In the vast and ever-evolving landscapes of television, few genres have been able to capture the essence of the American Frontier and its timeless spirit of adventure like theWestern. With a rich history spanning decades, the West has produced some of the finest and most memorable television shows ever seen. From dusty trails to rugged landscapes, these shows have taken viewers on a thrilling journey through the Wild West, showcasing tales about lawmen and outlaws, pioneers and renegades, and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to conquer the untamed frontier.
It’s a fact that Western TV series don’t enjoy the same level of popularity as other genres like crime dramas, fantasy series, or sitcoms in our present time, but during the 1950s and 1960s, western TV was incredibly popular. Shows likeBonanzaandGunsmokeattracted large audiences, becoming some of the most iconic.
The popularity of the genre may have waned, but there is still a considerable audience who appreciates this genre and its timeless theme of justice, adventure, and struggle for survival. Streaming platforms have also helped in rejuvenating this genre and this revival is evident in thebest western shows on Hulu. For now, it’s time to ride into the sunset and uncover the greatest Western TV shows of all time.
Updated on July 02, 2025, by Soniya Hinduja: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
20Wynonna Earp (2016 – 2021)
Wynonna Earp
An excellent choice for those who love televisionbut aren’t used to watching Westerns,Wynonna Earpinjects supernatural elements into the genre. Based on the comic book series by Beau Smith, it follows the titular character, who is the great-great-granddaughter of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp, as she returns to her hometown of Purgatory to battle the resurrected souls of all those that Wyatt killed and send them back to purgatory. She is accompanied by her sister Waverly and their ally Doc Holliday.
Action-Packed Supernatural Fun
A cult favorite that not only delivers the good old action of the Wild West but also perfectly mixes horror, comedy, and romance into its narrative,Wynonna Earpcaptivated its audiences with its constant intrigue and plot twists. Melanie Scrofano brings to life a gunslinger you cannot help but root for as she faces more creative and terrifying demons in each season. The sharp writing and constant sense of butt-kicking adventure makes this a delight.Stream on Netflix.
19Wagon Train (1957 – 1965)
Wagon Train
Inspired by two of Ward Bond’s classic films, 1950’sWagon Masterand 1930’sThe Big Trail,Wagon Trainis an extremely enjoyable Western. It chronicles the adventurous and perilous journey of a wagon train traveling from Missouri to California along the Western route. Led by the compassionate Major Seth Adams, the wagon train faces changing weather conditions as well as confrontations with outlaws and tribes.
Helped Pave the Way for Future Westerns With its Iconic Tales
What makes this classic Western series stand out is thatit features a guest star in each episode; they bring a nuanced story to the group and allow the American West to be seen through the eyes of Bond’s wagon master. It explores timeless themes of community, determination, courage, and driving on into the unknown. Even though it’s over half a century old,Wagon Train’scompelling narrative and portrayal of the ‘50s and ‘60s cements it as a seminal work in the genre.Stream on Tubi.
181923 (2022 – 2023)
The most recent addition to Paramount’s neo-Western universe that started with Yellowstone,1923serves as a prequel to the show and a sequel to 1883. It follows a new generation of Duttons led by Jacob and Cara in the titular year as they establish their cattle empire in Montana while facing unfathomable struggles like drought and poverty. Also challenging the control of their land during Prohibition is the rising crime in Montana and the social upheaval of the era.
Most Ambitious Chapter of Taylor Sheridan’s Saga
The superb production values and sweeping visuals bring Montana alive on screen in all its stark beauty and natural menace. Starring Harrison Ford as Jacob Dutton and Helen Mirren as Cara Dutton, with Isabella May reprising her role as Elsa Dutton from1883, the series is driven by powerful performances that bring depth to the narrative. While the character development is rich, the backdrop of economic turmoil in Montana is harsh, and capturing the 1920s as an era of both change and hardships is what the series does best.Stream on Paramount+.
17The Loner (1965 – 1966)
InThe Loner, Lloyd Bridges stars as Willian Colton, a former Union cavalry captain and lone soul who answers to no one. All he wants is peace and purpose in post-Civil War America, so he ventures into the West. As Colton travels from one town to another, he comes face to face with various characters and, though reluctant, finds himself drawn into their conflict and moral dilemmas, enforcing his sense of justice and changing the frontier.
A One-of-a-Kind Classic Worth Revisiting
Rob Sterling, best known for creatingThe Twilight Zone, createdThe Lonera year after the cancellation of the highly acclaimed anthology series.The Lonerwas short-lived but its influence is still felt in Westerns and it brings complexity to the screen through the eyes of one hero and his quiet and contemplative strength. Unique but underappreciated, the series uses a minimalist storytelling approach and tries to deliver meditations on life’s most important questions rather than focusing on action and gunslinging.Currently unavailable to stream.
16Joe Pickett (2021 – 2023)
Joe Pickett
Lauded by critics as a highly realistic neo-Western,Joe Pickettcenters around the life of the titular character, who is a game warden. In the rugged wilderness of Wyoming, Joe gets entangled in more danger, mystery, crime, and corruption than he bargained for. As he navigates the challenges that come with the job and balances a family life, he repeatedly finds himself surrounded by a darkness that shakes his entire community.
