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The Western genre has become one of the most beloved in all of film and TV. Rising to popularity in the mid-20th century, the love of the cowboy lifestyle took Hollywood by storm.
From old classics like Bonanza to modern favorites such as Yellowstone, we are sharing the best Western TV shows that are well worth a watch.
With gunslinging cowboys and action-packed adventures, these TV shows will provide you with hours of entertainment.
1. Bonanza (1959-1973)
Bonanza is an Old Western classic that became the second-longest-running western series on U.S. network television. The show takes place in the 1860s at a Nevada ranch.
Ben Cartwright and his sons Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe work to protect and maintain their Nevada ranch known as the Ponderosa. The Ponderosa borders Lake Tahoe and consists of “half a million acres.” The Cartwright family regularly helps the community when in need, often dealing with different moral dilemmas.
Full of many adventures and a notable intro song, Bonanza still remains one of the most beloved Western TV shows.
Bonanza has an IMDB rating of 7.3 and is available to purchase on Prime Video, or stream on Roku and FuboTV.
2. Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Gunsmoke is iconic in the world of Western TV shows, as it is the longest-running western series on network television. In fact, it was the longest-running, primetime, live-action television series until it was surpassed by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Centered in Dodge City, Kansas, during the 1870s, Gunsmoke follows the happenings of Marshal Matt Dillon. The Marshal works hard to keep the peace in the disorderly Dodge City. While lawlessness is aplenty, there are a few townspeople who help keep the Marshal grounded.
Gunsmoke has an IMDB rating of 8.1 and is available to watch on Paramount+ or Pluto TV.
3. Yellowstone (2018-present)
Perhaps the most iconic modern-day Western, Yellowstone has taken the world by storm. The riveting drama follows the Dutton family, who own the biggest ranch in America.
John Dutton, as well as his children, controls the formidable Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. However, their coveted land is highly sought after, leading to conflicts with a bordering cattle ranch, an Indian reservation, and land developers.
Using a ruthless combination of power, politics, and violence, the Dutton family does whatever it takes to hold onto their land.
Yellowstone features strong characters and enthralling storylines that will have you hooked.
Yellowstone has an IMDB rating of 8.7, and read our guide on where to watch Yellowstone.
4. 1883 (2021-present)
1883 offers a heartfelt look at the struggles of traveling on a wagon train. As a prequel series to Yellowstone, 1883 follows how the Dutton family first got their land.
Desperate to flee poverty, the Dutton family leaves Tennessee to start a new life. James Dutton, his wife Margaret, and children Elsa and John, join a European immigrant wagon train in Texas.
The caravan, which is headed to Oregon, is led by Shea Brennan, an employee of the Pinkerton Agency and former Union Army captain, as well as his crew.
The journey is full of danger and disease, as the caravan faces many hardships along their travels.
1883 has an IMDB rating of 8.8 and is available to watch on Paramount+ or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
Also, read our guide on 1883 season 2 here.
5. Wagon Train (1957-1965)
Another classic Western TV show, Wagon Train follows one of the most interesting times in American history, as people moved out West. Each episode centers around the stories of different members of the massive wagon train or those who encounter it.
Wagon Train takes place in post-Civil War America. It chronicles the adventures of life on a wagon train and the dangers that come with it. The wagon train journeys from St. Joseph, Missouri, across the Plains and the formidable Rocky Mountains to Sacramento, California.
The series does a fascinating job of depicting what life was like on the journey out West.
Wagon Train has an IMDB rating of 7.5 and is available on Hulu and Prime Video.
6. Have Gun – Will Travel (1957-1963)
Have Gun – Will Travel is another timeless Western series. While it may have not been as long-running as other Westerns at the time, it garnered much praise for its quality episodes.
Have Gun – Will Travel follows the travels of a gunfighter-for-hire who goes by the name Paladin. Paladin is a gentleman who travels the Old West working as an investigator and gunfighter. He serves as a mercenary for those who hire him to solve their problems.
While he often charges a steep fee for those who can afford it, Paladin provides services for free to those who can’t afford them.
