Renew Rutherford Falls for Season 3
SAVE RUTHERFORD FALLS AND ITS ROSTER OF INDIGENOUS TALENT
In case y'all haven't heard, after two seasons and barely advertised, (and existing on a platform very few folks use), Peacock has pulled the plug on the quirky, modern, Indigenous comedy Rutherford Falls.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER TO YOU?
It matters because for all the talk of allyship and support I see online, this petition only has 329 signatures at the time I'm making this post. These numbers don't reflect this support y'all supposedly have for Indigenous creators.
I am challenging all of you to put your metaphorical money where your goddamn mouth is.
Show us you give a damn about representation and save this show full of Indigenous talent that could continue to bring perspective to wider audiences and bring representation to a group that largely has not seen itself truly depicted on TV. It takes 1 minute. Tops.
The least you can do is sign this petition. Then you can reblog this to get it as far as you can.
Currently the showrunner is hoping to find it a new home at another network, but we can help the likelihood of it getting picked up if we show networks we care and want to see more.
Use #SaveRutherfordFalls and reshare this petition across platforms.
OTHER REASONS TO SAVE RUTHERFORD FALLS
Studies have proven that stereotypes, mascots, and derogatory depictions have long-term negative impacts on Native youth.
This show has one of the largest indigenous cast, giving opportunity to a wide range of actors and talent.
It is also one of the few modern series that focuses on an Indigenous lens.
The lead character Reagan (played by Jana Schmieding—comedian, actor, writer, and star) is one of the few female Indigenous leads out there. Oh, and she also helps write the show.
Rutherford Falls is also body positive—Reagan is not your "typical" female lead. She is a plus size QUEEN moving the show in such a humorous, cynical, and real way where others would typically fall on jokes at the expense of her weight. She is awkward and honest and all around an amazing character many can see themselves in beyond Hollywood's usual depictions of First Nation people.
The show has the wonderful non-binary talent of Jesse Leigh, who is bringing so much character to the show.
Micheal Greyeyes. That's it. If you haven't seen his speech, I invite you watch it here. It means so much to me an an Indigenous artist and business owner to see this.
Ed Helms plays Nathan, Reagan's childhood best friend and audience educator. Nathan plays the part of well-meaning ally who often missteps but also grows and learns. He helps illustrate common misconceptions and shows how to learn from them. (I facilitate so many questions from white allies I was pleasantly surprised and happy to see a character like this because he's so ding-dong likable and earnest. Having people like Nathan helps illustrate that it's ok to fumble and learn because we're human!)
All around, the show tackles various issues that not only are large topics within Indian country—Pretendians, Native allyship, land rights, cultural traditions in modern settings, and so much more—but can raise larger questions about your society as a whole.