 Series lead Noah Wyle emphasized Spielberg's presence on set by stating "Anytime he gives an anointment to a project, it steps up the pedigree." Colin Cunningham, who plays outlaw John Pope, exclaimed "You ’ d show up and think, ‘ This is not a TV show; this is something else that we ’ re doing, ’" he said, noting that Spielberg was very hands-on for the pilot. "Its scope is massive. Anytime you hear the word Spielberg, you know it ’ s not going to be crap; you know it ’ ll be quality and there will be some money behind it." Mark Verheiden, who was the showrunner for the first season, stated "It ’ s great to know you have a world-class filmmaker backing up what you ’ re trying to do who is supportive and helping design the great stuff."