Have Gun – Will Travel has an IMDB rating of 8.4 and is available on MeTV or to purchase on Amazon.
7. Hell on Wheels (2011-2016)
Hell on Wheels is set in post-Civil War America in the Wild West. Full of nail-biting action, the series is a great choice for those who love historical fiction.
Cullen Bohannon is a former Confederate soldier seeking revenge as his wife was murdered at the hands of Union soldiers. He travels out West on the Union Pacific’s construction of the first transcontinental railroad. Bohannon’s journey takes him to a lawless mobile encampment known as `Hell on Wheels.’
Along with Bohannon, the series also follows those who lived and died working on the expansion of the railroad.
Hell on Wheels has an IMDB rating of 8.3 and is available to watch on Prime Video, Apple TV, and AMC Premiere.
8. Longmire (2012-2017)
For those who love modern Western crime drama, Longmire is a must-watch. The series is based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries novels by Craig Johnson.
Walt Longmire is the devoted sheriff of Absaroka County, Wyoming. Despite being a recent widow, he puts on a brave face with a comedic side, but deep down he is suffering. With the help of his daughter as well as his best friend and confidant Henry Standing Bear, he is dedicated to getting back to normal.
Longmire deals with family struggles in a modern western setting.
Longmire has an IMDB rating of 8.3 and is available to watch on Netflix and Peacock.
9. The Rifleman (1958-1963)
Full of adventure and plenty of gun action, The Rifleman is a classic series. The show takes place in the 1880s in the fictional town of North Fork in New Mexico territory.
Lucas McCain is a father, widower, and former Union soldier. He lives on a ranch with his son Mark, in a town where tyranny occurs from time to time. Lucas wields a special rapid-fire Winchester rifle he uses to protect his homestead.
One of the most common themes of this beloved Western is that people often deserve a second chance.
The Rifleman has an IMDB rating of 8.3 and is available to watch on Hulu, Prime Video, and Peacock.
10. Broken Trail (2006)
Broken Trail is a mini-series based on the beloved book by Alan Geoffrion. The series features two historical events: the British purchasing horses from the American West and Chinese immigrants being forced into prostitution.
Prentice “Prent” Ritter, an aging cowboy, along with his nephew Tom Harte travel from Oregon to Wyoming to sell 500 horses. However, their journey takes a turn of events when they save five Chinese girls from a life of prostitution.
Upon rescuing the women from an unsavory fate, they must protect them from bandits while trekking across the formidable frontier.
Broken Trail features compelling characters and stunning scenery that will have you hooked.
Broken Trail has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
11. Godless (2017)
Unlike most classic Westerns, Godless focuses on strong, fearless women. The series breaks ground in a prominently male-dominated genre.
Roy Goode is on the run from criminal and former mentor Frank Griffin and his gang. While on the run, Goode seeks refuge in the town of La Belle, New Mexico, which is populated almost entirely by women. When the women get word that the vicious gang is headed their way, they work together to protect their town.
Godless has an IMDB rating of 8.3 and is available to watch on Netflix.
12. Deadwood (2004-2006)
Deadwood has become one of the most popular modern Westerns. The show features many real-life historical figures including Seth Bullock, Al Swearengen, Wyatt Earp, and Calamity Jane.
Deadwood is set in a post-Civil War lawless mining town set in South Dakota before it became a state. The town attracts all sorts of people, including those looking to get rich on gold and capitalize on the lack of law.
This riveting show is packed full of Old West entertainment.
Deadwood has an IMDB rating of 8.6 and is available to watch on Hulu, HBO Max, and Prime Video.
13. The Son (2017-2019)
Though relatively new, The Son has become a favorite in the Western genre. The series is based on the 2013 novel by Philipp Meyer novel of the same name.
After being kidnapped and raised by Commanches as a kid, Eli McCullough grows up to be a powerful and relentless oil businessman. Throughout his many hardships, Eli works to keep his business empire in hopes to pass it on to his children and grandchildren.
Eli can be a ruthless businessman and father, however, all the hard work he does is in hopes his business will stay in the family.
The Son has an IMDB rating of 7.4 and is available to watch on Prime Video and Hulu.
