From the 1940s to the 1960s, westerns were the most popular tv shows on American television screens. And, as a result, over one hundred different westerns aired in twenty years.
Even though western tv shows are not as popular today, many people still enjoy the traditional values they instill in viewers, such as integrity and honesty. And, the strong heroes attract people of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to relive your childhood or dive into a modern spin on the western genre, this post will share some of the best westerns you can watch. So, stay tuned to find out what they are!
Gunsmoke
The longest-running western in history, Gunsmoke ran for 20 seasons! So, if you’re searching for old western shows to binge on for months, this is your best bet!
Gunsmoke tells the story of courageous Marshal Matt Dillion as he protects his small-town in Kansas from outlaws and injustice. As you watch, you’ll fall in love with the characters and how their lives unfold in the dramatic storylines.
Cheyenne
Are you looking for a feel-good western drama series? If so, Cheyenne is a great choice!
This western stars Clint Walker, who plays a large but tender-hearted cowboy. He roams the frontier after the American Civil War in search of justice.
It’s 108 episodes, all created in black and white, aired from 1955 to 1962. As a result, it was the first hour-long drama to run for more than one season.
Hell on Wheels
Of course, the western tv genre isn’t limited to black and white shows. For example, hell on Wheels aired from 2011-2016, basing its storyline on historical events, such as the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad.
As you watch, you’ll follow the story of a former Confederate soldier who joins the railroad, searching for soldiers that killed his family. Best of all, it’s available on several streaming platforms.
Deadwood
Another one of the best new western shows is Deadwood, produced by HBO from 2004 to 2006. While it only went for three seasons, it won several Emmys and led to a movie.
Deadwood is also a historical fiction western, and the show’s creator used newspaper clippings and firsthand accounts to inspire his scripts. As a result, this show gives viewers a fairly accurate idea of the political and social chaos that unraveled in the American West.
Wild West Chronicles
If you’re looking for something completely new, be sure to check out Wild West Chronicles in INSP, which premiered in April of 2021.
This series is all about Bat Masterson, a reporter who travels around the frontier to get the inside scoop on great Western heroes, such as Butch Cassidy or Stagecoach Mary. Eyewitness reports help him fill in the blanks about these icons’ lives and the hardships they endured.
Long Live Western TV Shows
As time moves on, the wild west becomes a distant memory of the American past. Yet, through western tv shows, we can relive these epic moments and admire the charm of cowboys and Indians, outlaws and gunfights.
What’s your favorite western tv show? Let us know in the comments! And, if you’d like to read more entertainment articles, browse more of our online content!