Get Your Cowboy Fix with These 5 Western Shows You've Never Seen

The romanticized world of the American frontier, with its cowboys, sheriffs, mercenaries, and outlaws, will never lose their relevance in pop culture. Over the years, we have been treated to dozens of compelling Western stories — from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre to the Dollars Trilogy, from Deadwood to Yellowstone — and there are many more, lesser known shows and movies of the genre.

Here are five Western TV series that will make you want to jump on your steed and ride through the vastness of the Wild West.

5. Godless (2017, 1 season, rated 83%)

In 1884, a young outlaw escapes from his gang and takes refuge in an isolated New Mexico town populated and governed mostly by women. When the dangerous gang comes to town, the women must unite to fight back against the bandits.

4. The English (2022, 1 season, rated 83%)

The series starring Emily Blunt follows Lady Cornelia Locke, an Englishwoman who comes to the Midwest in the late 19th century to avenge the death of her son. Along the way, she meets a former scout from the Pawnee Nation who is haunted by a similar past.

3. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993, 1 season, rated 92%)

This classic 1990s Western tells the story of a talented Harvard graduate, played by Bruce Campbell, who decides to forgo a prestigious career and become a bounty hunter in 1893. On his adventures, he is aided by his faithful sidekick, portrayed by Julius Carry.

2. Lonesome Dove (1989, 1 season, rated 98%)

Based on Larry McMurtry's novel of the same name, this series tells the story of two former Texas Rangers, ever-optimistic Gus and serious workaholic Call. The two decide to settle down in a new place, Montana, by joining a cattle drive with their ex-Texas Ranger friends.

1. The Good Lord Bird (2020, 1 season, rated 98%)

Ethan Hawke is back in the spotlight thanks to his recent performance in Pedro Almodóvar's short film Strange Way of Life. But not so long ago, the actor also starred in a magnificent Western series based on real historical events. The plot follows Hawke's character and his crew of abolitionist soldiers as they try to free America's slaves in 1859.