Waco (miniseries)

Last updated
Waco
WacoTitleCard.png
Genre
Based on
Developed by
Written by
Directed by
Starring
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes6 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
  • Harvey Weinstein (uncredited)
  • David C. Glasser
  • Michael Shannon
  • Taylor Kitsch
  • Megan Spanjian
  • Salvatore Stabile
  • John Erick Dowdle
  • Drew Dowdle
  • Ted Gold
Producer
  • Kelly A. Manners
CinematographyTodd McMullen
Editors
  • Elliot Greenberg
  • Christopher Nelson
Running time47–52 minutes
Production companies The Weinstein Company (uncredited)
Brothers Dowdle Productions
Release
Original network Paramount Network
Original releaseJanuary 24 (2018-01-24) –
February 28, 2018 (2018-02-28)
Related

Waco is an American television miniseries, developed by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, that premiered on January 24, 2018, on Paramount Network. The six-episode series dramatizes the 1993 standoff between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas and stars Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch, Andrea Riseborough, Paul Sparks, Rory Culkin, Shea Whigham, Melissa Benoist, John Leguizamo, Julia Garner, and Glenn Fleshler. The miniseries received a mixed response from critics who praised the performances and tension, but criticized the show's sympathetic approach to Branch Davidian leader David Koresh. [1] [2] [3] [4] A sequel titled Waco: The Aftermath premiered on April 16, 2023, on Showtime.

Contents

Premise

Waco is a dramatized exploration of the 51-day 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and David Koresh's religious faction, the Branch Davidians, in Waco, Texas, that culminated in a fatal fire. It investigates the tragedy before and during the standoff, from a variety of viewpoints of those most personally associated with the two sides of the dispute. [5]

Cast and characters

Main

Recurring

Guest

Notes
  1. ↑ Character based on actual ATF agent Robert Rodriguez. Originally announced as being Rodriguez before being renamed.
  2. ↑ Credited among the main cast beginning with the third episode, "Operation Showtime".

