8 Best TV Westerns on Right Now

Meredith Jacobs

Westerns have become quite popular in recent years, especially due to Yellowstone. But the Paramount Network drama — as well as its spinoffs, including several upcoming ones — is far from the only option if you can’t get enough of the genre.

From shows that are straight-forward westerns, like Yellowstone prequel 1883, to ones with a crime element, like Big Sky and Walker, to one with a trippy twist, like Outer Range, there are plenty of options, for fans of the genre.

Scroll down as we take a look at the best westerns on TV now.

8
Big Sky
Where to Stream Big Sky

Big Sky

2020–2023

Another series based on books by C.J. Box, the ABC drama follows private detective Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury) and undersheriff Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick) as they investigate cases in Montana. Jensen Ackles and Reba McEntire are among the series regular additions for the third season, with a mystery surrounding a local backcountry trip led by a charismatic outfitter.

7
Walker
Where to Stream Walker

Walker

2021–2024

The CW’s reimagining of Walker, Texas Ranger, follows Cordell (Jared Padalecki), who has his own moral code and protects both the people with his badge and his family (and its legacy). The series also stars Keegan Allen, Mitch Pileggi, Molly Hagan, Violet Brinson, Kale Culley, Coby Bell, Jeff Pierre, and Odette Annable.

6
When Calls the Heart
Where to Stream When Calls the Heart

When Calls the Heart

2014–

Hallmark Channel’s longest-running drama follows a young schoolteacher (Erin Krakow) as she accepts a position in a small frontier town and the rest of the Hope Valley’s residents. Its cast also includes Pascale Hutton, Jack Wagner, Kavan Smith, Chris McNally, Kevin McGarry, Andrea Brooks, and Martin Cummins.

5
Joe Pickett
Where to Stream Joe Pickett

Joe Pickett

2021–2023

Based on a book series by C.J. Box, the Spectrum Original follows a game warden (Michael Dorman) and his family as they navigate the changing political and socio-economic climate of rural Wyoming. The titular character learns what it means to be a good man in a place full of wildlife, history, schemes, and secrets. The neo-Western crime drama also stars Julianna Guill, Sharon Lawrence, Paul Sparks, Mustafa Speaks, Skywalker Hughes, Kamryn Pilva, and David Alan Grier.

4
Outer Range
Where to Stream Outer Range

Outer Range

2022–2024

Prime Video’s series follows Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin), a rancher fighting for his land and family, and a mysterious black void that arrives in their west pasture. The western with a supernatural mystery twist features an ensemble including Imogen Poots, Lili Taylor, Tamara Podemski, Lewis Pullman, Tom Pelphrey, Noah Reid, Shaun Sipos, Isabel Arraiza, Olive Abercrombie, and Will Patton.

3
Dark Winds
Where to Stream Dark Winds

Dark Winds

2022–

AMC’s drama is set in 1971 on a remote outpost of the Navajo Nation near Monument Valley and based on the iconic Leaphorn & Chee book series by Tony Hillerman. It follows the Tribal Police’s Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn (Zahn McClarnon) and his new deputy Jim Chee (Kiowa Gordon) as they battle the forces of evil, each other, and their own personal demons. The series also stars Jessica Matten.

2
1883
Where to Stream 1883

1883

2021–2022

In Paramount+’s Yellowstone prequel, the Dutton family embarked on a journey through the Great Plains, seeking a better future in Montana. The limited series stars Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen, and James Landry Hébert.

1
Yellowstone
Where to Stream Yellowstone

Yellowstone

2018–2024

John Dutton (Kevin Costner) leads the Dutton family, who controls and protects the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States in this drama. The series also stars Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Forrie Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Finn Little, Ryan Bingham, Gil Birmingham, Jen Landon, Kathryn Kelly, Mo Brings Plenty, and Wendy Moniz.

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  1. J

    Jena

    Can some of these really be considered westerns? The word "western" implies cowboys, gunfights, swinging-door saloons, and horseback being the only mode of personal transportation. Most of the above shows are thoroughly modern, and the only thing western about them is the supposed setting.

  2. B

    BlueCactus

    Spot on I can't get around the piano key teeth and LCD lights

  3. G

    GreenToast

    We all love Costner, but many great programs run for 20+ years after killing off main characters. Sheridan has too many shows running; most people like modern cowboy shows, not the old ones. Y/S has the best cast ever & has proved their likeability. Mathew would be great as a new character. Love Reilly's language because it's normally funny. Cole is great good/bad character.

  4. G

    GreenBowtie

    I can't take seriously any 'best' list that includes dreck like Walker. I tried, I really did, but it's just so... bad.

  5. R

    RedWrench

    I would rather watch paint drying than waste my time watching these boring put you to sleep westerns.

    1. O

      OliveUmbrella

      Watch the old Gunsmoke’s if you want westerns

    2. B

      BlueChefHat

      Thank God that you have a remote to change to the shopping network and another thanks that we are not all the same. Different strokes for different folks