10 Best Western TV Shows of the Last Decade

Western TV shows are just as exciting and impactful as genre films, and the series that have debuted in the last decade have pushed the limits of what these stories can do. Surprisingly, a mix of genres and the introduction of the supernatural and science fiction into western narratives took over series in the last ten years. Shows that choose to add new and exciting elements to the story feature recurring themes about what it means to be human. They also address the nature of violence in society and are seen in these projects.

Some recent Western TV shows are set in the Wild West, while others take place in the present day. Whether these TV series chronicle what life was like hundreds of years ago or examine how the myth of the American West affects people today, these series have a lot to say about what the West means to the characters. Whether they exemplify individualism, take matters into their own hands, or build a community from scratch, the characters that recent Western TV shows follow are richer and more complex than ever.

10

Outer Band (2022–2024)

Josh Brolin Leads This Time-Bending Western TV Series

Not just a great Western series, but also one of the best science fiction series of 2024, as it soon becomes clear that defending the family ranch is not the characters’ only concern. The patriarch, Royal Abbott is played by Josh Brolin in a formidable but nuanced performance. From the beginning, the audience knows that Royal is hiding something. However, the many intersecting mysteries make it difficult to determine who is aware of what is happening at the center of the story.

Despite being canceled after season 2 Outer range provides a unique take on the Western genre using science fiction and time travel focus on trauma and intergenerational experiences. The narrative evolves as the viewer discovers hidden facets of Royal’s past, and the science fiction elements change the meaning of the entire plot. Outer range It’s an ambitious show that juggles many stories at once, but manages to keep them straight and make the audience care about each character.

9

Preacher (2016–2019)

Violence and gore take center stage in this supernatural take on the Western.

Religion and the supernatural confrontation in Preachera fantastic Western TV show starring Dominic Cooper as Jesse Custer, a preacher who develops incredible skills. Based on the comic book series of the same name Preacher incorporates many stylistic elements unique to the Western genre, making it different from other offerings on television. Ruth Negga also appears in the story as Tulip, Jesse’s girlfriend and a force of nature that drives the story and action.

The combination of horror, supernatural and western setting gives Preacher the ability to address many different aspects of genres and examines the intersection between faith and the mythic power of the American West. Jesse himself is imbued with a mystical power that roots him in his world and makes him different from everyone and everything around him. Preacher is defined by its violence and extremism, providing bloody and explosive action sequences whenever possible.

8

1883 (2021–2022)

Of all the Yellowstone spinoffs, 1883 is the strongest

Taylor Sheridan series yellow stone was so popular that it spawned several spinoffs, including the prequel series 1883. The show follows the central Dutton family as they arrive in Montana after traveling the West and eventually settling on the ranch that would remain in the Dutton family to the present day. Sam Elliot, the seminal Western actor, stars as Shea Brennan, the leader of the expedition the Duttons join in search of home and destiny.

1883 is the story of a group of homesteaders and chronicles the dangers and revelations that occur when witnessing the dangers and stunning beauty of North America. Alongside the Duttons are many immigrants, cowboys and other individuals looking to escape their circumstances and build a new life. Like many of Sheridan’s projects, 1883 addresses tensions between invading white settlers and the indigenous people who worked to protect their lands.

7

Hell on Wheels (2011–2016)

The importance of the railroad and the sacrifices required to build it are explored in this series

Hell on wheels may have started just over ten years ago, but the series continued into the early part of the last decade because of the way the series connected with audiences. Depicting the construction of the transcontinental railroad across the USA, Hell on wheels explores the intersection between the many different people who worked on building railway lines. Characters take these positions because they have nowhere to go or are trying to profit from the coming railroad boom.

Anson Mount stars as Cullen Bohannon, a former Confederate soldier who joins the railroad to get revenge on the man who killed his family. As the season progresses, Bohannon becomes more invested in the railroad and its power and heals from his loss, allowing him to move forward and make a difference. Although Bohannon’s position as a member of the Southern army is problematic, the series focuses on a variety of individuals and experiences and attempts to make the story world as inclusive as possible.

6

That dirty black bag (2022–present)

That Dirty Black Bag pays homage to the Spaghetti Westerns that inspired it

Audiences may recognize Dominic Cooper, the actor who plays protagonist Arthur McCoy, from his roles in Mom Mia, My Lady Janeand Preacherbut he takes on a whole new kind of role in That dirty black bag. The morally gray and violent drama was partly filmed in Italy like the classic Spaghetti Westerns of the past, and has fun exploring what aspects of the genre hold up today and what could be elevated. Cooper is joined by Douglas Booth as Red Bill, a bounty hunter who Sheriff McCoy teams up with.

