‘Justified’: The 6-Season Western That Will Make You Forget About ‘Yellowstone’

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Now that Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923 have finished their stories, fans of Taylor Sheridan might enjoy Justified. This Emmy-winning series, which originally aired 78 episodes over six seasons from 2010 to 2015, follows the lives and challenges of people living in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. It’s a great option for those missing Sheridan’s neo-western style.

Featuring Timothy Olyphant as the tough and direct Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, Justified quickly earned praise from critics. It helped pave the way for the recent surge in western-style shows, like Yellowstone, that focus on compelling characters and realistic stories. The series is based on the Raylan Givens stories by Elmore Leonard, who also wrote the novels that inspired films like Jackie Brown, 3:10 to Yuma, and Get Shorty. You can currently watch Justified on Hulu.

‘Justified’ Is an Underappreciated Masterpiece


FX

If you enjoy shows like Yellowstone with beautiful scenery, gripping storylines, and complex characters, you should definitely check out Justified. Many believe it’s even better, thanks to its realistic feel and tightly focused plot. The series centers on Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who returns to his troubled hometown in rural Kentucky after a shooting in Miami. He’s forced to deal with his difficult family history – including a criminal father and an outlaw brother – and the deeply rooted corruption and feuds that control the area.

The show masterfully combined intense crime drama with the dark, atmospheric style of Southern Gothic stories, all while maintaining a surprisingly wry sense of humor. Over its run, it won 8 Primetime Emmy Awards, largely due to its skillful storytelling, strong acting, and well-developed characters. Timothy Olyphant perfectly embodies the cool, confident Deputy Givens, bringing a mix of charisma, threat, and hidden sensitivity to the role. However, it’s Walton Goggins as Boyd Crowder who truly stands out. He’s arguably one of TV’s best villains – delightfully unpredictable and a fully fleshed-out character. Boyd isn’t just a dangerous figure; he’s a complex man with dreams, fears, and a capacity for love, and watching his journey unfold is a major highlight of the series.

Though both shows share similar themes, Yellowstone stands out with its grand, sweeping visuals and dramatic storylines. Justified, on the other hand, feels deeply rooted in the details of its small-town location – its unique culture, music, and the way people interact. The world of Justified feels incredibly real and immersive, transporting viewers to a rugged and often difficult place. You can almost experience the sights, sounds, and even smells of the environment – the humid air, the red clay, and the scent of pine trees. If you enjoy Tyler Sheridan’s westerns, Justified offers plenty of action and compelling characters that might even make you temporarily forget about Yellowstone, until the Y: Marshals spin-off arrives next year.

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2025-12-13 18:36