concise storytelling approach of The Red Road.
• 80% audience score for season 1 and 92% for season 2 on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting an upward trajectory in quality as the series progressed.
• Originally aired from February 2014 to May 2015, indicating a relatively short run that has led to ongoing discussions about its cancellation.

Definitions and jargon buster

• SundanceTV: An American cable and satellite television network known for airing independent films and original programming.
• Native American tribe: A community of Indigenous people in the United States, with their own distinct culture and governance.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Viewers can take this opportunity to binge-watch The Red Road on ITVX, engaging with the series and sharing their thoughts on social media platforms. This could inspire discussions around its themes and performances.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As more viewers discover the series, there may be a push for networks to reconsider its cancellation or explore potential spin-offs or adaptations that further develop its storylines and characters.

Signals to watch

• Monitor social media engagement regarding The Red Road to gauge viewer interest and potential calls for revival.
• Keep an eye on ITVX’s programming updates for any potential announcements regarding similar series or spin-offs.

Practical guidance

Do

• Watch The Red Road on ITVX to fully appreciate its narrative and character development.
• Engage with online communities discussing the show to enhance your viewing experience.

Don’t

• Don’t dismiss the series based on its previous cancellation; many shows gain appreciation over time.
• Don’t hesitate to share your views on social media; viewer feedback can influence future decisions by networks.

Checklist

• Check your ITVX subscription to ensure you can access The Red Road.
• Set aside time to binge-watch the series to catch up on the story.
• Engage with fellow fans online to discuss episodes and character arcs.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While The Red Road has received positive reviews, the potential for a revival remains uncertain. Viewer interest must sustain to influence network decisions. Additionally, the portrayal of sensitive topics related to Indigenous cultures must be handled with care and respect, which could impact future projects based on audience reception.

Bottom line

The Red Road's arrival on ITVX is a significant opportunity for viewers to discover a well-crafted series that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and morality. As audiences engage with the show, there is potential for renewed discussions about its cancellation and the broader implications for storytelling in television.

FAQs

What is The Red Road about?

The Red Road follows police officer Harold Jensen as he investigates a college student's disappearance, leading him to a Native American tribe and confronting moral dilemmas that jeopardise his family.

Where can I watch The Red Road?

The Red Road is currently available for streaming on ITVX, where all episodes can be binge-watched.

Why was The Red Road cancelled?

The Red Road was cancelled after two seasons due to low viewership, despite its critical acclaim and strong fan support, leaving many viewers disappointed.