About the show
Find out more about the critically acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning all-star mini series.
A clash of clans that evoked great passion, vengeance, courage, sacrifice, crimes and accusations, which changed the families and the history of the region forever.
Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton star in this sprawling, brutal epic, based on real events that took place along the banks of the Tug Fork and Big Sandy rivers on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky.
In 1863, as the American Civil War rages, two Confederate brothers-in-arms choose different paths, as Union soldiers bear down on their vulnerable position. 'Devil' Anse Hatfield (Costner) opts for strategic withdrawal, while Randall McCoy (Paxton) musters as many firearms as possible and repels the oncoming forces as best he can while his comrades make their escape.
When the war is over, McCoy, released from the prison camp where he saw out the conflict, returns to find that his wife and children are barely scraping by, while Hatfield has successfully moved into the timber industry.
They are the patriarchal figures of their respective families, the McCoys being from Kentucky and the Hatfields coming from West Virginia. The McCoys are soon claiming, with dubious proof, that the Hatfields' land is rightfully theirs.
This is the beginning of a feud that sees the families come to blows over love, land and livestock, nearly pushing the states of Kentucky and Virginia towards another civil war.
"There's no North or South. Just people who've got money and I’m here to do business," says Devil, outlining how he sees the post-war landscape.
The alleged theft of a Hatfield pig at the hands of a McCoy brings the clans to court, where the jury of twelve is divided in half, six from each family. "This is about honour and lying and stealing and murdering," says Randall. "It's about sin…"
Hatfields & McCoys starts on Thursday 25th October at 9pm on Channel 5.
Comments (14)
5 months ago
Dave Woodyet
Why are there only the first three episodes available? What happened to episodes 4 & 5?
6 months ago
wishbone
Tom Berenger as Jim Vance is an absolute scene stealer. All the cast are outstanding, Costner & company should be very proud.
6 months ago
david
has the pilot episode expired?
7 months ago
Richard
Watched the repeat tonight (Sunday, 4 November) and disappointed that at one point during programme a comment was made perpetuating the MYTH about Native Americans (or "Indians") scalping "Whites". It was actually vice-versa, the "Whites" scalped the "Indians" - but I guess it would be too much to expect absolute truth when it comes to american history with american programmes.
7 months ago
Pirate John
First Clas series with excellent cast. Well done
7 months ago
Pirate John
First class story, and Kevin and Bill are superb actors. Looking forward to the rest of the series
7 months ago
michael hibberd
Always loved westerns, grew up with them. This in the true tradition, great score too. Good job Mr Costner and co!
7 months ago
michael hibberd
michael hibberd. I have always loved westerns and this is in the true tradition. good job costner and Co!! great score too.
7 months ago
sue
absolutely brilliant series.
7 months ago
Judy
When will episode 2 be shown. Sky didn't offer the record series option.
7 months ago
Sunil
should be excellent! two great actors with our own Sarah Parish
7 months ago
Paul Vee
Bring it on - another great TV western about to hit UK screens! And not before time!
7 months ago
My Nikon
Agree
7 months ago
keith
cant wait.