Watch Centennial
- TV-PG
- 1978
- 1 Season
-
8.3 (3,441)
Based on the book of the same name by James A. Michener, Centennial is an epic television series that was broadcasted on NBC from 1978-1979. The show aimed to take viewers through the journey of the American West, spanning centuries of history and featuring a vast and diverse cast of characters. The series opens with the arrival of French fur traders in the Colorado wilderness in the late 18th century. Over the course of the next ten episodes, viewers follow the development of a small community in the present-day town of Centennial. The narrative is woven together through the lives of various characters, including ranchers, Native Americans, gold miners, and politicians, and explores themes of greed, power, and progress. The series is anchored by a strong and accomplished cast, with Raymond Burr as the narrator and Barbara Carrera and Richard Chamberlain in leading roles. Carrera plays the part of Clay Basket, a young Arapaho woman who falls in love with Alexander McKeag (Chamberlain), a Scottish trapper who becomes one of the area's earliest settlers. Throughout the series, viewers are introduced to a wide range of characters, each with their own agenda and motivations. As the show progresses, it traces the arrival of new settlers, the establishment of the first trading posts, and the conflicts between the different groups that emerged in the American West. There are clashes between white settlers and Native Americans, battles with outlaws and bandits, and political struggles over power and resources. The series addresses issues such as the impact of white settlement on Native American land, the exploitation of mineral resources, and the establishment of the cattle industry. Despite its age, Centennial remains a well-respected piece of television history. The series is notable for its well-crafted storytelling, thoughtful writing, and sweeping cinematography - all of which helped establish it as one of the most ambitious TV projects of its time. Many of the scenes in the series were shot on location, giving viewers an immersive experience of the American West. Overall, Centennial stands as a significant and memorable piece of television history, both for its scope and its cultural impact. With an all-star cast and a narrative that touches on so many aspects of Western history, it remains a must-watch for fans of historical drama and classic television.