Yellowstone Left You Hanging? Saddle Up for These 5 Western Dramas!
The Dutton family saga may have (temporarily?) ridden off into the sunset, but the void left by Yellowstone's finale is real. Fans are craving more dusty trails, family feuds, and morally complex heroes. Luckily, the Western genre is experiencing a renaissance, with streamers like Netflix and Paramount+ delivering fresh takes on classic themes. From gritty outlaws to sprawling family epics, here are five shows guaranteed to scratch that Yellowstone itch.
1. 1883: The Dutton Origin Story (Netflix & Paramount+)
Yellowstone spawned not just one, but four spin-offs, and 1883 is the perfect starting point. This prequel stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, ancestors of the modern-day clan. Watch as they leave poverty-stricken Tennessee behind, braving the harsh Great Plains to build the foundation of the iconic Yellowstone Ranch. With guest stars like Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Hanks, this series is a must-watch for anyone craving more Dutton drama.
But here's where it gets controversial... While 1883 beautifully expands the Dutton universe, some fans argue it lacks the political intrigue and modern-day grit that made Yellowstone so addictive. Do you agree?
2. Billy the Kid: A Classic Outlaw Tale (Prime Video)
If you’re yearning for a traditional Wild West adventure, Billy the Kid delivers. Tom Blyth stars as the infamous gunslinger, bringing his rise from humble Irish immigrant to legendary outlaw to life. With shootouts, dusty landscapes, and a compelling anti-hero, this series is a love letter to the genre.
And this is the part most people miss... While the show leans into historical accuracy, it also takes creative liberties with Billy’s story. Does this enhance the drama, or does it detract from the truth? Let us know in the comments!
3. Godless: A Feminist Western Masterpiece (Netflix)
Set in 1884, Godless flips the Western trope on its head with a town almost entirely populated by women. Michelle Dockery stars as Alice Fletcher, a rancher who forms an unlikely bond with Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), a man on the run from his ruthless mentor, Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). This critically acclaimed miniseries is as heartfelt as it is action-packed.
A bold interpretation... Some viewers see Godless as a commentary on female empowerment in a male-dominated world. Others view it as a straightforward Western with a unique twist. What’s your take?
4. The English: Revenge, Redemption, and the Old West (BBC iPlayer & Prime Video)
Emily Blunt shines as Lady Cornelia Locke, an English aristocrat seeking vengeance for her son’s death. She teams up with Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, in this six-part series set in the 1890s. Their journey is filled with unexpected twists, leading to a climactic showdown in Wyoming.
A thought-provoking question... While The English is praised for its performances and storytelling, some critics argue it’s more of a revenge thriller than a traditional Western. Does genre matter, or is it the story that counts?
5. Justified: Neo-Western at Its Finest (Disney+ & Prime Video)
If you loved Yellowstone's blend of action and complex characters, Justified is your next obsession. Based on Elmore Leonard’s novella Fire in the Hole, this series follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) as he battles drug dealers, mobsters, and his own demons. His rivalry with criminal mastermind Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins) is nothing short of electrifying.
A controversial counterpoint... While Justified is often compared to Yellowstone, some fans argue it’s more of a crime drama than a Western. Is this a fair assessment, or does it deserve a spot in the genre?
With these five shows, your Western fix is guaranteed. But we want to hear from you: Which of these series will you be binging first? And do you think any of them could dethrone Yellowstone as the ultimate Western drama? Let the debate begin!
