The Western genre as a whole predates TV by decades. By the time it spread its influence from the big to the small screen, it was already a major phenomenon, being a significant part of cinematic history, and becoming immortalized in pop culture. We have an entire arsenal of compelling Western stories, from the iconic and legendary to the most unforgettable. But these stories, particularly on TV, aren’t all remembered as much as they should.
Today, Westerns continue to thrive on TV, thanks to contemporary masterpieces that have reinvented the genre and breathed new life into it, such as Landman and the wildly popular Yellowstone. But let’s take a look at the trailblazing, unique, and perfectly written Western shows from history that are criminally underrated. They’re not the most remembered, most celebrated, or even all that remarkable, but they have a spark that kept them perfect from their first episodes to their finales. From misunderstood cult classics to arguably some of the greatest Westerns to ever be released on TV, here are the unappreciated shows Western lovers need to see.
‘That Dirty Black Bag’ (2022)
In this gritty, unapologetically violent homage to Spaghetti Westerns, That Dirty Black Bag is an eight-part miniseries that aired in 2022. It takes what you love about that particular subgenre and elevates it with high-quality production values, brutally realistic depictions of frontier life, and is contrasted by gorgeous cinematography that will completely immerse you in the spectacle.
At the center of its story is a tale of murder, greed, corruption, and madness, all revolving around a shady small Western town sheriff with a dark past as he meets his match after encountering a bloodthirsty bounty hunter, with a sickening need to decapitate and collect his victims’ severed heads, who is carving a brutal path of revenge. It’s a hauntingly bleak and unrelentingly violent eight-part masterpiece with not a single wasted episode or dull moment. It utilizes its small window of time to tell a gripping tale that doesn’t paint a romanticized picture of the West and just wants to draw you into the bloody mayhem of this unpredictable story.
‘The English’ (2022)
In this gripping new take on revisionist Westerns, The English is a compelling six-part miniseries that aired on the BBC and Amazon Prime in 2022. Written and directed by Hugo Blick, it’s a subversive and unique Western tale that takes viewers through the old frontier on an emotional journey that deconstructs the romantic side of this iconic point in history. Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer star as a scorned English woman and a Pawnee native U.S. Army scout who combine forces to slay the man who killed the English woman’s son.
The English is a refreshing spin on the Western formula, complete with a story that deeply deconstructs the traditional narrative structure for these types of stories, and strives to push for a darker, more mature, and ultimately bleaker tone. Performances are beyond spectacular, as Blunt and Spencer have impeccable chemistry and easily slip into their roles, providing decent development and making the audience understand their characters, even when they’re not traditional heroes. The whole series is a different approach that sadly hasn’t gotten much notice in recent years, but it’s still worth a watch, and can quite amaze any new viewers.
‘Longmire’ (2012–2017)
Based on a best-selling mystery novel series by Craig Johnson, Longmire ran from 2012 to 2014 on A&E, and was eventually picked up by Netflix for an additional three years. A strikingly gripping, unexpectedly compelling, and ultimately misunderstood gem of a show, it’s impressive how good this Western is despite its several cancellations. Starring Robert Taylor as the titular Walt Longmire, it follows this Wyoming sheriff as he tries to keep peace within his jurisdiction.
While not the most polished, original, or even exciting Western series, Longmire excels exponentially with its character development and story structure. Robert Taylor was perfectly cast as the stoic, resilient Longmire, and his performance is elevated by a capable supporting cast that all play equally interesting characters. The pacing is near-perfect, and mystery elements can really draw viewers into each episode. It may not be entirely perfect, but its positive far outweighs the bad, making it a must-watch for even those who aren’t really fans of Westerns.
‘Outer Range’ (2022–2024)
Delving more into the realm of science fiction, next isOuter Range, an early 2020s neo-Western TV series created byBrian Watkins. Taking the idea of a Western in a whole different direction, it takes viewers on a tense mind-bending journey while followinga ranch family in Wyoming as they find their lives in turmoil, when the appearance of a mysterious black hole on their land coupled with the new arrival of an equally mysterious woman and rival family bidding for their land throws their world upside down.
The English is truly unlike any Western on this list. It’s a true standout of the genre in recent years being completely original story that mixes genres into powerful blend that’s purely entertaining. Sure,‘it’s not most well-crafted series considering it meanders at points doesn’t fully explore its unique ideas which ultimately led its abrupt cancellation after two seasons.’ However still feels fresh original does something not many other Westerns other than‘Westworld’, have tried do for genre. Overall it’s flawed but notable.