14. Rawhide (1959-1965)
Set in the 1860s, Rawhide shows the crazy life of cattle drives. It offers plenty of cowboy-filled action that will keep you entertained.
Gil Favor is the trail boss of a continuous cattle drive. Rowdy Yates and their crew accompany Gil as they face various characters and situations along the way. From wolves to bandits and ghost riders, there is never a dull moment.
With its signature theme song and action-packed episodes, Rawhide left its mark on the Western genre.
Rawhide has an IMDB rating of 7.9 and is available to watch on Hulu.
15. Wynonna Earp (2016-2021)
The Wild West collides with the supernatural in the hit series Wynonna Earp. Though it may be different than traditional shows in this genre, it has plenty of Western action to fulfill your cravings.
Wynonna Earp is the great-great-granddaughter of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp. Wynonna inherits a special power to send the reincarnated outlaws that Wyatt once killed back to Hell.
With the help of a special gun known as the Peacemaker, she fights off supernatural beings and works to break the curse plaguing her family.
This sci-fi series is a great twist and exciting addition to this genre.
Wynonna Earp has an IMDB rating of 7.3 and is available to watch on Netflix and Prime Video.
16. Maverick (1957-1962)
Maverick stood out as it was unlike other old Western series. It often featured comedic overtones, which wasn’t common within the genre at that time.
Bret and Bart Maverick are a pair of well-dressed gamblers who travel from town to town constantly in search of a good game. From riverboats to saloons, they journey across the American frontier to gamble.
While Maverick has gunfights and Wild West action, some of the episodes were parodies of other Western shows of the time.
Maverick has an IMDB rating of 8.1 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
17. The Lone Ranger (1949-1957)
The Lone Ranger is perhaps one of the most famous Western stories of all time. The series was the highest-rated television program on ABC in the early 1950s and the network’s first true hit.
After being the only Texas Ranger to survive an ambush, the Lone Ranger is found by a Native American by the name of Tonto. The Lone Ranger decides to become a masked vigilante who fights crime with Tonto as his partner. He rides a stunning white stallion by the name of Silver.
This family-favorite classic is full of adventure and crime fighting.
The Lone Ranger has an IMDB rating of 7.7 and is available to watch on Prime Video.
18. Hatfields & McCoys (2012)
Hatfields & McCoys tells the tale of one of the most iconic family feuds to happen in American history. The three-part mini-series dives into the real lives of these two families.
Though they were once close friends, Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy form a bitter feud between their two families after the Civil War.
With the Hatfields in Kentucky and McCoys in Virginia, tensions rise, and misunderstandings escalate. As hostilities continue to grow, partially due in part to a stolen pig, a war almost breaks out. This historical drama is great to binge in a weekend.
Hatfields & McCoys has an IMDB rating of 7.9 and is available to watch on Peacock and Prime Video.
19. Justified (2010-2015)
If you are searching for Western crime drama, Justified doesn’t hold back on the action. The show is based on Elmore Leonard’s character Raylan Givens, particularly from the story Fire in the Hole.
U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens receives a new assignment from Miami to Kentucky following an incident that happened. His new district happens to be where he grew up as a child, which consists of the poor, rural coal mining towns of eastern Kentucky.
To the dismay of those near him, Givens prefers to use Wild West methods of upholding justice when apprehending criminals.
In addition to the Marshal, the show focuses on the residents and culture of the Appalachian mountains in Kentucky.
Justified has an IMDB rating of 8.6 and is available to watch on Hulu and Prime Video.
20. Warrior (2019-present)
Not your typical show in this genre, Warrior combines crime, drama, and martial arts in a period piece. Full of action, the series is based on an original story by Bruce Lee.
During the 19th century San Fransico, Chinatown is riddled with brutal gang wars. Ah Sahm, a martial arts prodigy, immigrates from China and becomes a hit man for a powerful organized crime family in Chinatown.
Sahm manages to gain the trust of brothel madam Ah Toy, while also searching for his missing sister.
Warrior has an IMDB rating of 8.4 and is available to watch on Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+.
Also read: 30 Best Western & Cowboy Movies of All Time