Like many of the best spaghetti western films, That dirty black bag understands that morality is subjective in the Old West and that the roles of good and evil are not set in stone. Bloody, visceral violence is readily available on That dirty black bagwhich is less concerned with realism than with exciting, instantaneous drama. However, That dirty black bag is aware of how strange her horrific images can become and will mock herself and the Spaghetti Western genre.

5

Without God (2017)

This female-led drama impresses and pushes boundaries

Without God explores what might have happened in the Old West if a town was led by women and what they would do to ensure the survival of their community. Featuring a fantastic cast with Merritt Weaver, Michelle Dockery and Jeff Daniels, Without God is elevated by the actors’ compelling performances and playful subversions of the classic tropes and pitfalls of the Western genre. Despite being a miniseries, Without God packs the action and tension of a much longer series.

The fact that the series is populated by so many strong, complex female characters sets it apart from traditional Western cuisine. However, Without God not only tells a character-driven story, but The thrust of the narrative involves bandits, betrayals, shootouts and all the classic elements of the Western genre that makes it so action-packed. The series’ central town, La Belle, holds many secrets and dramas that outsiders who come to La Belle must uncover while residents try to keep them at bay.

4

Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)

The real man comes to life in vivid detail through a universal story

David Oyelowo leads Lawmen: Bass Reeves like the true man of the law. Reeves was an iconic figure in US history who left his mark on the West. Lawmen: Bass Reeves addresses Reeves’ experience as a black man in the Old West and his relationship with the indigenous people in the territory he oversaw. The series lives up to Reeves’ reputation as one of the best U.S. Deputy Marshalls in history, as he shows off his considerable fighting and investigation skills throughout the narrative.

However Lawmen: Bass Reeves Season 2 is not confirmed, it’s not because the first season wasn’t a success. Combining elements of interpersonal drama and criminal procedural and intertwine them through the use of real people and events, Lawmen: Bass Reeves it’s a compelling watch and it understands its audience. While there is some of the action that the West is known for, the show takes its time and slowly develops a classic story that shines like a Western.

3

Wynonna Earp (2016–2021)

Wynonna is a great Western heroine in her supernatural world

Wyatt Earp may be a real historical figure, but Wynonna Earp makes your legacy more fantastic and exciting than ever. The title character, Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano), follows in her ancestor’s footsteps and is tasked with hunting down and destroying the spirits of the famous Western outlaws that Wyatt stopped so long ago. Struggling with her destiny and her family’s legacy, Wynonna fulfills her role and is a formidable enemy to the revenants.

Wyonnon Earp explains why supernatural and fantasy stories fit so well with Western narratives, as the series’ concept allows contemporary characters to interact with the past. Additionally, the series broke a lot of boundaries in terms of LGBTQ+ representation and centering a strong female character at the center of a Western story. Most Westerns throughout history have focused on men and their heroic deeds, but Wynonna Earp flips the script on this trope on purpose.

2

Western World (2016–2022)

The future and the past have more in common than the characters think in Westworld

Based on the 1973 film, Western World faced ups and downs after being adapted for television, but when the series was good, it was one of the best additions to the genre. Western World It perfectly combines the western and science fiction genres, as the series is set in a future where people can live out their fantasies, both good and bad, in a western-themed park. This is made possible through the use of androids, which are remarkably human-like and begin to remember their experiences and cycles.

Western World makes the viewer question the nature of humanity and what it means to be human, which is often a deeper theme in classic Westerns, which explore archetypes of good and evil. The Wild West is the perfect setting for Western World take on this task as it has a reputation for lawlessness and chaos. However, even if Western World is set in the future, it quickly refutes the idea that there are certain ways in which Western stories should unfold as characters take their fate into their own hands.

1

Yellowstone (2018–present)

One of the most popular Western programs of the 21st century

yellow stone was the beginning of Taylor Sheridan’s career Western TV dynasty, as the series’ popularity led to several spinoffs and increased interest in Sheridan’s work in other genres. While all of his work is compelling, there is a reason why yellow stone remains an enduring favorite, although Kevin Costner will not appear in the second half of season 5 and beyond. Although the show has been on the air for many seasons, it has only grown in the estimation of critics and audiences.

Like Sheridan’s other work, yellow stone is not afraid to look critically at the West, especially in a contemporary context. The Duttons may be the central family the series follows, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect or that yellow stone tolerates everything they do. yellow stone left such a significant mark because it visually and aesthetically recalls a romanticized period in United States history. However, it’s also not afraid to interrogate it and include plenty of character drama to elevate the political and cultural commentary.