Before antiheroes became trendy and before “prestige TV” turned into a buzzword, Westerns were already out here doing the work. These shows weren’t just about horses and shootouts—they were quietly building the DNA of modern television. Here are 21 TV Westerns that didn’t just define a genre—they helped define television itself.

Some of these decisions made careers. Some made millions. Others built entire empires. And the wild part? It wasn’t all luck—these are moves, moments and choices celebrities have actually said were the smartest things they ever did.

From his early years making a name for himself in live theatre to his most famous roles on the big and small screens, Robert Duvall has become one of cinema’s most iconic veterans. Rising through the ranks of Hollywood alongside many of his generation, he sets himself apart through his commitment and professionalism, as well as his ability to take on characters to their fullest—truly becoming someone else in the process.