The Top Western TV Shows Of All Time
Western TV shows have captured audiences for decades, blending thrilling action, rugged landscapes, and unforgettable characters. Whether you love traditional cowboy tales or more modern series, Western shows continue to deliver enticing stories and timeless appeal. Let’s explore the best Western TV shows.
Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke started as a hit radio drama before becoming a TV classic that’s entertaining nearly 70 years later. Starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, the show combined action-packed scenes with great storytelling.
Wanted: Dead Or Alive
Wanted: Dead or Alive was the Western that launched Steve McQueen into stardom, paving the way for his legendary Hollywood career. The show followed Josh Randall, a skilled bounty hunter who roamed from town to town, outsmarting criminals with his quick draw and survival skills. A classic black-and-white adventure, it’s a must-watch for fans of Westerns.
CBS, Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958–1961)
Billy The Kid
Billy the Kid is a thrilling romantic adventure that dives into the life of the legendary outlaw. It starts with his New York beginnings and Irish heritage, then follows his journey into the wild, gunslinging days of the frontier.
Amblin Television, Billy the Kid (2022-)
Deadwood
Deadwood was set in the 1870s in South Dakota and follows Deadwood’s transformation from a gold-mining camp to a bustling frontier town. With its storytelling and real historical figures woven into the drama, Deadwood is truly unforgettable.
The Virginian
The Virginian, set in the late 19th century, brought the Old West to life by following the adventures of the mysterious ranch foreman known only as "The Virginian". The show stood out by blending action-packed Western storytelling with deeper themes of justice, morality, and relationships.
Universal, The Virginian (1962–1971)
Little House On The Prairie
Little House on the Prairie brings Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books to life, offering heartfelt drama without the usual gunslinging of most Westerns. The show follows the Ingalls family as they settle near Walnut Grove, Minnesota, to build a home and start fresh. It’s a touching story of family, resilience, and frontier life.
NBC, Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983)
Justified
Justified is a sharp neo-western series starring Timothy Olyphant as US Marshal Raylan Givens, a gunslinger returning to his hometown in Harlan County, Kentucky. It’s a perfect mix of action, wit, and drama.
FX Productions, Justified (2010–2015)
Wagon Train
Wagon Train followed the journey of settlers traveling from Missouri to California, facing challenges and adventures along the way. Each episode told a new story with a rotating cast of characters, which brought in guest stars and diverse plots.
Universal, Wagon Train (1957–1965)
The Rifleman
The Rifleman tells the story of a father and son starting a ranching life in 1880s New Mexico. Known for its exciting shootouts and Lucas McCain’s iconic Winchester rifle, the show also features writing from legendary filmmaker Sam Peckinpah. It’s a classic Western packed with action and heart.
Four Star Productions, The Rifleman (1958–1963)
Rawhide
Rawhide is a classic 50s Western that launched Clint Eastwood’s career as a cowboy, featuring him as Rowdy Yates, the trusted right-hand man to trail boss Gil Favor (Eric Fleming). The show follows a cattle drive across the country, packed with fast-paced adventures, colorful characters, and timeless themes of honor, loyalty, and survival.
Bonanza
Bonanza ran from 1959 to 1973 and became a beloved classic with its 14-season run. The show focused on the Cartwright family—Ben and his three sons, each from different wives, making it more character-driven than other Westerns.
1883
1883 takes viewers back to the first generation of Duttons as they journey from Tennessee to Montana, laying the foundation for the Yellowstone Ranch. This series captures the harsh realities of life on a wagon expedition.
Dark Winds
Dark Winds stars Zahn McClarnon as Navajo Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, with Kiowa Gordon as his deputy, Jim Chee, who’s secretly an FBI agent. Based on Tony Hillerman’s novels, this thriller delivers gripping mysteries and standout performances.
AMC Studios, Dark Winds (2022-)
Death Valley Days
This series is a classic Western series that brought legendary tales of the American West to life, focusing on stories from the region. Stanley Andrews, known as “The Old Ranger,” was the show’s first memorable host.
