Top 10 Western TV Shows, Ranked

Article Overview

Westerns have been a popular genre on American television for decades, with some shows standing out for their quality and lasting impact.

Modern Westerns are putting a fresh spin on the traditional genre, infusing it with heightened drama and higher stakes while still capturing the essence of the Old West. Shows such as The Rifleman, The Wild Wild West, Godless, Westworld, Gunsmoke, Deadwood, Bonanza, Yellowstone, Wanted Dead or Alive, and Justified truly deserve credit for their timeless charm and exceptional narrative.

The Western genre has always been a mainstay in American television, but not all Westerns are created equal in terms of quality and lasting impact. Shows that depict the lives of cowboys, ranchers, bounty hunters, and cattle drivers have captivated audiences and continue to do so. The Old West, with its distant and fascinating allure, serves as a compelling backdrop for these shows. While there are valid concerns about the idealization of the Old West, the genre remains resilient.

Over the years, Westerns have maintained their popularity, with newer ones adding a fresh twist to the classic formula. Modern Westerns increase the drama and stakes while still capturing the essence of the Old West that the classics so skillfully depicted. There are numerous Westerns spanning several decades that deserve recognition for how well they stand the test of time.

10. The Rifleman

5 seasons - 1958-1963

Set in 1880s New Mexico, The Rifleman chronicles the journey of Lucas McCain and his son, Mark, as they strive to forge a fresh existence following the loss of Lucas's wife. A rancher armed with a Winchester rifle, Lucas McCain, formerly a Union fighter in the Civil War, stands as a resolute figure. Ever willing to aid the inhabitants of North Folk, who often face trying circumstances, he embodies the spirit of the Old West. Despite the anachronistic nature from which the show derives its title, The Rifleman remains a cherished masterpiece in the Western genre.

9. The Wild Wild West

4 seasons - 1965-1969

The Wild Wild West, a blend of science fiction and western genres, enjoyed a four-season run before its eventual cancellation. The series revolves around the adventures of James West and Artemus Gordon, two Secret Service agents dedicated to safeguarding President Ulysses S. Grant. Their missions often involve utilizing an array of steampunk-style gadgets and weaponry, ingeniously crafted by Gordon himself, aboard their personal locomotive, the Wanderer. Notably, the show gave rise to two television films in 1979 and 1980, as well as a theatrical release in 1999 featuring the notable performances of Will Smith and Kevin Kline. Despite its demise being attributed to its violent content, The Wild Wild West has secured its reputation as a formidable Western series.

8. Godless

1 season - 2017

Godless, a miniseries that premiered on Netflix in 2017, stands out from other Westerns with its unique approach. Starring Michelle Dockery, Merritt Wever, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster, the show defies traditional Western tropes by focusing on a town in New Mexico primarily inhabited by women. Unlike conventional Western narratives where women are rarely portrayed, and if they are, they are often depicted as helpless victims, Godless showcases strong female characters, contributing to its success as a captivating story.

7. Westworld

4 seasons - 2016-2022

Westworld

Westworld, a sci-fi thriller set in a futuristic Wild West-themed amusement park called Westworld, premiered on October 2, 2016. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Evan Rachel Wood, Shannon Woodward, Ed Harris, James Marsden, Jimmi Simpson, Jeffrey Wright, Tessa Thompson, Thandie Newton, and Rodrigo Santoro, the show follows the story of android "Hosts" who begin to regain memories that were deliberately erased. Set in the 2050s, both the park and the outside world delve into the exploration of different forms of artificial intelligence. While the show was canceled by HBO Max before its final season, it gained recognition for its daring plot and secured a prominent place among the top Westerns.

6. Gunsmoke

20 seasons - 1955-1975

Beginning in 1952 as a radio show, Gunsmoke transformed into a television series in 1955 with the aim of presenting the gritty realities of the Old West to mature audiences. Centered around the life of Matt Dillon, the U.S. marshal of Dodge City in Kansas, the show's impressive 20-season run attests to its immense popularity. Audiences connected with the show's realistic portrayal, unhindered by their willingness to confront the unvarnished truths that challenged traditional perceptions of the Old West. Gunsmoke's triumph served as a catalyst for the creation of more Westerns catered to adult viewers.