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateU.S. viewers
(millions)
1"Visions and Omens" John Erick Dowdle John Erick Dowdle & Drew DowdleJanuary 24, 2018 (2018-01-24)1.107 [6]
Nine months before the Waco siege, David Koresh preaches to his Branch Davidians at the Mount Carmel Center about what joy is. Afterward, he and a few of his followers perform as a cover band at a bar where Koresh meets David Thibodeau. Judy Schneider, one of Koresh's many wives, learns she is pregnant with his child. This puts her at odds with Steve, her true husband, and Koresh's right-hand man. Meanwhile, Gary Noesner, head of the FBI Crisis Negotiation Unit is assigned to Ruby Ridge to help defuse the standoff there. Six months later, the ATF is criticized for the way the Ruby Ridge case was handled, and Noesner holds some concerns about the written report which paints Mitch Decker, an FBI agent who Noesner believes acted poorly in the handling of the situation, in a positive light. The ATF receives word that a shipment of weapons is bound for Mount Carmel, and begins surveillance on the compound.
2"The Strangers Across the Street"John Erick DowdleJohn Erick Dowdle & Drew DowdleJanuary 31, 2018 (2018-01-31)0.737 [7]
With his surveillance team, ATF agent Jacob Vazquez disguises himself as a rancher and befriends David Koresh and the Branch Davidians to investigate where the weapons are stashed and to find out their true intentions. However, Steve already has some suspicions about their new neighbors. Koresh suggests that David Thibodeau marry Michelle as a way to ward off the state's child services. An upset Michelle, despite having feelings for Thibodeau, blames her sister Rachel for forcing her into marriage without her consent, to which Rachel retorts that she was not happy about the notion of having to share her husband with other women but did it out of loyalty to God. A jealousy towards David's other wives can be observed in Rachel at this point. The wedding proceeds and Vazquez tries to blend in. FBI agent Gary Noesner plans on filing a complaint against fellow agent Mitch Decker for his behavior on the Ruby Ridge case. As it continues to haunt Noesner, he looks to his wife for consolation and advice to help him stop second-guessing his decisions. The Waco Tribune-Herald releases an article painting David Koresh as a "Sinful Messiah", which doesn't sit too well with Rachel, Steve, and Koresh himself. After the Davidians are tipped off and Vazquez's cover is blown, Koresh instructs him to stop the raid, but it's all in vain when ATF agents in transit ignore his pleas.
3"Operation Showtime"John Erick Dowdle Salvatore Stabile February 7, 2018 (2018-02-07)0.824 [8]
ATF agents in tactical gear storm Mount Carmel Center and gunfire is exchanged, initiating a standoff between government officials and the Branch Davidians. After both parties call for a cease fire, a wounded David Koresh phones in Ron Engelman at a Dallas-area radio station during a live broadcast detailing the deadly siege. The FBI takes over operations from ATF and lead negotiator Gary Noesner establishes contact with Koresh in hopes for a peaceful resolution. Koresh suggests that the FBI broadcast his message to national media outlets before he could surrender. Later, Noesner talks with Jacob Vazquez in an attempt to find out whether the ATF or the Davidians fired first in the ambush. Perry Jones, severely wounded from the gunfire, says his last goodbyes to his daughters, Rachel and Michelle, and his fellowship before Koresh ends his suffering. ATF and FBI hold a press conference recapping the events of the raid and playing an audiotape by Koresh as promised. The sect packed their belongings and FBI agents prepare to escort them out, but in a shocking turn of events, Koresh makes a statement to Noesner over the phone saying they're not leaving. When Thibodeau's mother, Balenda Ganem, hears about the siege, she drives to Waco, concerned about her son's safety, and encounters Bonnie Sue Haldemann, the mother of David Koresh.
4"Of Milk and Men" Dennie Gordon Sarah Nicole JonesFebruary 14, 2018 (2018-02-14)0.780 [9]
After the first attempt to evacuate the Branch Davidians from Mount Carmel fails, Noesner suggests a new sensible plan to get the children out first safely while other FBI agents prefer to use force fearing that David Koresh and his followers would commit mass suicide. Koresh preaches to his remaining sect members that he'll wait for a sign from God and warns that the Kingdom of Heaven is coming, but he faints mid-way into the sermon. Noesner and fellow agent Walter Graves then focus their attention on Steve Schneider, who turns out to be the star recruiter. The shrinking food and water supplies and the lack of proper medical attention test the faith and patience of the Davidians and FBI respectively. David Thibodeau buries Perry Jones' body in the front yard instead of the bunker at Michelle's request. Steve contacts Noesner asking for milk after Rachel informs him that the mothers have stopped lactating. However, Noesner recommends adding listening bugs to the gallons so they'll have ears inside the compound. Throughout, Noesner's trickle method seems to work as a few Davidians left the complex, including a few kids. Later, the Koresh family with help from Steve send their videotape to the FBI blaming the government for the fatal attack. As parents begged their loved ones to walk out, electricity to the facility has been cut, leaving Koresh and the Davidians in the dark.
5"Stalling for Time"Dennie GordonSalvatore StabileFebruary 21, 2018 (2018-02-21)0.691 [10]
Over a week into the stalemate, Gary Noesner and his boss Tony Prince are at odds with each other on how David Koresh and the Branch Davidians should be handled. Kathy Schroder, upon seeing footage of her son Danny, leaves the compound to be with him. But immediately, Brad Branch follows after Koresh catches him drinking. Another week later, a frustrated Noesner snaps at colleagues Prince and Decker for continuing with their aggressive maneuvers after Koresh complains of armored tanks driving around their property. Tensions escalate as sect members feel the strain from the impasse. Over the phone, Noesner, in a reasonable calming tone, begs Koresh to level with him. At another press conference, Balenda, David Thibodeau's mom, demands that she and the other families in attendance intervene. Just as everything was settling down, Decker cuts their power off again and uses bright lights and a barrage of nuisance noises from their sound system as a way to flush the Davidians out. However, Wayne Martin powers on the generator, then Koresh and Thibodeau use it to their advantage to counter the annoyance. Bonnie Sue bonds with Balenda over her frustrations in regards to the secrecy and lack of access to the compound enforced by authorities, as well as their worries over the safety of their children and their childhood struggles.
6"Day 51"John Erick DowdleJohn Erick Dowdle & Drew DowdleFebruary 28, 2018 (2018-02-28)0.901 [11]
Attorneys visit with David Koresh and his followers to discuss the case at hand and options. From there, it looks like the stalemate is concluding, but Koresh asks Gary Noesner over the phone to let him write out the Seven Seals before he and his group submit themselves. Noesner agrees, but after a week has passed Koresh reneges on the deal and demands more time to perfect his manuscript. Tony Prince and Mitch Decker finally lose their patience and remove Noesner from the premises. Decker takes over and tactical agents are given the green light to use tanks to penetrate Mount Carmel and inject CS gas to flush out the sect members. This has the opposite effect as Steve issues gas masks and Koresh relocates everyone to bunkers within the school bus and the vault in the kitchen. When the FBI locates the Davidians via infrared scans they decide to insert CS gas directly into the vault. However, damage from the tanks causes parts of the building to cave in. The door to the vault becomes permanently blocked, turning it into a gas chamber from which none of the Davidians can survive. Meanwhile, a fire starts within the complex, gradually engulfing the wooden structure in flames. A few more Davidians, including Thibodeau, escape and surrender to authorities who promptly arrest them. The remaining members try desperately to escape through the bunker in the school bus, but it has caved in too far for anyone to escape the gas in time. The 76 that remain in the burning compound, including Koresh and the children, perish from smoke inhalation or mercy killings, bringing the 51-day standoff to a horrific end. Prince and the FBI paint the events as a mass suicide, as Noesner and the families are left to reconcile the tragic events.