Filmaster Productions, Death Valley Days (1952–1970)
Preacher
Preacher is a Western with a supernatural twist and wild and unpredictable turns. Based on Garth Ennis’s comic series, it stars Dominic Cooper as Jesse Custer, a Texan preacher with mysterious powers on a mission to find God.
Original Film, Preacher (2016-2019)
Longmire
Longmire stars Robert Taylor as Walt Longmire, the confident and determined sheriff of Absaroka County. While grieving his wife’s passing, Longmire solves crimes in his county and works closely with tribal authorities on a nearby Native American reservation. It’s a great mix of mystery, drama, and heartfelt storytelling.
Warner Bros., Longmire (2012–2017)
The Lone Ranger
The Lone Ranger has been a legendary Western hero since his radio debut in 1933, and this TV adaptation became one of ABC’s first big hits. While some parts, like the portrayal of Tonto, haven’t aged well, the show remains a landmark in Western TV history.
Apex Film Corp, The Lone Ranger (1949–1957)
Hell On Wheels
This series brings a fresh, gritty perspective to the Western genre, focusing on the struggles of those who built the first transcontinental railroad. Led by Anson Mount as the tough Civil War veteran Cullen Bohannon, the show featured a fantastic cast and a mature take on the untamed Old West.
Entertainment One, Hell on Wheels (2011–2016)
Westworld
Though Westworld was pulled from HBO, its first season is a brilliant blend of Western and science fiction. Across its four seasons, the show expands into the mysterious world of Delos Inc, delivering twists and intrigue at every turn.
Bad Robot, Westworld (2016–2022)
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a must-watch miniseries showcasing David Oyelowo’s incredible talent. It tells the inspiring true story of Bass Reeves, who escaped slavery and became a legendary US Marshal after years as a tracker and farmer in Native American territory.
101 Studios, Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)
Firefly
Firefly remains a beloved space Western despite its short run on Fox. With a fantastic cast including Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, and Alan Tudyk, the series is packed with charm and adventure.
Twentieth Century, Firefly (2002-2003)
Outer Range
Outer Range is a sci-fi Western series that features Josh Brolin as he shines as Royal Abbott, a rancher dealing with big mysteries and family drama. As his family struggles with the disappearance of his daughter-in-law and a rival family encroaching on their land, they uncover a strange void on their property.
Amazon Studios, Outer Range (2022–2024)
Walker, Texas Ranger
Walker, Texas Ranger is all about action-packed fun. While it’s not groundbreaking storytelling, the mix of neo-Western vibes, wild adventures, and plenty of martial arts makes it an entertaining watch. If you’re in the mood for something light and exciting, this series delivers.
CBS, Walker, Texas Ranger (1993–2001)
The English
The English follows Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) as she journeys to the West seeking revenge for her son’s passing, crossing paths with Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout fighting for what he’s owed. With stunning cinematography and a fresh take on the American frontier, the show blends beauty and ruggedness to redefine the Western genre.
The Ranch
The Ranch brought a Western flair to sitcoms, set in the small, fictional town of Garrison, Colorado. Starring Ashton Kutcher and Sam Elliott, the show explored the messy, heartfelt dynamics of the Bennett family, blending humor with themes of family, tradition, and struggle.
Ranch Hand Productions, The Ranch (2016-2020)
Banshee
While not officially a Western, Banshee had all the grit and drama of the genre, following an ex-con who takes on the identity of a slain sheriff in a small town. Starring Antony Starr as the mysterious Lucas Hood, the show delivered nonstop action.
Maverick
Maverick is a Western set in the 1950s and 60s and includes a twist on cowboy traditions. Brothers Bret (James Garner) and Bart Maverick (Jack Kelly) were charming gamblers who preferred wit and bluffing over gunplay, though they weren’t afraid to draw when needed.
