MGM+ Delivers Thrilling 3-Season Western Epic 'Billy the Kid'

The series blends fact and fiction to redefine the notorious outlaw's fate.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 5:22pm

MGM+'s drama series "Billy the Kid" masterfully blends real American history with Western mythology, following the evolution of the young outlaw Henry "Billy" McCarty, played by Tom Blyth, as he navigates the Lincoln County War and clashes with the powerful Santa Fe Ring conspiracy. Over three thrilling seasons, the show redefines the legendary fate of Billy the Kid, embracing the legend while grounding it in true-to-life characters and conflicts.

Why it matters

Unlike many modern Westerns that focus on the contemporary American West, "Billy the Kid" ventures back to the post-Civil War era, weaving a captivating tale that further cements the outlaw's mythical status in the Western genre. By blending fact and fiction, the series provides a fresh take on a classic American story, appealing to both history buffs and fans of Western lore.

The details

Created by Michael Hirst ("Vikings," "The Tudors"), "Billy the Kid" stars Tom Blyth as the title character, chronicling his transformation from a young man seeking to protect his family to a gunslinging Regulator leading a rebellion against the powerful Santa Fe Ring conspiracy. As Billy navigates the Lincoln County War, he finds himself at odds with former allies like Jesse Evans (Daniel Webber) and Pat Garrett (Alex Roe), leading to a thrilling three-season journey that ultimately rewrites the outlaw's historic fate.

  • The series premiered on MGM+ in 2023 and ran for three seasons, concluding in 2025.

The players

Tom Blyth

The actor who portrays the title role of Billy the Kid, delivering a career-defining performance as the complex and compelling outlaw.

Michael Hirst

The creator of "Billy the Kid," known for his work on historical dramas like "Vikings" and "The Tudors."

Daniel Webber

The actor who plays Jesse Evans, Billy the Kid's longtime friend and fellow Regulator.

Alex Roe

The actor who portrays Pat Garrett, the lawman who becomes an adversary to Billy the Kid.

The Santa Fe Ring

A powerful conspiracy of wealthy elites that serves as the primary antagonist to Billy the Kid and the Regulators in the series.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Billy the Kid masterfully blends fact and fiction, redefining the notorious outlaw's fate in a thrilling three-season journey.”

— Chris Mcpherson

What’s next

The third and final season of "Billy the Kid" is set to premiere on MGM+ in 2025, promising a thrilling conclusion to the outlaw's reimagined story.

The takeaway

By embracing the legendary status of Billy the Kid while grounding the story in true-to-life characters and conflicts, "Billy the Kid" on MGM+ offers a fresh and captivating take on a classic American Western tale, appealing to both history enthusiasts and fans of the genre.