    Series epilogue

    The series epilogue reads: "The FBI denied using incendiary devices that would ignite a fire. They claimed the Branch Davidian intentionally started the fire in an apparent mass suicide. The Justice Department's Danforth Report in 2000 concluded the fire was started by the Branch Davidians. The report also acknowledged that the FBI had used incendiary flash-bang grenades in the assault. Surviving Branch Davidians maintain that there was never a plan for mass suicide. FBI Negotiators successfully secured the release of 35 Branch Davidians during the siege. As a result of the tragedy in Waco, 76 Branch Davidians died in the fire. 25 of them were children."

    Production

    Development

    John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle initially conceived the project as a feature film. That original work eventually developed into a film script that ended up being around 150 pages. Concerned about its length, the brothers even changed the margins in an attempt to make the script shorter and therefore increasing their chances of interesting a studio. Eventually, Drew decided to convert their film project into a limited series, despite never having attempted that sort of format before. After bringing their project to The Weinstein Company, the producers agreed that the story would best be served in a longer format. [12]

    On August 30, 2016, it was announced that The Weinstein Company, through their Weinstein Television arm, was developing a television miniseries based upon the 1993 Branch Davidian siege in Waco, Texas. It was reported that John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle would write the series with the former directing. The series is based on two biographies: A Place Called Waco, by Branch Davidian survivor David Thibodeau, and Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator, written by the FBI's Special Agent in Charge of Negotiations Gary Noesner. [13] During the pre-production process, the Dowdle brothers spent a week at the Baylor University archives, where they have the largest collection related to the Waco siege, in order to conduct further research for the series. [14]

    On October 26, 2016, it was announced that Spike had picked up the rights to the series; [15] [16] Spike TV was later rebranded as Paramount Network in January 2018. [17] On April 21, 2017, it was reported that Salvatore Stabile and Sarah Nicole Jones had joined the writing staff and that four episodes would be directed by John Erick Dowdle with the remaining two directed by Dennie Gordon. [18]

    Casting

    Michael Shannon (22635291186).jpg
    Taylor Kitsch, 2012.jpg
    Michael Shannon (left) portrayed Gary Noesner; Taylor Kitsch (right) played David Koresh.

    Alongside the series order announcement, it was confirmed that Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch had been cast as Gary Noesner and David Koresh, respectively. [13] On March 24, 2017, it was announced that John Leguizamo had joined the cast in the role of ATF agent Robert Rodriguez. [5] Later that month, Andrea Riseborough, Rory Culkin, Paul Sparks, and Shea Whigham were also added as series regulars. [19] In April 2017, it was reported that Melissa Benoist and Julia Garner had boarded the series as regulars. [18] A few days later, Camryn Manheim, Eric Lange, Annika Marks, Steven Culp, and Sarah Minnich were revealed to have been cast in recurring roles. [20]

    Kitsch underwent a great deal of preparation and physical transformation for the role of Koresh. This included losing a substantial amount of weight, growing out his hair, and learning to play the guitar. [21] [22]

    Filming

    In March 2017, it was reported that the series was set to be filmed in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. [23] On April 10, 2017, the New Mexico Film Office issued a press release stating that principal photography would begin in mid-April and last through the end of June. [24]

    Release

    Marketing

    On September 26, 2017, Paramount released the first trailer for the series. [25] [26] A second trailer was released in November. [27] [28]

    Weinstein controversy

    On October 9, 2017, it was announced that following reports of sexual abuse allegations against producer Harvey Weinstein, his name would be removed from the series' credits as would The Weinstein Company. [29] On January 15, 2018, Kevin Kay, president of Paramount Network, clarified that Waco would not have The Weinstein Company's credits or logo on them, even though that company was involved in the production, with Harvey Weinstein also serving as executive producer. [29] Furthermore, he stated that they intend to replace Weinstein Television with the company's new name in the show's credits when available. [30]

