History
The Buffalo Soldiers of the United States Army are getting the documentary treatment when “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” premieres on Tuesday, May 31 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on the History Channel.
If you don’t have cable, here are some different ways you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” streaming online:
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FuboTV
You can watch a live stream of the History Channel and 100-plus other TV channels on FuboTV, which comes with a seven-day free trial:
Once signed up for FuboTV, you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” live on the FuboTV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the FuboTV website.
If you can’t watch live, FuboTV comes with 250 hours of cloud DVR space, as well as a 72-hour look-back feature, which allows you to watch most shows on-demand within three days (and sometimes longer) of their conclusion, even if you don’t record them.
Philo TV
You can watch a live stream of the History Channel and 60-plus other TV channels on Philo TV, which comes with a seven-day free trial:
Once signed up for Philo, you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” live on the Philo app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast (compatible on Android mobile), any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. You can also watch on your computer on the Philo website.
If you can’t watch live, Philo allows you to DVR programs and watch them up to 30 days later. And even if you forget to DVR something, Philo also comes with a 72-hour rewind feature, which lets you to watch most shows on-demand if they have aired in the last three days.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream has four different channel packages: “Entertainment,” “Choice,” “Ultimate” and “Premier.” The History Channel is included in every one, but you can pick any package and any add-on you want with your free five-day trial:
Once signed up for DirecTV Stream, you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” live on the DirecTV Stream app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Samsung TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the DirecTV Stream website.
If you can’t watch live, DirecTV Stream also comes with 20 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to unlimited hours).
Sling TV
You can watch a live stream of the History Channel and 30-plus other TV channels via Sling TV’s Sling Blue or Sling Orange bundle. This option doesn’t include a free trial, but it’s the second-cheapest long-term streaming service (behind Philo) with the History Channel, and you can get $10 off your first month:
Once signed up for Sling TV, you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” live on the Sling TV app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), airTV Mini, Oculus, Portal, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the Sling TV website.
If you can’t watch live, Sling TV comes included with 50 hours of cloud DVR.
Hulu With Live TV
You can watch a live stream of the History Channel and 65+ other TV channels via Hulu With Live TV, which now also includes access to both ESPN+ and Disney+:
Once signed up for Hulu With Live TV, you can watch “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” live on the Hulu app, which is available on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox One or Series X/S, PlayStation 4 or 5, Nintendo Switch, Samsung TV, LG TV, any device with Android TV (such as a Sony TV or Nvidia Shield), iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via the Hulu website.
If you can’t watch live, Hulu with Live TV comes with both its extensive on-demand library (which includes most shows after they air) and 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage (with the ability to upgrade to “Enhanced Cloud DVR,” which gives you 200 hours of DVR space and the ability to fast forward through commercials).
‘Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers’ Preview
The term “Buffalo Soldiers” was given to a Black regiment in the United States Army that fought in the Indian Wars. It was originally used just to describe the 10th Cavalry Regiment but would eventually come to be synonymous with all of the Black regiments formed in the mid-1800s.
Now these historically significant but largely unknown figures are getting the documentary treatment in “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers,” narrated by actor Blair Underwood.
The History Channel press release describes the one-hour special thusly:
The documentary tells the incredible, yet largely unknown, story of the Nation’s first, all-Black peacetime regiments who fought relentlessly to expand America’s presence in the West and defend the United States on foreign soil. These soldiers’ unwavering valor, bravery, and service alongside their heroic acts of resilience on and off the battlefield, paved the way for future generations of African American men and women to join and succeed in the military.
In 1866 as the United States recovered from the bloody aftermath of the Civil War, Congress passed the Army Reorganization Act, authorizing the creation of six, all-Black peacetime regiments. These brave men, who would later become known as the Buffalo Soldiers, fought admirably for decades to support the Nation’s expansion in the West through tasks that included protecting settlers and national parks, building roads and infrastructures, and participating in significant military efforts, while also helping to capture cattle rustlers, thieves, and combat other threats.
However, the Buffalo Soldiers were fighting for more than just national expansion and victory on the battlefield. Simultaneously, they were fighting for equality and justice at home. Featuring interviews from military experts, historians and descendants of the Buffalo Soldiers and coupled with historic photography, original illustrations, and never-before-seen documents, “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” takes an in-depth look at an important time in American history and spotlights the remarkable soldiers who played a pivotal role in shaping and protecting the Nation.
“The History Channel is committed to highlighting historical figures and events that shaped our nation for the better, and the story of the Buffalo Soldiers is one of courage, perseverance and heroism that deserves to be told,” said Eli Lehrer, executive vice president and head of programming for the History Channel. “We are honored to partner with Blair Underwood to bring this story to life and shed light on this incredibly important piece of history for our audiences.”
“My father is a retired Army colonel who served for nearly three decades, so highlighting and honoring our veterans is a cause that I care deeply about,” added Underwood. “I am thrilled to partner with the History Channel to tell the story of the Buffalo Soldiers and how their bravery and insight provided endless contributions to our Nation.”
The “Black Patriots: Buffalo Soldiers” documentary premieres Monday, May 31 at 10:30 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times on the History Channel.