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Kevin Costner's Hatfields & McCoys: A Ratings Smash
31 Oct
Summary
- Miniseries dramatized the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud in the late 1800s.
- It achieved record ratings for the History Channel in May 2012.
- The series earned 16 Emmy nominations, highlighting its critical acclaim.
In May 2012, the History Channel debuted a limited drama series, "Hatfields & McCoys," starring Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton. This Western miniseries vividly dramatized the notorious feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families. The feud, which spanned three decades in the late 1800s, involved escalating revenge killings and disputes over land.
Costner, who also produced the series, portrayed William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield. The series' premiere on May 28, 2012, attracted 13.9 million viewers, setting a new record for the History Channel. It became the most-watched non-sports, non-news cable broadcast ever.
"Hatfields & McCoys" garnered 16 Emmy nominations, underscoring its significant impact. The series' success preceded the trend of major film stars frequently appearing on television, predating shows like "True Detective" by two years. This pivot marked a more prestigious direction for the History Channel, known for its documentary content.
