The Forgotten Frontier: Remembering Hulu‘s First Western Comedy, “Speedy Draw”
Before Hulu became a streaming giant synonymous with prestige dramas and binge-worthy originals, it was experimenting. One of the platform’s earliest gambles was a quirky Western comedy called “Quick Draw,” a show that, while largely forgotten today, represents a captivating footnote in streaming history. Let’s take a look back at this unique series and the story behind its creation.
A Unique Blend of west and whimsy
“Quick draw” arrived on the scene in 2013, fitting neatly alongside other Western-comedy hybrids popular in the 1990s like “Legend,” “jack of All trades,” and “The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.” The show centered around Sheriff John Henry Hoyle, portrayed by John Lehr, a Harvard graduate who unexpectedly finds himself enforcing the law in the small Kansas town of Great Bend.
Hoyle, a decidedly unseasoned lawman, attempts to modernize law enforcement by introducing the concept of forensics to a community deeply rooted in traditional Western ways. Instead of a serious ancient exploration, the show leaned heavily into broad comedy. Hoyle was intentionally portrayed as whiny and inept, much to the chagrin of the townspeople.
A Clash of cultures and Comedy
The series distinguished itself with its anachronistic dialog,employing modern slang and colloquialisms within a Wild West setting. A significant portion of the humor stemmed from Lehr’s masterful portrayal of social awkwardness. As the show’s tagline aptly put it, “It takes a brave man to be this clueless.”
Despite its unconventional approach, “Quick Draw” managed to run for two seasons, totaling 18 episodes. This success was notable considering Hulu was still in its early stages of development, prior to Disney’s majority stake acquisition in 2019. Actually, “Quick Draw” was announced alongside another original series, “The Awesomes,” signaling Hulu’s initial foray into original content creation.
Beyond the Main Series: A Cocktail of Content
“Quick Draw” didn’t limit its creativity to the main storyline. The show also released eight mid-season “webisodes” exclusively online. These weren’t extensions of the narrative, but rather a surprising detour into the world of 19th-century mixology.These segments featured Lehr alongside Lavinia Webb,a professional bartender,demonstrating how to craft authentic cocktails from the era. Lehr attempted to inject humor into the lessons,but Webb maintained a delightfully deadpan demeanor,refusing to play along.This unexpected pairing added another layer of charm to the series.
A Quiet Fade and Lasting Legacy
“Quick Draw” concluded its run in October 2014, quickly fading into the vast library of streaming content. Many of Hulu’s early original shows have been largely forgotten, casualties of ambitious expansion and limited promotion. Though, the show remains a testament to the platform’s willingness to experiment and take risks.Ultimately,”Quick Draw” wasn’t a cultural phenomenon like some of Hulu’s later hits. Nevertheless,it played a crucial role in establishing Hulu as a destination for original programming and paved the way for the streaming successes that followed. It’s a reminder that even the most obscure projects can contribute to a larger story of innovation and evolution in the entertainment landscape.
If you’re a fan of quirky comedies or Westerns with a twist, “Quick Draw” is a hidden gem worth rediscovering. You might be surprised by its unique charm and enduring appeal.
