June 26, 2025

INSP Sets Premiere Date for Original Series “Elkhorn”

 

 

 

Critically Acclaimed Western Drama Depicting Theodore Roosevelt’s Early Life as a Cowboy Returns October 2nd at 9PM ET

(Indian Land, SC – June 26, 2025) – INSP EVP of Programming, Doug Butts, today announced that the highly anticipated 2nd season of INSP’s original Western drama, ELKHORN, will premiere on Thursday, October 2nd at 9PM ET.  The widely acclaimed series portrays the formative years of America’s 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, as a true Cowboy in the Dakotas.

“The first season of Elkhorn introduced audiences to a young Theodore Roosevelt.” said Craig Miller, VP of Original Programming at INSP. “Fresh from personal tragedy and political disillusionment, he sought refuge and purpose in the rugged Dakota Badlands.  In season 2, our story picks up with a more seasoned Roosevelt who is no less driven but continuously plagued by mounting tensions in the territory—and within his own ranch.”

Miller continued, “as Roosevelt faces new adversaries and unresolved grief, ELKHORN deepens its exploration of the man who would become known as the cowboy president.” He added “we all know the legend, now viewers can witness the making of the man.”

Executive Producer Gary Tarpinian stated “in light of the critical reception and audience engagement the series received in season 1, we are excited and proud of how the next season provides more layers to Roosevelt’s journey. The cast are incredible to work with, embodying these historical figures with authenticity and passion. We are honored to continue telling this remarkable story.”

Shot with cinematic production values and historically inspired detail, ELKHORN positions itself at the intersection of a traditional Western and a biographical drama—blending action, frontier diplomacy, and personal transformation. Mason Beals, series lead, was awarded “Best Actor” in the Cowboys & Indians 2025 Movie & TV Awards for his portrayal of Roosevelt. Additionally, ELKHORN won “Best Western TV Series” against such august competition as Landman and Yellowstone!

The series joins INSP’s growing slate of original scripted programming aimed at audiences hungry for classic storytelling with contemporary depth, redefining the American Western for a new generation – including BLUE RIDGE (starring Johnathon Schaech, THAT THING YOU DO!), as well as the historical docudrama series, WILD WEST CHRONICLES.

For screeners and interview opportunities, contact Melissa Thornton | mthornton@insp.com | 704.724.0745

 

About INSP

INSP is available nationwide to more than 40M households via MVPDs including DISH (channel 259), DIRECTV (channel 364), Comcast Xfinity, Cox Communications, Charter Spectrum, National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC), Verizon Fios (channel 286), AT&T U-verse (channel 564) and on vMVPDs including SLING TV, fuboTV, Philo, Frndly TV, Vidgo and FreeCast. Click here to find INSP in your area. INSP provides a trusted viewing experience with a lineup of exclusive and original series, timeless Westerns, action-filled dramas, and films focused on adventure and heroic characters.

About MorningStar Entertainment

Gary Tarpinian and Paninee Theeranuntawat created MorningStar Entertainment with the goal of producing high-quality television programing. Over the past 20 years, this Emmy Award winning Production Company has produced hundreds of hours of great Television Series and Specials for such esteemed US networks as Discovery, National Geographic, History, The CW Network, PBS, A&E, TLC, Lifetime, Travel, ESPN, Discovery Science, and many others. They have also worked with or had their programs air on such respected international networks as Channel 5 UK, RTL Germany, RAI-Italy, France 5, Antena 3 – Spain, the Australian Broadcasting Company and many others. Among MorningStar’s best known programs include the hit series I Survived!, Deadliest Warrior, Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force and Mysteries Decoded.