This Low-Key Western Crime Show Is Blowing Up on Prime Video
Blue Ridge, a small-town crime drama with Appalachian vibes and a no-frills attitude, is suddenly climbing Prime Video's Top 10 — and it's not even new.
The reason? Season 2 just dropped on June 22, over on the Western Bound channel, giving Season 1 a second life on streaming.
Currently sitting at #9 on Prime Video, Blue Ridge: The Series actually continues the story of the 2020 movie of the same name. But don't worry — you don't need to watch the film. The show resets the stage just fine for new viewers.
It follows Sheriff Justin Wise (played by Johnathon Schaech), a former Green Beret who relocates to the mountain town of Blue Ridge to be closer to his ex-wife and daughter. Naturally, things go sideways fast: the police station burns down, the town turns out to be corrupt to the bone, and Justin ends up knee-deep in crime and mystery with his small team of deputies.
There are only six episodes in Season 1, and the pacing leans more "slow burn" than shootout-heavy thriller. But the mix of local drama, rural noir, and grounded characters makes it easy to binge. Think Justified, if it had fewer quips and more wood paneling.
Also worth noting: while the crimes-of-the-week are mostly self-contained, there's enough of an ongoing arc — involving Justin's family and the local crime boss — to give the show some backbone.
Is it prestige TV? No. Some of the writing can be a little clunky, and it won't compete with HBO's top shelf. But if you're into Western-flavored crime shows with a strong setting and an easy-to-follow plot, it hits the spot.
- Season 1 is now streaming on Prime Video.
- Season 2 is available on the Western Bound channel.
Perfect for when you want something gritty, small-scale, and just entertaining enough to keep hitting "Next Episode."