"You're Going To Feel It": Matt Smith Addresses House Of The Dragon Season 2 Losing A Showrunner Summary Classic Western themes of justice and individuality remain relevant in modern TV series like Yellowstone. Justified, a Neo-Western crime drama, borrowed heavily from the themes and styles of classic Western cinema. Shows like Westworld and Preacher mix Western genres with contemporary themes like technology and supernatural elements. SCREENRANT VIDEO OF THE DAY SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
While the Western genre may not be as popular as it once was in past decades, it has maintained its appeal on the small screen through several Western series set in modern times. The themes and tropes of the Western genre always dealt with timeless concepts of justice, freedom, and individuality, and these have remained just as relevant in contemporary television. From classic Western adventures set in the present day to Neo-Westerns that played with the genre, viewers may not even be aware of just how many modern television series were influenced by classic Western cinema.
Some of the best television series today, such as Yellowstone, were prime examples of the Western genre set in contemporary times. Other shows, like Westworld, took the tropes of Western media and melded them with science fiction to address contemporary concerns around technology and progress. Even though it may not be immediately apparent that the Western genre has continued to flourish into the modern era, audiences have continued to crave Western TV shows set in modern times.
10 Justified (2010 - 2015) Justified was a Neo-Western about a U.S. Marshal with his own brand of justice Justified Crime Action Drama Where to Watch
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Based on the fictional stories by Elmore Leonard, Justified is a neo-Western crime drama following the adventures of Old West lawman Marshal Raylan Givens, who is reassigned to his home county in Kentucky after a controversial shooting.
Cast Jere Burns , Erica Tazel , Timothy Olyphant , Nick Searcy , Jacob Pitts , Walton Goggins , Natalie Zea , Joelle Carter Release Date March 16, 2010 Seasons 6 Network FX Streaming Service(s) Hulu , Prime Video Writers Elmore Leonard Directors Graham Yost Showrunner Timothy Olyphant Expand
The Neo-Western series Justified starred Timothy Olyphant as Deputy Marshal Raylan Givens, a quiet lawman with a dark past who played by his own rules. Givens brought to mind classic Western antiheroes like The Man with No Name in Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy, and overall, Justified borrowed heavily from the themes and styles of classic Western cinema. With strong acting, directing, and writing, Justified was not only one of the best Western TV shows set in modern times but also one of the most underappreciated shows of the 2010s.
This modern-day Western saw Deputy Givens confronting his past and present after he was sent back to work in his hometown. With an engaging plot, tension-filled storylines, and strong characters throughout, Justified had fantastic pacing and consistently kept viewers guessing with its unpredictable nature. Although the series finished in 2015, Olyphant returned as Deputy Givens in the limited series Justified: City Primeval in 2023.
9 The Ranch (2016 - 2020) The Ranch was a sitcom that owed a lot to the Western genre The Ranch Sitcom Where to Watch
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The Ranch is a sitcom that ran for four seasons between 2016 and 2020. The Comedy and Drama series was created by Don Reo and Jim Patterson for Netflix and starred Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Sam Elliot, and Debra Winger. The premise revolved around a Rancher and his two sons who owned a Ranch in Colorado and all of the drama that unfolded within their family.
Cast Ashton Kutcher , Sam Elliott Release Date April 1, 2016 Seasons 8 Network Netflix Streaming Service(s) Netflix , Hulu
The Netflix sitcom The Ranch took place in the fictitious small town of Garrison, Colorado, and had a Western sensibility wrapped in a comedic style. Starring Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, and Sam Elliot, The Ranch was a breath of fresh air after so many modern American sitcoms were set in California or New York and showcased a lesser-seen side of American life. With a focus on the daily lives of the dysfunctional Bennett family, through allusions to country music and genre cliches, it was an enjoyable Western-influenced sitcom.
Through its rural setting on the Iron River Ranch, The Ranch evoked a quintessential Western feeling, as the day-to-day struggles of the Bennetts mimicked the hardships of those on the American frontier in classic Western movies. With themes of family, tradition, and intergenerational conflict, The Ranch highlighted how classic Western struggles were just as relevant in a modern setting. While it did not feature bandits, outlaws, and cowboys, The Ranch owed a lot to the influence of the Western genre.
8 Preacher (2016 - 2019) Preacher took Western sensibilities and mixed them with the supernatural Preacher Fantasy Adventure Drama Where to Watch
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Preacher follows Jesse Custer, a preacher from Texas with a criminal past who is gifted extraordinary powers after experiencing a crisis of faith. Setting out to quite literally find God, Jesse enlists the help of his volatile girlfriend Tulip and newfound vampire companion Cassidy. Preacher stars Dominic Cooper as Jesse Custer, with Joseph Gilgun, Ruth Negga, and Graham McTavish.