5. Deadwood

3 seasons - 2004-2006

Deadwood

Release Date: March 21, 2004

Cast: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, Jim Beaver, Brad Dourif, John Hawkes, Paula Malcomson, Leon Rippy, William Sanderson, Robin Weigert

Genres: Drama, Western

Rating: TV-MA

Seasons: 3

Set in the 1870s in Deadwood, South Dakota, the series Deadwood features characters inspired by real-life personalities from the American West. Starring Ian McShane as Al Swearengen and Timothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock, the show also includes appearances by figures like Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and Jane Calamity. Deadwood received positive reviews and a follow-up film was released in 2019 on HBO Max. While incorporating some alternate history for added excitement, the show remains relatively faithful to primary sources used during its creation.

4. Bonanza

14 seasons - 1959-1973

Bonanza, the second-longest-running Western series after Gunsmoke, revolves around the daily lives of the Cartwright family. The Cartwrights, consisting of a father and his three sons, are ranchers residing in Nevada near Lake Tahoe. Unlike other Westerns, Bonanza stands out by focusing on the personal dynamics of the Cartwrights rather than grand narratives about the West itself. This unique approach carved a niche for the show, transforming it into the beloved classic it is today. Throughout its run, the audience grew fond of the distinctive qualities and relationships of the Cartwright family on Bonanza.

3. Yellowstone

4 seasons - 2018-present

Unlike many of the other Westerns mentioned, Yellowstone does not take place in the Old West.

Yellowstone

Release Date: June 20, 2018

Cast: Finn Little, Brecken Merrill, Gil Birmingham, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Danny Huston, Kelly Reilly, Forrie J. Smith, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley, Jefferson White, Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Ryan Bingham

Genres: Western, Drama

Seasons: 4

Yellowstone, a modern-day Western, follows the story of the Duttons, a ranching family from Montana. Kevin Costner portrays John Dutton III, the family's patriarch, who faces the challenge of balancing his family's interests with those of neighboring institutions such as the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and Yellowstone National Park. This ongoing conflict drives the series as characters strive to benefit from the land and from each other. The show's fifth and final season is set to premiere in 2024.

Yellowstone has spawned a number of spinoffs, with 1883 and 1923 having aired already. Two more, 6666 and 1944 have been planned.

2. Wanted Dead or Alive

3 seasons - 1958-1961

1. Justified

Steve McQueen, renowned for his roles in numerous Western films, takes the lead in Wanted Dead or Alive. Portraying the character Josh Randall, he embodies a dedicated bounty hunter driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and equity. Accompanying him on his journeys across different towns, we witness his altruistic endeavors to assist those in need and apprehend wrongdoers, which proves to be both captivating and unexpectedly heartwarming. What sets Wanted Dead or Alive apart and elevates its stature as an outstanding Western is the absence of monotony, as no two episodes are alike. Constantly on the move, Randall embraces encounters with unfamiliar faces and confronts novel situations. This constant infusion of novelty in each episode is the very essence that renders Wanted Dead or Alive an exceptional frontier tale.

1. Justified

6 seasons - 2010-2015

Justified

Release Date: March 16, 2010

Cast: Jere Burns, Erica Tazel, Timothy Olyphant, Nick Searcy, Jacob Pitts, Walton Goggins, Natalie Zea, Joelle Carter

Genres: Crime, Action, Drama

Seasons: 6

Justified, a Western crime drama based on Elmore Leonard's short stories, aired on FX. The show features notable actors such as Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins, and Margo Martindale. It revolves around U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, who moves from Miami to his hometown of Harlan County in the Appalachian Mountains after killing a hitman. Givens becomes entangled in the lives of the local residents, uncovering various plots and encountering shady characters. Additionally, a limited series spinoff titled Justified: City Primeval aired from July to August 2023.

Editor's P/S

Westerns have always been a popular genre on American television, and for good reason. They offer a unique blend of action, adventure, and drama that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The Western genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with shows like Yellowstone and Westworld bringing a fresh take on the classic formula. These shows are more complex and nuanced than their predecessors, and they explore the darker side of the Old West.

Overall, the Western genre is a rich and diverse one that has something to offer everyone. Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or modern reimaginings, there's sure to be a show out there that you'll enjoy.