One of the Finest Neo-Western Sagas
Combining elements of a murder mystery with familiar tropes of action-packed Westerns,Joe Pickettoffers a fresh take on C.J. Box’s page-turning novel. The stunning shots place the audience right next to Joe, who is played brilliantly by Michael Dorman. He captures the subtle and true essence of a man committed to justice but forced to live in a lawless land. Theseries spans two seasonsand has been praised greatly for its breathtaking cinematography and immersive plot, as well as the battle between Western ideals and modern issues that plague the country even today.Stream on Paramount+.
15Godless (2017)
Set in the late 1800s, the critically acclaimed miniseries,Godless, follows Roy Goode, an outlaw who seeks refuge in a mining town of La Belle inhabited by only women after a mining incident. He befriends a widow by the name of Alice, who is unaware of his criminal past. Meanwhile, a ruthless outlaw, Frank Griffin, hunts Roy down, leading to a showdown between the women of the town and Griffin’s men.
A Female-Driven Tale of the Frontier
Godlessis a memorable addition to the Western genre, combining action-packed sequences and character-driven drama to paint a vivid portrayal of life on the frontier during a tumultuous time. This Western TV show gained widespread appreciation from both critics and audiences for its outstanding cinematography, storytelling, performances, and poetic dialogue. With it being partly a women-driven narrative, this surely makes for a truly unique Western.Stream on Netflix.
14Yellowstone (2018 – Present)
Yellowstone
Renowned for its mix of family drama, political intrigue, and action sequences, the contemporary western series,Yellowstone, centers on the Dutton family in Montana. Kevin Costner plays the formidable and ruthless patriarch, who is determined to protect his family’s legacy and land from threats, including land developers, Native American disputes, and political challenges. At the same time, he must also smooth out the internal conflicts within his family.
Shakespearean Family Drama With a Modern Aesthetic
Yellowstonehas been praised for its dramatic storytelling, character development, and exceptional performances delivered by its cast and breathtaking Montana landscapes. However, while some enthusiasts rank it among iconic shows likeThe SopranosandBreaking Bad, others feel it is excessively violent and cringe-worthy, believing it declined in quality after its fourth season. Nonetheless,Yellowstonehas garnered a dedicated fan base who find it utterly riveting and brilliant, with Keith Riley’s unforgettable performance as Beth particularly exceptional.
23 Best Westerns on Max to Watch Right Now
Spurs and gunfights, bandits and bank robberies: all this can more can be found in the best western movies streaming on Max.
13Maverick (1957 – 1962)
Created by Roy Huggins and produced by Warner Bros., the 1950s gem,Maverick, is known for its light-hearted and humorous take on the Western genre. It mostly chronicles the escapades of Bret Maverick, a charming and roguish gambler and cowboy, as he travels across the American West. He is joined by his brother Bart, who shares a lot of similarities with him, and they often find themselves in humorous and dangerous situations throughout the series.
While the series primarily leans towards humor, featuring clever and witty dialogue, as well as characters breaking the fourth wall, it also incorporates elements of action, drama, and occasional suspense to keep things interesting. The subversive tone celebrates the frontier’s history but also flips Western tropes on its head. With James Garner’s iconic portrayal of the charismatic lead character and its mixture of humor and adventure, this show solidifies its place as an iconic piece of television history.
Wanted: Dead or Alive (1958)
In the classic Western TV series,Wanted Dead or Alive, Steve McQueen plays Josh Randall, a bounty hunter who tracks down and captures wanted criminals in the Old West. It is notable for its concise and action-packed storytelling, with each episode typically featuring Josh Randall’s pursuit of a particular bounty hunter. Throughout the series, Josh encounters a series of characters, some of whom are allies and others, adversaries. Yet nothing deters him from the pursuit of his targets.
Fundamentally Changed the Genre with Its Unique Voice
Josh is a man of few words, known for his cool demeanor, quick-thinking, and sharp-shooting skills.McQueen plays this cool guy exceptionally well, contributing to the show’s popularity and also catapulting himself to stardom.Wanted Dead or Aliveis a beloved series and aficionados of Western TV series will not easily forget its iconic theme music and the tough, no-nonsense bounty hunter, Josh Randall. Minimalist in setting, the Western had a significant influence on the genre.Stream for free on Tubi.
11Bonanza (1959 – 1973)
Bonanzaenjoyed an impressive 13-season run, revolving around the wise, kind, and devoted owner of the Ponderosa Ranch, Ben Cartwright, who is dedicated to raising his three sons and building a prosperous cattle ranch. Lorne Greene takes on the role of Ben, while Pernell Roberts, Dan Blocker, and Michael Landon play his sons, each endearing in their unique way. There’s humor, adventure, action, and dramatic storytelling as the series focuses on the challenges Ben and his sons face while protecting their beloved ranch.
A Magnificent Classic About a Close-Knit Family
One of the show’s standout features is its unwavering focus on family values and morality. The charismatic leads and their genuine chemistry anchored these themes added weight to the historic time of change, and delivered multi-layered story arcs. The show is also known for its visually stunning and authentic Western atmosphere as well as its iconic theme song. Time has not dimmed its enduring charm asBonanzaremains a nostalgic aspect of Western TV history.