Cast W. Earl Brown , Derek Wilson , Tom Brooke , Ruth Negga , Lucy Griffiths , Joseph Gilgun , Ian Colletti , Dominic Cooper , Jackie Earle Haley , Anatol Yusef Release Date May 22, 2016 Seasons 4 Network AMC Streaming Service(s) Hulu , Prime Video Franchise(s) Preacher Writers Sam Catlin , Dominic Cooper , Seth Rogen , Evan Goldberg Directors Evan Goldberg Showrunner Sam Catlin Expand
The AMC show Preacher was based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and was an incredible blend of the supernatural with Western sensibilities. Set in an alternative version of modern times, Preacher followed the hard-drinking, chain-smoking preacher Jesse Custer, who embarked on a quest to literally find God. Joined by his volatile, hell-raising girlfriend Tulip and the outrageous Irish vampire Cassidy, Preacher was a Western story unlike anything previously seen on television.
With themes of justice, redemption, and revenge, Preacher leaned heavily into classic Western tropes and ideas. With morally ambiguous characters and a bare Wild West-influenced landscape, Preacher had the look and feel of a Western mixed with contemporary sensibilities. For Western lovers who were not used to supernatural stories, the outrageous nature of Preacher may take some getting used to, but it's well worth it.
7 Westworld (2016 - 2022) Westworld was a Western sci-fi that posed pressing questions about modern times Westworld TV-MA Sci-Fi Thriller Western Where to Watch
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HBO's Westworld is a dystopian science fiction western that is based on the Michael Crichton-directed film, Westworld. The series centers on high-paying guests who visit a western theme park full of human-like androids to live out wild fantasies. Westworld would later introduce a futuristic mid-21st century where the world is run by an artificial intelligence called Rehoboam. The series was incredibly popular during its four-season run but was canceled by HBO in November 2022.
Cast Anthony Hopkins , Evan Rachel Wood , Shannon Woodward , Ed Harris , James Marsden , Jimmi Simpson , Jeffrey Wright , Tessa Thompson , Thandie Newton , Rodrigo Santoro Release Date October 2, 2016 Seasons 4 Network HBO Max Writers Jonathan Nolan , Lisa Joy Showrunner Jonathan Nolan , Lisa Joy Expand
While the first season of Westworld began in a Wild West-themed amusement park, over the course of its four seasons, this dystopian sci-fi show expanded upon its world and showcased a society much like contemporary times, albeit with much more advanced technology. As a thrilling exploration of artificial intelligence and machines' emotional capabilities, Westworld took the themes from the original 1973 movie even further. With fascinating altering timelines and incredible thematic intrigue, Westworld simultaneously felt modern and like a callback to classic Western movies.
The aesthetics of characters such as Ed Harris's The Man in Black brought to mind Clint Eastwood's character from Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy. Through intricate storylines, incredible characterization, and a fascinating study on the very nature of selfhood, Westworld was one of the smartest shows on TV when it was on the air. As a thrilling mix of genre homages to the past and insightful predictions for the future, Westworld melded modern anxieties with the classic tropes and cliches of Western cinema.
6 Banshee (2013 - 2016) Banshee was full of Western-influenced ideas and tropes Banshee Drama Crime Action Where to Watch
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Banshee is an action television series that aired in 2013 and centers around Anthony Starr as an ex-con who takes on the identity of a murdered sheriff Lucas Hood to hide away from pursuers. Set in Banshee, Lucas assumes the stolen identity while falling back into his old criminal ways, struggling to balance the two properly.
Cast Antony Starr , Lili Simmons , Frankie Faison , Ryann Shane , Ulrich Thomsen , Matt Servitto , Ivana Miličević , hoon lee Release Date January 11, 2013 Seasons 4 Streaming Service(s) Hulu , HBO Max Writers Jonathan Tropper Directors Jonathan Tropper Showrunner Jonathan Tropper Expand
Although never explicitly billed as a Western, the crime thriller Banshee had plenty in common with the Western genre, and its story about an ex-con stealing the identity of a town's murdered sheriff could have been straight out of a Western movie. With Antony Starr as the man known as Lucas Hood, Banshee was one of the most slept-on shows of the 21st century and deserved much more attention than it got. With non-stop action and plenty of over-the-top violence, for those in the know, Banshee kept viewers hooked for four glorious seasons.
The setting of Banshee primarily gave the series its Western credentials, as its mythical small-town feeling brought to mind countless other Western movies. With corruption at the heart of the community, hidden identities, and fearful crime bosses, Banshee was chock-full of Western cliches and tropes. As an underappreciated series just waiting to be discovered by audiences of Western lovers, Banshee was a prime example of how much fantastic television got lost in the Golden Age of TV.
