10 Wild West TV Shows to Binge After ‘1923’

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Once you’ve wiped away tears following the thrilling climax of season two of “1923”, brace yourself for additional gunfights, treacheries, and violence as the ever-growing frontier of television’s Wild West continues to unfold.

Stories set in the unruly frontier of the Wild West, once heavily dependent on worn-out themes like long cattle drives, saloon brawls among cowboys, and train heists, received a revival on television screens, thanks to the creative powerhouse Taylor Sheridan igniting a trend of contemporary Westerns, with Yellowstone, the captivating saga centered around the Dutton family, taking the lead.

In open Midwest landscapes, stories of frontier justice with the good battling the evil on their loyal steeds have captivated TV viewers. This genre includes hits like the prequel to Yellowstone, 1883, as well as other Sheridan series such as Longmire, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and Landman. Together, they offer endless hours of engaging viewing, filled with contemporary, innovative dramas revolving around themes of revenge, redemption, and determination.

Here’s a collection of television series reminiscent of the Yellowstone universe, featuring both male and female characters displaying strength as they defend their assets and loved ones. These shows have a knack for keeping you engaged even after the intense finale of 1923 fades from memory.

    Carnivale (Max)

    The TV series ‘Carnivale,’ created by Daniel Knauf, lasted for just two seasons. However, it was set against the backdrop of a mystical traveling carnival during the Great Depression, providing a stage for an epic struggle between good and evil. Over the course of 24 episodes, this proxy war between Heaven and Hell played out, with an Oklahoma teenage farm boy, Ben Hawkins (portrayed by Nick Stahl), and a captivating preacher, Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown), at the heart of it all.

    Hatfield & McCoys (History)

    The historical miniseries set by History Channel focused on an enduring family feud between the notorious Hatfield and McCoy clans that lasted for decades. Kevin Costner portrayed Devil Anse Hatfield and Bill Paxton played Randall McCoy, delivering standout performances in the revenge-themed drama loosely based on the true events involving these families from West Virginia and Kentucky. The origins of the family conflict remain unclear, but it certainly escalated into a brutal legend post-U.S. Civil War.

    1883 (Paramount+)

    1883 Dutton family saga penned by Taylor Sheridan unfolds as they traverse the Great Plains, seeking wealth on a Montana homestead that remains the final frontier of unspoiled America. Escaping poverty, this family embarks on a 19th-century wagon trail across the prairie landscapes, encountering challenges centered around frontier justice and gunplay. Featuring Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Isabel May, this gripping tale of masculine struggles and emotional turmoil is helmed by Sheridan as writer and director.

    Landman (Paramount+)

    As a gamer, I’d rephrase that as: “I find myself swapping the serene ranch life for the dynamic Texas oil fields in this gripping saga penned by Taylor Sheridan. In the drama, Billy Bob Thornton plays Tommy Norris, the cunning landman at the heart of the story. He’s a man who keeps the wheels turning and serves as a liaison between the hardworking field workers and the wealthy players in the oil industry. With his smooth talk and knack for adapting to the ebb and flow of the oil market, Norris skillfully navigates its booms and busts. The series, titled ‘Landman’, also features Demi Moore, Jon Hamm, Ali Larter, and Michelle Randolph. It’s filled with classic Western motifs such as rugged individualism, unchecked ambition, and the everyday struggles of ordinary folks, all set against a backdrop of heated discussions about oil, climate change, and economic progress.

    Longmire (Netflix)

    Longmire appears to be a Western TV show, featuring the character of Walt Longmire (portrayed by Robert Taylor), who serves as the sheriff of a Wyoming county and maintains law and order in a desolate environment following his recent widowhood. However, it also functions as a crime drama because there are numerous mysteries to be unraveled throughout its storyline. The series was initially terminated by A&E after three seasons but later found a new home on Netflix. Alongside Taylor, the cast includes Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bailey Chase, Cassidy Freeman and Adam Bartley.

    Deadwood (Max)

    Debuting on HBO in 2004, the series “Deadwood” immerses viewers in a gritty Western setting. The story unfolds within a mining camp situated in South Dakota during 1876. Starring Timothy Olyphant as a pragmatic, deadly accurate marshal from Montana and Ian McShane as the menacing, merciless proprietor of the town’s saloon, brothel, and hotel, maintaining order in this remote frontier settlement is no simple task.

    Mayor of Kingstown (Paramount+)

    The crime drama series created by Taylor Sheridan and Hugh Dillon, known as Mayor of Kingstown, features Jeremy Renner portraying Mike McKlusky, an influential figure who serves as the unofficial mayor of a Michigan city heavily reliant on business from nine prisons run by the state. The show is set to continue for a fourth season on Paramount+ following the explosive events of the third season, where the Russian mafia established themselves in the Michigan city and a drug war ignited both within and beyond the prison walls. Naturally, with Renner’s character McLusky recovering from a near-fatal snowmobile accident in real life, he must navigate the challenges of maintaining order not only in the city but also among his feuding family members.

    Tulsa King (Paramount+)

    In Taylor Sheridan’s series, “Tulsa King”, Sylvester Stallone portrays Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a crime boss who is released from prison after serving 25 years for not betraying a local mafia boss in New York City. Having been banished to Tulsa, Oklahoma instead, Manfredi finds it challenging to establish a new criminal organization due to his old family’s ingratitude and the need to adapt to the modern world. His adjustments encompass learning about technology like cell phones, credit cards, and even the recent legalization of marijuana dispensaries in this contemporary setting.

    Godless (Netflix)

    The 2016 limited series produced by Netflix, titled “Godless”, masterfully revitalized the classic genre of Westerns. In this gripping tale, Jeff Daniels portrays Frank Griffin, a formidable outlaw with a troubled past that drives him to instill fear across the West. His former partner-turned-nemesis is Roy Goode, a gunslinger skillfully played by Jack O’Connell. In an isolated mining town governed by women, Roy has taken refuge in the home of Alice Fletcher, a character brilliantly brought to life by Michelle Dockery, well-known for her work on “Downton Abbey”. Alongside these talented actors, Merritt Wever and Sam Waterston also lend their talents to this Western that champions female empowerment.

    Hell on Wheels (AMC)

    During the Reconstruction period, brothers Tony and Joe Gayton decided to use the construction site of America’s first transcontinental railroad as a setting. This choice allowed them to delve into themes related to liberty and race. The main storyline revolves around Anson Mount’s character, an ex-Confederate soldier on a quest to track down the Union soldier responsible for his wife’s death. The narrative unfolds in a transient settlement known as Hell on Wheels, which is built alongside the railroad tracks. This series highlights that although the Civil War had ended, African-American slaves in the South were not yet emancipated. The concept of what freedom truly means is central to the AMC production.

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2025-04-20 18:55