    Premiere

    On January 24, 2018, the series had its official world premiere at Paley Center for Media in New York City. The premiere included a screening of the first episode and a discussion moderated by The New York Times 's Dave Itzkoff with the cast and crew featuring Taylor Kitsch, Michael Shannon, Rory Culkin, Andrea Riseborough, Gary Noesner, David Thibodeau, John Erick Dowdle, and Drew Dowdle. [31]

    Reception

    Critical response

    The series was met with a mixed response from critics upon its premiere. On the review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 70% approval rating with an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 based on 46 reviews. The website's critical consensus reads, "Waco brings its fact-based drama to life with an outstanding ensemble, though its sympathetic approach to the main character may offend some viewers." [1] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the series a score of 56 out of 100 based on 15 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [32]

    Matt Zoller Seitz of New York Magazine offered the series restrained praise saying, "It doesn't go nearly as far as it could've, given what a quietly charismatic star it has in Taylor Kitsch as David Koresh, and how immediately human all of his followers seem. All that being said, this is still a necessary and sometimes powerful series, particularly in the third hour, which depicts the initial assault on the compound that led to the two-month siege." [33] Alex McLevy of The A.V. Club praised the actors' performances while criticizing the series' writing saying, "In every case, the actor elevates the material, raising passable storytelling to a more compelling and charismatic level." [34] Mike Hale of The New York Times gave the series a mixed review, saying, "Waco is a workmanlike summary of events that paints a largely, some might say excessively, sympathetic portrait of Koresh and his followers. This is likely because of the demands of dramatic compression rather than any propagandizing on the part of the show's makers." [35] In a negative review, Lorraine Ali of The Los Angeles Times commented, "Waco isn't skillful enough to weave all the opposing perspectives here into a three-dimensional story, where the ultimate victims are the innocent folk betrayed by their leader and their government. It's so busy delivering Spam-sized chunks of ham-fisted dialogue defending the misunderstood Koresh, it loses all those other critical threads that make Waco a cautionary tale for all sides." [2]

    Ratings

    In addition to airing on the Paramount Network, episodes of the miniseries were simulcast on CMT.

    No.TitleAir date Rating
    (18–49)    		Viewers
    (millions)    		CMT
    (18–49)    		CMT viewers
    (millions)    		Total
    (18–49)    		Total viewers
    (millions)
    1"Visions and Omens"January 24, 20180.38 [6] 1.1070.120.3440.51.45
    2"The Strangers Across the Street"January 31, 20180.26 [7] 0.7370.090.2640.351.00
    3"Operation Showtime"February 7, 20180.28 [8] 0.8240.110.3060.391.13
    4"Of Milk and Men"February 14, 20180.28 [9] 0.780.040.1980.320.98
    5"Stalling for Time"February 21, 20180.24 [10] 0.6910.090.2820.330.97
    6"Day 51"February 28, 20180.29 [11] 0.9010.050.1930.341.09

    Awards and nominations

    AwardCategoryNominee(s)ResultRef.
    70th Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie John Leguizamo Nominated [36] [37]
    70th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Limited Series or Movie Craig Mann, Laura Wiest, and David Brownlow (for "Operation: Showtime")Nominated [36] [38]
    Outstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special Kelly Oxford, Karen Triest, Mitch Bederman, and Brian Straub (for "Operation: Showtime")Nominated

    Other media

    Revelations of Waco

    Revelations of Waco is a companion documentary series released exclusively on the Paramount Network website and YouTube channel following the initial airing of each episode of the miniseries. The series reveals the true to life details of the Waco siege through interviews with those on both sides of the conflict. Each episode runs between nine and thirteen minutes in length.

    No.TitleOriginal release date
    1"Ruby Ridge: Setting the Stage"January 24, 2018 (2018-01-24) [39]
    Former FBI negotiator Gary Noesner and former ATF agent John Risenhoover discuss the real story of the Ruby Ridge hostage situation, and how it set the stage months before Waco.
    2"Church and State: The Prophetic Vernon Howell"January 31, 2018 (2018-01-31) [40]
    Theologians explain how a young man named Vernon Howell came to change his name to David Koresh and become the leader of the Branch Davidians.
    3"Operation Showtime: Who Shot First?"February 7, 2018 (2018-02-07) [41]
    ATF officers and Branch Davidian survivors recount the first day of the infamous raid on the Mt. Carmel compound.
    4"Psychology of Belief: Manipulating Minds at Mount Carmel"February 14, 2018 (2018-02-14) [42]
    Branch Davidians, Waco survivors, and federal agents reveal the full extent of David Koresh's manipulative and powerful take on scripture.
    5"How Not to Negotiate With Believers: Sending Mixed Signals"February 21, 2018 (2018-02-21) [43]
    FBI Agent Gary Noesner provides his insights during his time at Mt. Carmel while negotiating with David Koresh.
    6"The Legacy of Waco: Lessons Learned"February 28, 2018 (2018-02-28) [44]
    Survivors of Waco, along with FBI agents and officers, explore their thoughts about the lasting effects of the devastation upon the Mt. Carmel Branch Davidians.