5 Sons of Anarchy (2008 - 2014) Sons of Anarchy highlighted the sensibilities of classic Western movies Sons of Anarchy Crime Drama Thriller Where to Watch
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Sons of Anarchy, created by Kurt Sutter, follows a notorious outlaw motorcycle club, the Sons of Anarchy, as they confront drug dealers, corporate developers, and law enforcement to protect their livelihoods and their hometown of Charming, CA. Loosely based on William Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Sons of Anarchy explores what happens when the seduction of money and power comes between family. The show follows the Teller and Morrow family legacies, with Jackson 'Jax' Teller handling his duties as the V.P. of the club while dealing with the new president - his stepfather - Clay Morrow.
Cast Kim Coates , Charlie Hunnam , Theo Rossi , Mark Boone Junior , Maggie Siff , Katey Sagal , Tommy Flanagan , Ron Perlman Release Date September 8, 2008 Seasons 7 Network FX Streaming Service(s) Hulu Franchise(s) Sons Of Anarchy Writers Kurt Sutter , Chris Collins Directors Kurt Sutter Showrunner Kurt Sutter Expand
With themes of loyalty, brotherhood, revenge, and justice, Sons of Anarchy could be considered a modern-day Western series. Although the cowboys have been replaced by bikers, the characters in Sons of Anarchy, like in Western movies, were still outlaws who traversed the open road and desolate landscapes while living on the outskirts of law and order. As Jax Teller and the rest of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club encountered rival gangs, politicians, and authorities, this series was reminiscent of the best Western movies where anti-hero outlaws lived by their own rules.
The Western sensibilities of the series creator Kurt Sutter were further exemplified by the latest Netflix TV series, The Abandons, which featured characters named Teller, hinting the show may be a Sons of Anarchy Western prequel. Connections such as these further showcased Sons of Anarchy's similarity to the Western genre and how its moral ambiguity and violent nature made it a true Neo-Western series. When all things were considered, motorcycle gangs like the Sons of Anarchy were essentially modern-day cowboys and outlaws.
4 Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013) Breaking Bad was essentially a modern-day Western Breaking Bad Crime Drama Thriller Where to Watch
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Breaking Bad, created by Vince Gilligan, follows a chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin named Walter White (Bryan Cranston) as he attempts to provide for his family following a fatal diagnosis. With nothing left to fear, White ascends to power in the world of drugs and crime, transforming the simple family man into someone known only as Heisenberg.
Cast Dean Norris , Bob Odenkirk , Aaron Paul , RJ Mitte , Anna Gunn , Giancarlo Esposito , Betsy Brandt , Bryan Cranston , Jonathan Banks Release Date January 20, 2008 Seasons 5 Network AMC Streaming Service(s) Netflix Franchise(s) Breaking Bad Writers Peter Gould , Gennifer Hutchison , Vince Gilligan , George Mastras , Moira Walley-Beckett , Sam Catlin , Thomas Schnauz Directors Vince Gilligan , michelle maclaren Showrunner Vince Gilligan Expand
It may not be immediately obvious, but at its core, Breaking Bad was essentially a Western. While in its earliest episodes, the story of the mild-mannered chemistry teacher Walter White's transformation into the drug kingpin Heisenberg did not look like a Western, in its later seasons, it was a series full of dangerous outlaws, thrilling standoffs, and exciting shootouts all set around the Western aesthetic of the New Mexico desert. The central theme of the battle between law and order at the core of Breaking Bad made it a modern Neo-Western classic.
One major example of Breaking Bad fully embracing its nature as a neo-Western series set in modern times was in the fifth season episode "Dead Freight," which featured Walt, Jesse, Mike, and Todd covertly stealing methylamine from a train. This heist plot set in the desert felt reminiscent of the Western classic The Great Train Robbery from 1903, one of the earliest examples of Western cinema. Throughout its run, Breaking Bad was full of allusions to the Western genre, and this was just one significant example.
3 Wynonna Earp (2016 - 2021) Wynonna Earp played with previously established Western narratives Wynonna Earp Fantasy Drama Action Where to Watch
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Based on a comic book series by Beau Smith, Wynonna Earp tells the story of the titular heroine who is the great-great-granddaughter of Wyatt Earp. The series follows Wynonna's return to her hometown, where she must do battle with the reanimated criminals previously killed by Earp. Aided by her sister, her great-great-grandfather's immortal partner Doc Holiday, and a member of the US Marshals, Wynonna works to keep Purgatory safe from the revenants.
