Nowadays, discussions about television Westerns often focus on neo-Westerns like Yellowstone or critically acclaimed HBO series such as Deadwood. While classics like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Rawhide are still available at your local Walmart, many old-school and modern journeys to the Old West have been overlooked. Given the extensive history of the genre on television, this is quite unfortunate.
For those eager to explore the genre more deeply, we’ve compiled a brief list of underrated Western shows that, despite their imperfections, come remarkably close to greatness. Each show has its own quirks, underdeveloped elements, or plotlines that may not resonate with everyone, but they all celebrate their unique portrayal of the American West during the traditional post-Civil War era (except for one, but we’ll get to that). So saddle up and grab the reins as we journey to that forgotten wild frontier.
‘How the West Was Won’ (1976–1979)
After two decades portraying Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, Western star James Arness chose his next television project to be an epic reimagining of How the West Was Won. This series began as a television film following the Macahan family as they, with assistance from uncle Zeb Macahan (Arness), journey west to establish themselves during the peak of the Civil War, only to navigate into that initial postwar period of Western lawlessness. It certainly meets the high expectations set by the original film.
With over two dozen 90-minute episodes, each installment of How the West Was Won almost resembles a made-for-TV movie. There are serialized threads that persist throughout the series — such as Luke’s (Bruce Boxleitner) ongoing legal troubles — but they never detract from the main storyline. It’s unfortunate that so few people remember this series.
‘Cheyenne’ (1955–1962)
The first hour-long Western television series to air, Cheyenne enjoyed an impressive seven-season run in its time, paving the way for future 60-minute programs. Starring Clint Walker as Cheyenne Bodie, a wandering gunslinger who takes on various jobs across the Old West, he always finds himself embroiled in whatever trouble arises. It certainly helped that he is among the finest Western gunslingers on television.
Cheyenne is about as traditional a TV Western as one can get, akin to the televised version of Shane. The series even served as a launching pad for the short-lived The Dakotas, another often-overlooked series that deserves recognition. Additionally, that catchy theme song from Cheyenne is unforgettable.
‘Paradise’ (1988–1991)
Originally known simply as Paradise, before being retitled as Guns of Paradise, this CBS program premiered during a brief resurgence of the genre on television. Shows like the equally remarkable The Young Riders and the epic miniseries Lonesome Dove were gaining popularity, and while it may have been overshadowed by those two programs, it still deserves its place in Western TV history.
When Lee Horsley’s Ethan Allen Cord, a seasoned gunfighter, seeks to leave his violent past behind, he settles in California’s titular town to care for his orphaned niece and nephews.. Upon arriving in Paradise, he inevitably falls for landowner Amelia Lawson (Sigrid Thornton) which brings its own complications. While not typically recognized among the best classic Western shows,Paradise is a three-season adventure worth experiencing.
‘Joe Pickett’ (2021–2023)
This series is based on novels by authorC.J. Box.
The titular hero Joe Pickett is set in modern America’s West.. Although it may not be set in traditional genre time periods,The titular hero Joe Pickett is quite old-school himself.. This is exactly what draws us to Joe (Michael Dorman) in this first place.
The show ran for two seasons before it was abruptly cancelled. The Wyoming game warden investigates a series of mysteries in wild lands that once humbled American explorers. While it takes some liberties from its source material,This show is a stellar adaptation perfect for longtime fans or newcomers alike.. It’s a two-season Western series perfect for a quick binge.
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‘The Rebel’ (1959–1961)
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“Johnny Yuma was a rebel, he roamed through the west.” If you’re familiar with that classicJohnny Cash tune,You already know something aboutThe Rebel.This ABC Western followed ex-confederate Johnny Yuma (Nick Adams) as he roamed about Old West.Yuma got into all sorts of trouble but it never stopped him from doing right thing.
The Rebel ran for two long seasons adding up to total of 76 episodes though it never quite felt so long with only half-hour installments as Yuma rambled across country.Like Cheyenne,The Rebel tackled many usual western plots different shows often recycled though it always did so with Adams’ stone-faced charm.
‘The Son’ (2017–2019)
This AMC drama often gets overshadowed by Dutton drama even though it began a year before Yellowstone.While The Son is also about family ranching legacy,it spans several time periods multiple generations do so.This two-season series follows patriarch Eli McCullough (Pierce Brosnan) juxtaposing future past where he’s played byJacob Lofland) tell complete story sacrifices made for family.
The Son is type western series perfect streaming era.With concise 20 episode run pulls novel same name byPhilipp Meyer,AMC outdid themselves addictive Texas-based narrative speaks firmly same issues Taylor Sheridan would meditate multi-installment franchise.
‘Billy the Kid’ (2022–2025)
This show literally just ended hard say it’s forgotten western series considering most don’t even knowBilly The Kidexists argue qualifies.The Epix turned MGM+ series followed title American outlaw played byTom Blythas he steps middle famed Lincoln County War only life turned completely upside down
This show doesn’t allow itself shackled complete historical accuracy.While based Billy’s real-life exploits truth is that Billy The Kid departs considerably authentic historical account
‘The Loner’ (1965–1966)
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This show still holds up after all this time. Serling’s creative vision for genre certainly unique though quite different various Twilight Zone westerns tackled years still feels undeniably Serling approach. It wasn’t all about gunfights action but did aim realism not reached many horse operas time.
Here you can find original article photos images used our article come this source. We are not their authors have been used solely informational purposes proper attribution their original source.[nospin]
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This show still holds up after all this time. Serling’s creative vision for genre certainly unique though quite different various Twilight Zone westerns tackled years still feels undeniably Serling approach. It wasn’t all about gunfights action but did aim realism not reached many horse operas time.
Here you can find original article photos images used our article come this source. We are not their authors have been used solely informational purposes proper attribution their original source.[nospin]