    Soundtrack

    Sony Classical has released a soundtrack album for the series that features selections of the show's original music composed by Jeff Russo and Jordan Gagne. [45]

    All music is composed by Jeff Russo and Jordan Gagne

    No.TitleLength
    1."Waco (Main Title Theme)"0:34
    2."Tear Gas"2:43
    3."David's Theme"1:48
    4."Sniper at Ruby Ridge"1:35
    5."Rachel Dies"2:14
    6."Incendiary"1:39
    7."Satellite Response"1:13
    8."Burning Compound"1:17
    9."Out for Blood"1:41
    10."Survivor List"2:33
    11."McLellan Prison"4:05
    Total length:21:23

    Sequel series

    A follow-up series titled Waco: The Aftermath premiered on April 16, 2023, on Showtime. It centers on the fallout from the Waco siege as well as the emerging patriot movement and features Michael Shannon, John Leguizamo, Shea Whigham and Annika Marks reprising their roles from the original miniseries. [46]

    Related Research Articles

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Branch Davidians</span> Cult known for the Waco siege of 1993

    The Branch Davidians are an apocalyptic cult founded in 1955 by Benjamin Roden. They regard themselves as a continuation of the General Association of Davidian Seventh-Day Adventists, established by Victor Houteff in 1935.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Waco siege</span> 1993 US law enforcement siege in Texas

    The Waco siege, also known as the Waco massacre, was the siege by U.S. federal government and Texas state law enforcement officials of a compound belonging to the religious cult known as the Branch Davidians between February 28 and April 19, 1993. The Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, were headquartered at Mount Carmel Center ranch in unincorporated McLennan County, Texas, 13 miles northeast of Waco. Suspecting the group of stockpiling illegal weapons, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) obtained a search warrant for the compound and arrest warrants for Koresh and several of the group's members.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Shannon</span> American actor

    Michael Corbett Shannon is an American actor. He is a frequent collaborator with director Jeff Nichols, having appeared in Nichols' films Shotgun Stories (2007), Take Shelter (2011), Mud (2012), Midnight Special and Loving, and The Bikeriders (2023). Shannon received two Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nominations, for Revolutionary Road (2008), and Nocturnal Animals (2016). He received Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe Award nominations for his role in 99 Homes (2014).

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Taylor Kitsch</span> Canadian actor and model

    Taylor Kitsch is a Canadian actor and model who has portrayed Tim Riggins in the NBC television series Friday Night Lights (2006–2011). He has also worked in films such as X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), Battleship (2012), John Carter (2012), Savages (2012), Lone Survivor (2013), The Grand Seduction (2014), American Assassin (2017), Only The Brave (2017), and 21 Bridges (2019).

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrea Riseborough</span> British actress

    Andrea Louise Riseborough is an English actress. She made her film debut with a small part in Venus (2006), and has since appeared in more prominent roles in Happy-Go-Lucky (2008), Never Let Me Go, Brighton Rock, Made in Dagenham, W.E. (2011), Shadow Dancer, Disconnect, Welcome to the Punch, Oblivion, Birdman (2014), Nocturnal Animals (2016), Battle of the Sexes, The Death of Stalin, Mandy, Nancy, The Grudge, and Possessor. For her performance as a recovering addict in the drama To Leslie (2022), Riseborough received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

    John Erick Dowdle is an American film director and screenwriter, best known for horror films. He usually works with his brother Drew Dowdle as a producer and co-screenwriter.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">David Koresh</span> American religious cult leader (1959–1993)

    David Koresh was an American cult leader who played a central role in the Waco siege of 1993. As the head of the Branch Davidians, a religious sect and offshoot of the Seventh-day Adventists, Koresh claimed to be its final prophet. His apocalyptic Biblical teachings, including interpretations of the Book of Revelation and the Seven Seals, attracted various followers.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Melissa Benoist</span> American actress and singer

    Melissa Marie Benoist is an American actress, singer and producer. Her first major role was Marley Rose on the Fox musical comedy drama Glee (2012–2014), in which she was a series regular during the fifth season. She rose to widespread prominence for portraying the title character on the CBS / CW superhero series Supergirl (2015–2021), along with related media in the Arrowverse franchise.

