9 TV Shows That Revitalized the Classic Western Genre

1. The Mandalorian (2019 – Present)

The Mandalorian, a groundbreaking space Western series, has transported the Old West to the far reaches of the galaxy, redefining the genre for a new generation of viewers. With its homage to classic Western themes, the show captures the spirit of the genre in a futuristic setting, featuring lone bounty hunters, outlaws, and a code of honor that resonates with fans.

Pedro Pascal as Din Djarin in Imperial armor superimposed with Din and Grogu in The Mandalorian

2. Justified (2010 – 2015)

Justified, a neo-Western series, brought the aesthetics of the Old West into the modern era, captivating audiences with its portrayal of Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens. Embodying classic Western traits, Givens played by his own rules and reflected the enigmatic anti-heroes of Spaghetti Westerns, making the show a compelling revival of the Western genre.

Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens grimacing in Justified

3. Westworld (2016 – 2022)

Westworld, a mind-bending dystopian series, cleverly harkened back to the classic Westerns with a modern twist, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and the human condition. With its Wild-West-themed amusement park and complex characters, the show reimagined the genre, showcasing the enduring influence of classic Western movies.

Ed Harris as William in Westworld season 4

4. Deadwood (2004 – 2006)

Deadwood, an HBO Western series, reinvigorated the Old West setting of classic Westerns with its mature themes and talented ensemble cast. The show delved into the last remnants of the Wild West, portraying the clash between modern society and the era of lawlessness, giving the genre a fresh and mature identity.

Composite image of Deadwood characters

5. Yellowstone (2018 – Present)

Yellowstone, a modern take on classic cowboy tropes, captured the essence of the Old West in a neo-Western setting. With its focus on the clash between tradition and modernity, the series highlighted the enduring appeal of Western themes and the timeless conflict of land, politics, and power.

John Dutton and Summer standing in a field in Yellowstone season 5 episode 8

6. Preacher (2016 – 2019)

Preacher, based on a supernatural comic book series, expertly blended classic Western themes with elements of justice, morality, and redemption. The show's dark past of Texan preacher Jesse Custer and the hard-drinking sensibilities of the anti-hero Irish vampire Cassidy made it a compelling exploration of Western themes in a supernatural context.

Composite image of Jesse in Preacher and characters from the comic series

7. Firefly (2002)

Firefly, a pioneering space Western series, combined the spirit of classic Western outlaw anti-heroes with a sci-fi narrative set on the fringes of society. Infamously canceled before its time, the show's blend of Western and Eastern cultures made it an iconic representation of the genre in a futuristic setting.

Jayne, Mal, and Zoe point their guns off-camera in Firefly

8. Hell On Wheels (2011 – 2016)

Hell on Wheels, an AMC series, explored classic Western themes through the lens of the Union Pacific Railroad, shedding light on the lives of cowboys, laborers, and mercenaries in the Old West. The show's modern take on gender and race issues in the context of the Wild West revitalized the genre for contemporary audiences.

Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) and the rest of the cast from Hell on Wheels

9. Breaking Bad (2008 – 2013)

Breaking Bad, a modern Western story set in the New Mexico desert, transformed the genre with its portrayal of a mild-mannered man's descent into the criminal underworld. Through the moral ambiguity of its characters and themes of destiny and rebellion, the series reimagined classic Western tropes in a modern, gritty context.

An image of Walter White looking serious in Breaking Bad