AMC Re-Embracing Western Genre As "Hell On Wheels" Wraps

AMC

has always held a special spot for Westerns so when the network first ordered "Hell On Wheels," it wasn't a big surprise. Now as the drama prepares to run its final batch of episodes the emphasis is coming full circle. The network announced on Wednesday a June 11th air date for "Wheels" last few episodes but also revealed it will be paired with "The American West." The eight episode limited event is being produced by Robert Redford and Stephen David and will explore the little-known stories of Western legends such as Jesse James and Wyatt Earp. Genre icons including Redford, Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck and James Caan will participate giving on-screen interviews. Both "Wheels" and "West" will anchor the network's Saturday night schedule, as has been the tradition for "Wheels" over its last few seasons. Investors may remember one of AMC's first entrees into the scripted realm was the acclaimed Western "Broken Trails" which starred Robert DuVall and Thomas Hayden Church.