    <span class="mw-page-title-main">Keean Johnson</span> American actor

    Keean Johnson is an American actor who known for his lead role as Adam Freeman in action horror adventure series Spooksville.

    <i>Divorce</i> (TV series) American television series

    Divorce is an American comedy-drama television series created by Sharon Horgan, set in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, and starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church as a middle-aged divorcing couple. The series premiered on HBO on October 9, 2016. The pilot episode was written by Horgan and directed by Jesse Peretz. On November 14, 2016, HBO renewed the show for a second season, which premiered on January 14, 2018. On November 2, 2018, HBO renewed the show for a third season, which was later announced on its premiere date to be the final season.

    <i>American Woman</i> (TV series) American TV series or program

    American Woman is an American sitcom inspired by the childhood of actress and reality star Kyle Richards that premiered on June 7, 2018, on Paramount Network. The series was created by John Riggi and stars Alicia Silverstone, Mena Suvari, Jennifer Bartels, Makenna James, and Lia McHugh. On September 5, 2018, it was announced that the series had been cancelled after one season.

    <i>The Last O.G.</i> American comedy TV series (2018–21)

    The Last O.G. is an American comedy television series created by Jordan Peele and John Carcieri that premiered on March 31, 2018, on TBS. The series follows a convict released after serving fifteen years who returns to Brooklyn to find his old neighborhood has changed, and his ex-girlfriend is raising their children with another man. It stars Tracy Morgan, Tiffany Haddish, Allen Maldonado, Ryan Gaul, Taylor Christian Mosby, Dante Hoagland, and Cedric the Entertainer.

    <i>Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story</i> American TV series or program

    Rest in Power: The Trayvon Martin Story is an American documentary television series that premiered on July 30, 2018 on Paramount Network. The six-episode series documents the killing of Trayvon Martin and explores the racial tension in the United States that was brought about in its wake. The series is executive produced by Sybrina Fulton, Tracy Martin, Jay-Z, Chachi Senior, Michael Gasparro, Jenner Furst, Julia Willoughby Nason, and Nick Sandow. Furst and Nason also directed the series as well.

    First Wives Club is an American comedy television series, based on the 1996 film of the same name written by Robert Harling, that premiered in September 19, 2019 on BET+. The series was renewed for a second season on November 26, 2019, and premiered on July 15, 2021. On September 8, 2021, the series was renewed for a third season. Unlike the original film, the series features an entirely African-American cast.

    Waco: Madman or Messiah is a 2018 American documentary film directed by Christopher Spencer about the Branch Davidians and David Koresh in the years leading up to and including the 51-day stand-off with the FBI which ended with the 1993 raid on Mount Carmel, Texas. The four-hour, two-part documentary special premiered on January 28, 2018.

    Steven Emil Schneider was an American Branch Davidian commonly called a "lieutenant" to David Koresh, the leader of the new religious movement. He was formally married to Judy Schneider, but in the community Koresh impregnated Judy and she bore a child with him. Steve Schneider was raised in a Seventh-day Adventist household in Wisconsin. Schneider studied at Newbold College in the United Kingdom, and eventually worked to receive a Ph.D. in comparative religion at the University of Hawaiʻi. In approximately 1986, Schneider encountered Marc Breault, an indigenous Hawaiian Branch Davidian, and converted to Branch Davidianism.

    David Thibodeau is an American Branch Davidian, a survivor of the Waco siege, and a musician. He was born in Bangor, Maine. In early adulthood, Thibodeau sought to become a musician in Los Angeles, California, where he converted to Branch Davidianism after meeting David Koresh in a Guitar Center in 1990. In the late 1980s, he attended the Musicians Institute of Technology. At the Mount Carmel Center near Waco, Texas, Thibodeau married Michele Jones upon Koresh's request. Thibodeau was present at the Mt. Carmel compound on February 28, 1993, when the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) conducted a botched raid. He stayed for the 51-day siege until escaping, with eight other survivors, the fire that consumed the compound. In 1999, he co-authored a memoir called A Place Called Waco: A Survivor's Story with Leon Whiteson, a Zimbabwe-born novelist, critic, and architect. Thibodeau runs a website called "Waco Survivors," in which he archives media related to the Waco siege. He (re-)married in 1997 and has at least one daughter. In 2018, the miniseries Waco aired featuring Rory Culkin playing David Thibodeau and Thibodeau himself in a cameo role as an unnamed character. Thibodeau is a drummer for the band The Blast Addicts, and he resided in Texas as of 2020. He played drums for other bands after the Waco siege as well, including Grooviest Maximus.

    Sheila Judith Martin is an American Branch Davidian and a survivor of the Waco siege. She was the wife of Douglas Wayne Martin, a Harvard-educated lawyer, who died in the April 19, 1993, fire that destroyed Mount Carmel Center. Four out of her seven children died in the fire: Wayne Joseph, 20; Anita, 18; Sheila Renee, 15; and Lisa Martin, 13. In September 1993, she received custody of James Martin (1982–1998) who has cerebral palsy and is blind because of a meningitis infection at 4 months old. By 1994, she obtained custody in Texas state court of her two other children – Daniel and Kimberly.

    Ruth Ottman Riddle is a Canadian Branch Davidian and survivor of the Waco siege. Riddle was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She was born as Ruth Ellen Ottman. Riddle was one of nine survivors of the 19 April 1993 fire that destroyed the Mount Carmel Center and most of its occupants. She carried with her after leaving the compound a copy of David Koresh's final incomplete manuscript which after creating he agreed to leave. It was reprinted in James D. Tabor and Eugene V. Gallagher's book Why Waco?: Cults and the Battle for Religious Freedom in America. She was married to another Branch Davidian, James Loyle Riddle, who died in the 19 April 1993 fire. Her niece, Misty Dawn Ferguson, survived the fire as well. She was formerly of Tweed, Ontario. However, other sources indicate she is from Oshawa, Ontario.

    Waco: The Aftermath is an American television miniseries developed by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle that premiered on April 16, 2023, on Showtime. The five-episode series is a sequel to the 2018 miniseries Waco, which dramatizes the 1993 standoff between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Branch Davidians in Waco, Texas. The sequel series portrays the aftermath of the siege and the trials of the surviving members of the Branch Davidians. The cast includes Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham, John Leguizamo, and Annika Marks, who reprise their roles from the Waco miniseries.