Cast Melanie Scrofano , Tim Rozon , Shamier Anderson , Katherine Barrell , dominique provost-chalkley Release Date April 1, 2016 Seasons 4 Network SyFy Streaming Service(s) Netflix , Apple TV+ , Prime Video Writers emily andras Directors emily andras Showrunner emily andras Expand
The Western horror series Wynonna Earp took the real story of the legendary lawman Wyatt Earp and transported it into modern times. With the focus shifted to Earp's great-great-granddaughter Wynonna Earp, this series saw the heroine encounter Earp's former partner Doc Holliday, who had been cursed by the Stone Witch with eternal life. An exciting mix of fact and fiction, Wynonna Earp played with the legacy of the Western genre and the many portrayals of Doc Holliday on screen to create something entirely new.
The central plot of Wynonna Earp involved Wynonna battling revenants, the reincarnation of outlaws killed by her ancestor, and sending them back to Hell to break the long-standing curse that has plagued her family. Set in the fictional town of Puragotry, this frontier-like atmosphere mimicked the aesthetics of classic Western movies. Overall, Wynonna Earp was an interesting genre-bending series that hopefully maintains its power in the upcoming one-off special, Wynonna Earp: Vengeance.
2 Longmire (2012 - 2017) Longmire was a Neo-Western tackling contemporary issues Longmire Drama Crime Action Where to Watch
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Based on the novels by Craig Johnson, Longmire is a Western drama series that follows Walt Longmire, the sheriff of a rural Wyoming town who deals with several mysteries around the city and the Indian Reservation within. Longmire partners with his friend, Henry Standing Bear, to navigate the strained relationships and challenges associated with jurisdictional lines between the differing law enforcement teams and the troubles Native Americans deal with regularly.
Cast Katee Sackhoff , Bailey Chase , Lou Diamond Phillips , Robert Taylor Release Date November 17, 2017 Seasons 6 Network Netflix Streaming Service(s) Peacock , Netflix Writers John Coveny , Hunt Baldwin Directors Hunt Baldwin Showrunner Hunt Baldwin Expand
Based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries series of novels by Craig Johnson, Longmire was a popular A&E Western drama series that was later picked up by Netflix. Following Walt Longmire, the sheriff of the fictional Absaroka County in Wyoming, whose strong sense of duty, justice, and introspective nature brought to mind the heroes of classic Western movies. However, with deep grief following the death of his wife, Longmire tackled contemporary issues with stunning sensitivity.
With an engaging mix of sheriff politics, Native American mysticism, and everyday drama, Longmire's modern-day Western setting tackled contemporary and timeless themes. This was a modern crime drama with incredible charm and wit, and although the production values can be uneven at times, it remained a deeply engaging series throughout. As a well-constructed series that surrounded Sherrif Longmire with a compelling supporting cast, Longmire was worth checking out for those looking for a modern-day Western.
1 Yellowstone (2018 - Present) Yellowstone was perhaps the most popular modern-day Western Yellowstone TV-MA Western Drama Where to Watch
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Yellowstone stars Kevin Costner and centers on his character John Dutton. Dutton and his family live on a cattle ranch just a few hours away from Yellowstone National Park. The series chronicles the family's struggle to defend their home from an Indian reservation and land developers. As if their life wasn't complicated enough, the Duttons also have medical issues, political aspirations, and family secrets stacked against them.
Cast Finn Little , Brecken Merrill , Gil Birmingham , Denim Richards , Ian Bohen , Danny Huston , Kelly Reilly , Forrie J. Smith , Cole Hauser , Kelsey Asbille , Wes Bentley , Jefferson White , Kevin Costner , Luke Grimes , Ryan Bingham Release Date June 20, 2018 Seasons 5 Network Paramount Streaming Service(s) Paramount+ , Peacock Franchise(s) Yellowstone Writers Taylor Sheridan , John Linson Showrunner Taylor Sheridan Creator(s) Taylor Sheridan , John Linson Expand
Yellowstone was one of the most popular Western series set in modern times, as its focus on the Dutton family's Yellowstone Range explored classic Western tropes involving land, politics, and conflict. With Kevin Costner as John Dutton III, Yellowstone was about the clash between modernity and tradition as it deconstructed classic cowboy clichés. With plenty of melodrama, beautiful scenic landscapes, and a talented cast, Yellowstone more than delivered on its concept.
While Costner's incredible presence may not have been the initial reason many viewers chose to check out Yellowstone, its engaging, highly political narratives meant they stayed tuned in for five seasons and counting. Yellowstone's popularity has even led to spin-off series focused on earlier eras. With more upcoming Yellowstone series in the works, this modern Western has led to the development of an entirely new franchise.
