Deadwood is an American western–drama television series created, produced and almost entirely written by David Milch. The series aired on the premium cable network HBO from 21 March 2004 to 27 August 2006, spanning three 12-episode seasons. Set in the 1870s in Deadwood, South Dakota, the show is set before and after the area's annexation by the Dakota Territory. The series charts Deadwood's growth from camp to town, incorporating themes ranging from the formation of communities to western capitalism. The show features a large ensemble cast, and many historical figures—such as Seth Bullock, Al Swearengen, Wild Bill Hickok, Sol Star, Calamity Jane, Wyatt Earp, E. B. Farnum, Charlie Utter, and George Hearst—appear as characters on the show. The plotlines involving these characters include historical truths as well as substantial fictional elements. Some of the characters are fully fictional, although they may have been based on actual persons. Deadwood received wide critical acclaim, won eight Emmy Awards, and one Golden Globe, and consistently drew high, though not spectacular, ratings.

Although there were plans to conclude the series with two special TV movies, the plans have not come to fruition. Several of the series stars have since commented that the series is now unlikely to return. As of 10 October 2007, however, HBO reasserted that the two movies could still be made, declining to support the notion that the show is dead. In July 2008, HBO conceded that the possibility of the two TV movies being made was very slim.