    References

    1. 1 2 "Waco". Rotten Tomatoes . Fandango . Retrieved December 18, 2018.
    2. 1 2 Ali, Lorraine (January 24, 2018). "The problematic 'Waco' recasts cult leader David Koresh as a sympathetic figure". The Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    3. ↑ Travers, Ben (January 24, 2018). "'Waco' Review: Taylor Kitsch is Terrific in a Human Drama That's Too Sympathetic Toward One Subject". IndieWire. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
    4. ↑ Salisbury, Drew (January 25, 2018). "Waco's Sympathetic Portrayal of David Koresh Doesn't Do the Show Any Favors". Spin. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
    5. 1 2 Petski, Denise (March 24, 2017). "'Waco': John Leguizamo Cast In Event Series From Weinstein TV". Deadline. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
    6. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (January 25, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.24.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on January 26, 2018. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
    7. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (February 1, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 1.31.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    8. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (February 8, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.7.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2018.
    9. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (February 15, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.14.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 16, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
    10. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (February 22, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.21.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    11. 1 2 Metcalf, Mitch (March 1, 2018). "Updated: ShowBuzzDaily's Top 150 Wednesday Cable Originals & Network Finals: 2.28.2018". Showbuzz Daily. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
    12. ↑ Radish, Christina (February 28, 2018). "'Waco' Creators on How the Story Evolved from a Film to a TV Series". Collider. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
    13. 1 2 Pedersen, Erik (August 30, 2016). "Michael Shannon & Taylor Kitsch Topline Weinstein Co. Series 'Waco', Based On 1993 Siege". Deadline. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
    14. ↑ Baumann, Michael (January 24, 2018). "Beyond the Monster: The Creators of 'Waco' Talk About Re-creating David Koresh's Infamous Standoff for TV - The Ringer". The Ringer. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
    15. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (October 26, 2016). "Spike TV Lands 'Waco' Event Series From Weinstein TV". Deadline. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
    16. ↑ "Weinstein Television's Epic Scripted Event Series "Waco," Lands on Spike TV". The Futon Critic . October 26, 2016. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
    17. ↑ Owen, Rob (January 16, 2018). "Tuned In: Spike TV becomes Paramount Network". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
    18. 1 2 Andreeva, Nellie (April 21, 2017). "Melissa Benoist & Julia Garner To Co-Star In 'Waco' Event Series For Par Network". Deadline. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
    19. ↑ Petski, Denise (March 27, 2017). "'Waco': Andrea Riseborough, Rory Culkin, Paul Sparks & Shea Whigham Join Cast". Deadline. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
    20. ↑ Petski, Denise (April 24, 2017). "'Waco': Camryn Manheim, Eric Lange Among 5 Cast In Event Series For Par Network". Deadline. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
    21. ↑ Radish, Christina (January 24, 2018). "Melissa Benoist on Filming 'Waco' and How the Experience Stayed with Her". Collider. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
    22. ↑ Turchiano, Danielle (January 24, 2018). "'Waco' Team on the Challenge of Finding 'Heroes Within This Bad Situation'". Variety. Retrieved February 26, 2018.
    23. ↑ Stelnicki, Tripp (March 9, 2017). "Miniseries 'Waco' to begin filming in Santa Fe County". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
    24. ↑ "The New Mexico Film Office Announces "Waco" to film in New Mexico" (PDF). NMFilm.com. The New Mexico Film Office. April 10, 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 11, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
    25. ↑ Petski, Denise (September 26, 2017). "'Waco' Trailer: First Footage Of Michael Shannon & Taylor Kitsch In Paramount Network Series". Deadline. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
    26. ↑ Lawrence, Derek (September 26, 2017). "Taylor Kitsch, Michael Shannon brace for a deadly showdown in first 'Waco' trailer". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    27. ↑ Petski, Denise; Andreeva, Nellie (November 14, 2017). "Paramount Network Releases New Trailer for 'Waco' Miniseries With No Weinstein TV In Credits". Deadline. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
    28. ↑ Highfill, Samantha (November 14, 2017). "Tensions rise between Taylor Kitsch and Michael Shannon in new 'Waco' trailer". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    29. 1 2 Littleton, Cynthia (October 9, 2017). "Harvey Weinstein Dropped as EP on Weinstein Co. TV Shows, Apple Scraps Presley Biopic Series". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
    30. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 15, 2018). "Paramount Network Boss Addresses Harvey Weinstein's Involvement In TWC Series 'Waco' & 'Yellowstone'". Deadline. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
    31. ↑ "Waco: World Premiere Screening and Discussion". The Paley Center for Media. December 2017. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    32. ↑ "Waco". Metacritic . CBS Interactive . Retrieved December 18, 2018.
    33. ↑ Seitz, Matt Zoller (January 23, 2018). "Waco Is a Necessary and Sometimes Powerful Series". New York Magazine (Vulture). Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    34. ↑ McLevy, Alex (January 23, 2018). "Waco dramatizes a colossal and deadly series of real-life mistakes". The A.V. Club. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    35. ↑ Hale, Mike (January 23, 2018). "Review: Taylor Kitsch Is a Charismatic David Koresh in 'Waco'". The New York Times. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    36. 1 2 Hipes, Patrick (July 12, 2018). "Emmy Nominations: 'Game Of Thrones' Tops Noms, With Netflix & HBO Leading Way". Deadline. Retrieved July 12, 2018.
    37. ↑ "Emmys: Complete Winners List". The Hollywood Reporter. September 17, 2018. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
    38. ↑ Littleton, Cynthia (September 9, 2018). "Anthony Bourdain, 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Saturday Night Live' Win Big on Night 2 of Creative Arts Emmy Awards". Variety. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
    39. ↑ "Ruby Ridge: Setting the Stage (Ep. 1) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. January 24, 2018. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    40. ↑ "Church and State: The Prophetic Vernon Howell (Ep. 2) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. January 31, 2018. Archived from the original on February 1, 2018. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
    41. ↑ "Operation Showtime: Who Shot First? (Ep. 3) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. February 7, 2018. Archived from the original on February 8, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
    42. ↑ "Psychology of Belief: Manipulating Minds at Mount Carmel (Ep. 4) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. February 14, 2018. Archived from the original on February 15, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2018.
    43. ↑ "How Not to Negotiate With Believers: Sending Mixed Signals (Ep. 5) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. February 21, 2018. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    44. ↑ "The Legacy of Waco: Lessons Learned (Ep. 6) — Revelations Of Waco". Paramount Network. February 28, 2018. Archived from the original on March 1, 2018. Retrieved February 28, 2018.
    45. ↑ "Paramount Network's Waco soundtrack". iTunes. February 9, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
    46. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (February 22, 2023). "Paramount+ 'Waco' Sequel Series To Premiere On Showtime". Deadline. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
    This page is based on this Wikipedia article
    Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
    Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.