Legend
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- Ended
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Season 1:
Ended on August 08, 1995 -
Watched: 0%
0 of 13 Episodes
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Why Watch
"A witty steampunk Western where science meets the frontier, featuring the iconic duo of Richard Dean Anderson and John de Lancie."
AI Critic Analysis
Series Deep Dive:
Premiering in 1995 on the fledgling UPN network, Legend remains a fascinating relic of mid-90s genre experimentation. Starring Richard Dean Anderson as Ernest Pratt, a hard-drinking novelist who assumes the identity of his fictional hero, Nicodemus Legend, the series blended Western tropes with proto-steampunk invention. Alongside John de Lancie as the eccentric scientist Janos Bartok, the show offered a lighthearted, intellectual alternative to the gritty dramas of its era. Though it lasted only twelve episodes, its legacy is defined by its clever deconstruction of frontier myths and the chemistry between its leads. It served as a vital bridge for Anderson between the mechanical ingenuity of MacGyver and the cosmic leadership of Stargate SG-1, securing its place in cult television history.
Season: 1
| Watched? | # | Air Date | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Apr 18, 1995 | Birth of a Legend (1) | |
| E2 | Apr 18, 1995 | Birth of a Legend (2) | |
| E3 | Apr 25, 1995 | Mr. Pratt Goes to Sheridan | |
| E4 | May 02, 1995 | Legend on His President's Secret Service | |
| E5 | May 09, 1995 | Custer's Next to Last Stand | |
| E6 | May 16, 1995 | The Life, Death, and Life of Wild Bill Hickok | |
| E7 | May 23, 1995 | Knee-High Noon | |
| E8 | Jun 12, 1995 | The Gospel According to Legend | |
| E9 | Jun 20, 1995 | Bone of Contention | |
| E10 | Jul 04, 1995 | Revenge of the Herd | |
| E11 | Jul 18, 1995 | Fall of a Legend | |
| E12 | Jul 24, 1995 | Clueless in San Francisco | |
| E13 | Aug 08, 1995 | Skeletons in the Closet |
Series Legacy & Historical Archive
Franchise Status: The series remains a standalone cult classic with no current revival or reboot projects in active development.
Legend remains a definitive pillar of Western-Steampunk television, having concluded its influential run on UPN. The show carved out a unique identity by blending frontier adventure with a whimsical, proto-steampunk sensibility that predated many modern genre trends. By pairing Ernest Pratt with the brilliant scientist Huitzilopochtli Ramos, the narrative explored the tension between the mythic hero and the reality of the human condition, making it a cornerstone of 1990s experimental television.
Its legacy as a rewatch staple is rooted in the undeniable chemistry between Richard Dean Anderson and John de Lancie, who brought a sophisticated wit to the small screen. Fans continue to return to the series for its clever subversion of Western tropes and its optimistic portrayal of scientific ingenuity. Despite its short broadcast life, the program is remembered for its intellectual charm and its ability to balance high-stakes action with a satirical look at the very legends it helped create.
If you liked Legend:
Technical Details
- Network: UPN
- Seasons: 1
- Years: 1995 - 1995
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction, Western