From ‘Gunsmoke’ to ‘Yellowstone’: 194 Classic Western TV Shows That Have Us Saying ‘Yeehaw!’

Westerns have been riding tall on television since the medium’s very beginning. Long before superheroes, police procedurals or reality shows took over primetime, Americans were glued to their sets watching cowboys tame the frontier, protect the homestead and keep the peace—usually with a six-shooter and a strong sense of justice. From the black-and-white morality tales of 1950s classic TV to today’s gritty, prestige dramas like those in the Yellowstone universe that have come to redefine the genre, Westerns have remained a vital part of the television landscape—reinventing themselves decade after decade to reflect the times.

The following guide covers 194 different Western television shows, beginning with the dawn of the genre in the 1940s and riding all the way into the 2020s, proving the Western series isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving. It’s a history full of saddle-sore heroes, fast-talking gamblers, righteous lawmen and the kind of villains who shoot first and don’t bother explaining why they did so. But it’s also full of unexpected detours: time-traveling cowboys, comedic send-ups, soap opera hybrids, steampunk twists and even sci-fi-tinged oaters that blend genres as easily as they switch holsters.

You’ll find all the heavy hitters here: Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Have Gun Will Travel, Rawhide, The Rifleman and The Lone Ranger. But you’ll also discover short-lived gems like Outlaws, Peacemakers and The Yellow Rose, along with modern entries like Deadwood, Yellowstone and its various spinoffs that have brought the genre back into mainstream conversation. Whether the setting is dusty Dodge City or a reimagined 19th-century Wyoming with a black hole on the ranch (Outer Range, anyone?), the Western continues to evolve.

So cinch up your saddle and get ready to hit the trail. You may be a lifelong fan or a newcomer curious about what makes this genre tick, but in either case, this guide offers a panoramic look at one of television’s most enduring and adaptable storytelling traditions.

1940s

1. ‘Howdy Doody’ 1947–1960

One of TV’s earliest hits, this 13-season children’s show mixed Western flair with puppetry and live action. Hosted by Buffalo Bob Smith and starring freckle-faced marionette Howdy Doody, it became a cultural touchstone for a generation of kids—and set the stage for Westerns on the small screen.

2. ‘The Adventures of Cyclone Malone’ 1949–1951

A marionette Western in the vein of Howdy Doody, this short-lived series followed the heroic Cyclone Malone as he and his puppet pals brought frontier justice to the bad guys—always with a happy ending.

3. ‘Adventures of Pow-Wow’ 1949

A product of its time (title and all), this animated series featured 15-minute episodes following a young Native American boy, a girl from his tribe and their medicine man as they explored tribal life and solved simple problems—though it’s remembered today more for its dated cultural portrayals than its storytelling.

4. ‘Hopalong Cassidy’ 1949–1954

The first network TV Western, Hopalong Cassidy, starred William Boyd as the black-clad hero who roamed the frontier with his white horse, Topper. Initially made from edited films before switching to original episodes, the show helped launch the TV Western boom.

5. ‘The Lone Ranger’ 1949–1957

After surviving an ambush that killed his fellow Texas Rangers, John Reid becomes the masked Lone Ranger, fighting injustice across the West with his companion Tonto. Starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels, the series was a major hit and inspired multiple adaptations after its original run.

1950s

6. ‘The Cisco Kid’ 1950–1956

Duncan Renaldo stars as Cisco, with Leo Carrillo as his loyal sidekick Pancho, in this lighthearted Western where the duo are seen as outlaws by the law but heroes to the people. Often compared to The Lone Ranger, the show follows them as they defend the helpless and outwit the bad guys—with a smile and a “Hey, Cisco!” “Hey, Pancho!” along the way.

7. ‘Crusader Rabbit’ 1950–1951, 1956–1959

The first animated series made specifically for television, Crusader Rabbit spoofed Western cliffhangers in a series of four-minute episodes—455 in total. Created in part by Jay Ward (later of Rocky and Bullwinkle fame), the show followed the pint-sized but determined Crusader Rabbit and his dimwitted sidekick, Rags the Tiger, through satirical adventures that poked fun at classic Western tropes.

8. ‘The Gabby Hayes Show’ 1950–1954

A unique entry in early TV Westerns, this show featured beloved sidekick George “Gabby” Hayes stepping out of the action to serve as a homespun host. Rather than starring in new adventures, Hayes introduced clips from older Western films and spun colorful “tall tales” for young viewers. It was more storytelling than shootouts—but with Gabby’s folksy charm, it still hit the mark.

9. ‘The Gene Autry Show’ 1950–1956

Singing cowboy Gene Autry brought music and a light touch to his Western adventures, changing roles from week to week—sometimes a rancher, sometimes a sheriff and always the hero. He was usually joined by his comical sidekick Pat, played by Pat Buttram, though Chill Wills and Fuzzy Knight occasionally filled the role in earlier episodes (yes, those are real names). The show offered upbeat, family-friendly tales with a tune or two along the trail.

10. ‘The Marshal of Gunsight Pass’ 1950

This early Western featured three different leads—Russell Hayden, Eddie Dean, and Riley Hill—each taking turns as the title marshal across the show’s brief run. It followed a radio version of the same name and stood out for its experimental format during TV’s early days.

11. ‘The Adventures of Kit Carson’ 1951–1955

Starring Bill Williams as frontier scout Kit Carson and Don Diamond as his loyal companion El Toro, this series followed the duo as they roamed the Old West, righting wrongs and helping those in need. Aimed at younger audiences, the show offered fast-paced, family-friendly adventures and ran for an impressive 103 episodes during its four-season run.

12. ‘The Range Rider’ 1951–1953

Jock Mahoney stars as the heroic, unnamed Range Rider, traveling the West with sidekick Dick West (Dick Jones) to bring justice wherever needed.

13. ‘The Roy Rogers Show’ 1951–1957

Set in the modern day but steeped in Western tradition, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and sidekick Pat Brady brought justice to the frontier—on horseback, with six-shooters, a trusty dog (Bullet) and Roy’s famous horse, Trigger.

14. ‘Sky King’ 1951–1959

A modern-day Western with wings, Sky King (Kirby Grant) was an Arizona rancher who swapped a horse for a Cessna 310 to track down crooks and spies. With help from his niece Penny and nephew Clipper, he patrolled the skies from the Flying Crown Ranch.

15. ‘The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok’ 1951–1958

Guy Madison stars as Wild Bill Hickok, with Andy Devine providing comic relief as his sidekick, Jingles.

16. ‘Cowboy G-Men’ 1952–1953

Set in the 1870s and airing in syndication, this series followed government agents Pat Gallagher (Russell Hayden) and Stoney Crockett (Jackie Coogan) as they tackled secret missions across the Old West. Coogan would go on to play Uncle Fester in the 1964 to 1966 series The Addams Family.

17. ‘Death Valley Days’ 1952–1970

This long-running anthology dramatized true tales of the Old West, especially around California’s Death Valley. Hosted by various figures—including future president Ronald Reagan—it originated on the radio (1930–1945) before its 18-year TV run.

18. ‘The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin’ 1954–1959

Orphaned Rusty and his loyal German shepherd, Rin Tin Tin, are taken in by soldiers at Fort Apache, helping bring law and order to the Arizona frontier. The dog had already been a film star, making this show a natural leap to the small screen.

19. ‘Annie Oakley’ 1954–1956

Gail Davis stars as the legendary sharpshooter Annie Oakley, taking down outlaws and keeping order in the fictional town of Diablo. