North and South

The story of the enduring friendship between Orry Main of South Carolina and George Hazard of Pennsylvania, who become best friends while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point but later find themselves and their families on opposite sides of the American Civil War.

North and South (1985-1994) is an American televised historical drama miniseries created by Richard T. Heffron and broadcast on ABC. Following the friendship of Orry Main (Patrick Swayze) of South Carolina and George Hazard (James Read) of Pennsylvania, two classmates who bond at West Point, the story follows how their loyalties pull them onto opposite sides of the American Civil War. Their families are drawn into the conflict as well, with Madeline Fabray LaMotte (Lesley-Anne Down) and Elkanah Bent (Philip Casnoff) adding romantic and political tension to the central story. Across three seasons and fifteen episodes of ninety minutes each, the series builds a broad, character-driven narrative in which personal bonds are tested by slavery, regional pride and the demands of national duty. Set in the antebellum and wartime American South and North, it moves between plantation households, military camps and battlefields. The tone is melodramatic and sweeping, emphasizing romance, loyalty and heartbreak against the backdrop of a nation dividing. Fans of Gone with the Wind, Roots and Lonesome Dove will find resonance in its epic scale and multigenerational family drama.

Audiences rate the miniseries-style epic positively, valuing its sweeping historical scope and the long friendship at its center.

• Gone with the Windsweeping epic civil war family saga, historical period drama with intertwined households
• Rootsmultigenerational historical saga spanning war and personal loyalty, miniseries format
• Lonesome Dovelong-form american historical epic following families across a national conflict

Created by

Richard T. Heffron

Release Date

1985-11-03

Episode runtime

90 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (188)

What is North and South about?

Two West Point classmates from opposing sides of the American Civil War try to keep their friendship alive while their families are torn apart by the conflict.

What is North and South like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of North and South as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is North and South violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in North and South as moderate.

What did critics think of North and South?

Audiences rate the miniseries-style epic positively, valuing its sweeping historical scope and the long friendship at its center.

Which shows are like North and South?

Shows with a similar feel include Gone with the Wind, Roots, and Lonesome Dove.

How long is North and South?

North and South: 3 seasons, 15 episodes.

Is North and South still running?

No, North and South has ended.

Where can I watch North and South?

In United States, North and South is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store, Amazon Video.