Movies

6 Best Western TV Shows That Are Not Yellowstone

BBG News

Although Yellowstone is dominating the category of Western TV shows at present, there are numerous series within this genre that do not fall under the Taylor Sheridan experience. The Taylor Sheridan universe now encompasses a wide range, from Old West tales like Lawmen: Bass Reeves, to tough gangster dramas such as Mayor of Kingstown, to contemporary action-thrillers like Special Ops: Lioness. However, it seems that the showrunner and writer feels most at home in the Western genre, with several shows set within this backdrop.

In a refreshingly new way, shows like Yellowstone and its spinoffs, such as 1883 and 1923, have successfully rekindled the appreciation for the genre of Westerns among younger and contemporary audiences. Although Western films are often recognized in the film industry, there’s an equally rich history of Western television series that span numerous episodes and seasons. Apart from Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923, other shows delve into these themes and settings as well, both modern titles familiar to regular TV viewers and classic Westerns that remain timeless on today’s television landscape.

6. Rawhide (1959-1965)

A Rough And Naturalistic Look At The Old West

The television series, “Rawhide,” portrays a team of cattle drivers during the 1860s across the vast Old West. The experienced trail boss, Gil Favor (Eric Fleming), guides a band of cowboys through dusty plains, transporting cattle and offering assistance to those in need they encounter en route. This series often presents a raw, violent, and occasionally strange narrative. Topics such as racism, brutality, and the harsh realities of life on the prairie are frequently woven into the stories. Remarkably, “Rawhide” features episodes where even more perplexing events take place.

The show wasn’t just an exciting, action-packed journey, but it significantly contributed to the Western genre in two key ways. First, its iconic theme song, “Rawhide”, a lively tune about cattle driving that has permeated popular culture in numerous ways, from “Shrek 2” to the British show “Hustle”. Additionally, this series introduced a young actor named Clint Eastwood, who played Rowdy Yates. While Eastwood had been acting since 1955, it was “Rawhide” that catapulted him into the Western stardom he later became known for.

5. Godless (2017)

A Female-Led Story Of Revenge And Redemption

The miniseries titled “Godless” is part of a lineage of Western TV miniseries. Directed by Scott Frank, who also directed the Western-themed superhero film “Logan“, released in the same year, “Godless” was acclaimed with 12 Emmy nominations and wins for three of its seven episodes. Set in 1884 in a small New Mexico town, “Godless” focuses on Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), an outlaw trying to escape his mentor Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). Tired of Frank’s evil deeds, Roy accidentally arrives in La Belle, a town mostly inhabited by women.

In addition to Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, and Tantoo Cardinal, the stars of this production, Godless is a captivating and remarkable series with an engaging narrative. The cinematography is striking, showcasing intense yet non-exploitative violence. This female-centric series stands out in a genre often dominated by male leads, offering a distinctive perspective.

4. Justified (2010-2015)

A Neo-Western Filled With A Fantastic Cast

Initially recognized in the hit Western TV series “Deadwood,” Timothy Olyphant gained significant popularity as Raylan Givens, a character from the neo-Western crime drama “Justified.” This show, which featured Walton Goggins as the local criminal Boyd Crowder early in his career, unfolded over six seasons on FX. It was set in Harlan County, eastern Kentucky, where the anachronistic Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan, with his Old West mentality, struggles to combat crime in a contemporary and rapidly changing society.

Justified effortlessly blends the spirit of Westerns with the intensity of police dramas, resulting in an engaging and superbly executed television series. Initially, the show appears as a procedural, but it gradually transforms into a thought-provoking narrative exploring the impact of Raylan’s unorthodox law enforcement methods on him and the surrounding area. The series garnered 8 Emmy nominations and continues to serve as an exceptional model for modern Western productions.

3. Bonanza (1959-1973)

A Modern And Far-Reaching Series About Life In The Growing West

Initially airing on NBC in 1959, “Bonanza” introduced audiences to the affluent Cartwright family residing close to Virginia City, Nevada, during the 1860s. Patriarch Ben Cartwright (Lorne Green) leads this family, who inhabit a vast ranch named Ponderosa, nestled near Lake Tahoe. Over the course of its 14 seasons, the Cartwright family found themselves in numerous comedic predicaments. Joining Lorne Green are Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon as Ben’s three sons.

Instead of most Westerns airing during that era, “Bonanza” stood out as a period drama that delved into contemporary societal matters. While comedies and anthology shows were tackling these issues, it was rare for a weekly drama series to approach them in this manner. The show addressed topics such as racism, bigotry, substance abuse, environmentalism, among others, with an unexpected level of compassion and understanding. The series is lengthy, seamlessly transitioning from humorous scenes to serious moments.

2. Gunsmoke (1955-1975)

The Grandfather Of Western TV Shows

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the enduring greatness of “Gunsmoke,” a Western TV series that has reigned supreme for an astonishingly long time. Debuting on our screens in 1955, this iconic show ran for a staggering 20 seasons – and that’s after it had already captivated audiences as a radio serial for no less than 9 seasons!

In the role of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, the charismatic James Arness brings to life an unforgettable figure. As a law enforcement officer in Dodge City, Kansas, post-American Civil War, Dillon tirelessly tackles criminal issues within the town’s boundaries and beyond, extending his jurisdiction across the vast plains and deserts that surround it.

In a humorous twist, Dillon’s deputies sometimes stumble, yet they bring laughter to the mix. However, Dillon, as an accomplished marshal, skillfully manages everything from life-threatening violent crimes to friendly disputes, serving as a peacekeeper. Pioneering the adult genre of Western TV shows, Gunsmoke marked the beginning of Western television and thrived during the “Golden Age” of Westerns. Many elements and motifs seen in contemporary Western TV series can be traced back to this groundbreaking show.

1. Deadwood (2004-2006)

An Honest And Expertly Crafted Western

Deadwood, in the early 2000s, was one of the groundbreaking TV shows on HBO, joining other notable series like The Sopranos, The Wire, and Rome. These shows demonstrated that television could rival movies in terms of deep narratives and stunning visuals. The show is set in Deadwood, South Dakota during the 1870s, a time when the town was being incorporated. Over three seasons, it portrays the transformation of Deadwood from a small mining camp into a bustling city, complete with its share of crime, political intrigue, and challenges typical of such growth.

Although it was produced much later than the heyday of Westerns, Deadwood seems to encapsulate the pinnacle of storytelling in this genre. Characters such as Al Swearengen (Ian McShane) and Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) appear as if they’ve been lifted straight from history, portrayed with an authenticity that makes it effortless to immerse oneself in the narrative. The series is intelligent, reflective of the true American West, and meticulously created, making it a must-see for any aficionado of historical events or Western television shows.

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2025-06-02 22:38

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