There are some great, well-known Western TV series, but many land on streaming and barely make a splash in broader cultural discussion. In an era of streaming television when every media company has a service and a different payment plan, it’s more challenging than ever to stay caught up on shows, including the best TV Westerns.
Fans of the Western genre will surely know the contemporary hits, titles like Yellowstone, Landman, and others by Taylor Sheridan. Others, like Deadwood and Justified, stand out among the best of the century. As for ongoing shows, however, there’s plenty to explore on various platforms, some of which even the most dedicated Western lovers won’t have heard of.
Elkhorn
For audiences looking for a Western series that’s not on streaming, the TV network INSP released a biographical series called Elkhorn last year. The show is focused on the early life of Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, as he established the Elkhorn Ranch in the Dakota Territory.
The show was renewed for a second season, which is set to premiere in October 2025. This makes Elkhorn a rare exception among modern Western shows, as annual releases are rather uncommon all around in modern television. Elkhorn’s reviews are solid, but the show hasn’t found much viewership so far.
Ransom Canyon
One of Netflix’s biggest releases this year was Ransom Canyon, another show that isn’t done justice by its reviews. The ten-episode series only has a 45% on Rotten Tomatoes, while boasting a much stronger 73% score from its massive viewer base. The binge-worthy show was released in April and has since been renewed for a second season.
Ransom Canyon takes a different approach to the Western genre than other shows on this list, with a romance, soap opera-like spin. The title is led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, two veteran TV actors who’ve proven their ability to keep audiences attached to their screens with titles like Friday Night Lights and Las Vegas.
For those who love Yellowstone for its soap opera drama, Ransom Canyon taps into that, focusing on competing ranches in a Texas town. There’s romantic drama, plenty of plot twists, and constant excitement and entertainment. This is one of the best modern Westerns for a casual weekend binge-watch.
Dark Winds
Aside from HBO, AMC has possibly the greatest track record with prestige television, and Dark Winds is possibly its best title in recent years. In fact, I’d even say Dark Winds is one of the most underrated TV shows on television altogether right now. Dark Winds is based on a series of novels called Leaphorn & Chee, which were written by Tony Hillerman.
The TV series is produced by legendary actor and Western star Robert Redford, providing some credibility in the genre department. For any Game of Thrones fans out there, it’s also worth mentioning that the series is produced by George R.R. Martin, who has frequently praised the show, stating, “If you have not been watching it, you don’t know what you are missing,” on his blog.
The series is set in the 1970s, when a series of violent crimes strikes a reservation of the Navajo Nation, leading to an investigation by two Tribal Police officers. A compelling mystery unravels a deeper conspiracy, offering suspense, plot twists, and fascinating character drama throughout, with many comparing it to True Detective.
Dark Winds recently aired its fourth season in March and April 2025, and it’s already been renewed for a fourth. With the lengthy book series providing its foundation, this series could go on for many more reasons, and it could continue to achieve critical acclaim. Season 3 saw zero sign of letting up in terms of quality.
Zach McClarnon may not be the most recognizable leading man on this list, but anyone who’s familiar with his work knows the man can act. Fargo season 2, as an example, is a beautiful season of television, proving just how electric McClarnon could be as a star. He’s even better, with more material, in Dark Winds.
Billy The Kid
Most audiences will know Tom Blyth as the actor who played the young President Snow in the Hunger Games prequel film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but the 30-year-old actor has also found success on television, playing the titular character in MGM+’s Billy the Kid. Unlike most Westerns, this show is based on real-world history.
While many modern Western shows are neo-Westerns, set in contemporary settings and dealing with modern issues, Billy the Kid actually brings its viewers back to the Old West. Two seasons in, Tom Blyth is the show’s biggest attraction, and he’s evidently immersed himself in the show, learning how to ride, shoot, and develop a historically accurate voice for the project.
The show’s 50% Rotten Tomatoes score likely isn’t doing it any favors in bringing in viewership, but that’s why it’s worth mentioning that it has a much stronger 83% score from audiences. At the end of the day, this is a top-quality young actor playing a famous historical figure, and the show explores his emotional complexity while also offering entertaining action.
For those looking for something to catch up on before a new release, season 3 of Billy the Kid is set to premiere on MGM+ on September 28, 2025. This will be the final season, so now is the perfect time to get caught up and enjoy the journey before it comes to a close. MGM+ is also home to titles like Perpetual Grace, LTD, and The Godfather of Harlem.
American Primeval
American Primeval is one of the bigger Western releases of 2025, but there’s still barely been any buzz surrounding the series. It’s often the case that Netflix will release shows that catch fire among viewers on the platform, but the algorithm’s effect doesn’t always extend into the broader cultural space, influencing social media trends.
The Netflix miniseries features two recognizable stars as its leads: Betty Gilpin (GLOW) and Taylor Kitsch (Friday Night Lights), both of whom are excellent in the 1850s Western series. The title is also directed by veteran filmmaker Peter Berg, who’s been a pioneer in television filmmaking as well as a prominent action director.
American Primeval’s heavy material can make it a challenging watch, but it’s certainly worth it. With just six episodes, this series can be watched in a weekend, if one has the stomach to dive into one of the most violent periods of US history. This show pulls zero punches in that aspect.
The series depicts a clash between the LDS Church and various indigenous cultures of the Utah Territory, focused on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The action can be difficult to take in, but for those with strong stomachs and who can enjoy some movie violence, this is Western action at its best, constantly keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Critical reviews were somewhat mixed regarding American Primeval, but this has often been the case with Peter Berg’s Netflix projects. That hasn’t stopped them from being incredibly well-loved by audiences. The series has an 87% score from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, making it the must-watch new Western series of 2025.