Warner Bros., Maverick (1957–1962)
Have Gun, Will Travel
Paladin, the deadly gunslinger from Have Gun, Will Travel, was like a Western superhero with his dual identity. In San Francisco, he was a refined gentleman who loved opera, but when duty called, he transformed into a black-clad mercenary for hire. He roamed the Wild West as a bodyguard, courier, and private detective, making him one of TV’s most intriguing Western characters.
CBS, Have Gun - Will Travel (1957–1963)
Cheyenne
Cheyenne, the first hour-long Western on TV, starred Clint Walker as the charming cowboy Cheyenne Bodie, a drifter raised by Cheyenne Indians. The series remains a classic nearly seven decades later.
Warner Bros., Cheyenne (1955–1963)
Lonesome Dove
The 1989 miniseries Lonesome Dove stars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones as two former Texas Rangers embarking on a daring cattle drive to Montana. Packed with danger, drama, and romance, it’s a Western adventure like no other.
Qintex Entertainment, Lonesome Dove (1989)
Wynonna Earp
Wynonna Earp is a supernatural neo-Western that follows Wyatt Earp’s great-great-granddaughter as she battles reincarnated outlaws to break her family’s curse. With the help of her half-sister and some hunky allies, Wynonna takes on the dark forces of the frontier.
Image Comics, Wynonna Earp (2016–2021)
That Dirty Black Bag
That Dirty Black Bag delivers eight episodes about an intense eight-day standoff between two cowboys. Sheriff Arthur McCoy, tough and troubled but honest, faces off against Red Bill, a ruthless bounty hunter who carries the heads of his kills in a black bag. It’s a gritty, suspenseful showdown you won’t want to miss.
Palomar, That Dirty Black Bag (2022-)
Godless
Godless follows Roy Goode, a former outlaw seeking refuge in a remote mining town run mostly by women. When his old gang comes after him for revenge, the town must band together to fight back. It’s a tense, action-packed Western with a unique twist.
Branded
Branded follows Captain James McCord, a Union soldier wrongly accused of cowardice after the Civil War. Stripped of his title, McCord faces life branded as a traitor while trying to clear his name. The show’s unique, serious tone made it a hit in its first season, though it was ultimately canceled due to conflicts behind the scenes.
Madison Productions, Branded (1965–1966)
Laredo
Laredo is a fun Western series about a group of Texas Rangers chasing bank robbers and outlaws. To keep things fresh as Westerns started losing popularity, the show added a comedic twist that made it stand out.
Here Come The Brides
Here Come the Brides is a charming Western comedy inspired by the Mercer Girls project, which brought women from the East Coast to Seattle in the 1860s. In the show, a logging community full of men threatens to leave due to the lack of women, prompting 100 women to be brought in to settle things. It’s a fun and lighthearted take on life in the Old West.
Screen Gems Television, Here Come the Brides (1968–1970)
The High Chaparral
The High Chaparral is set in the 1870s and follows rancher Big John Cannon as he builds a cattle ranch in the harsh Arizona desert, right on the border with Mexico. Surrounded by hostile Apaches, he faces tough challenges.
NBC, The High Chaparral (1967–1971)
Yellowstone
Yellowstone had a mixed start in 2018 but quickly became one of TV’s most gripping dramas. Following the Dutton family’s intense battles over their ranch, it’s a must-watch for fans of powerful storytelling.
While the show has been praised for its portrayal of Native Americans, there was a time when important members of the Native American community called for people to boycott it. Actress Kelsey Asbille, who plays Kayce Dutton’s Native American wife, Monica Long Dutton, claimed to be of Chinese and Cherokee descent. Yet, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians weren’t happy to find that there’s no proof to support her statements.
Paramount, Yellowstone (2018–2024)
1923
1923 is the captivating prequel to Yellowstone and it follows the Dutton family on their ranch as they navigate the challenges of the Great Depression and Western expansion. With Timothy Dalton as a ruthless tycoon, the drama is intense and unforgettable.
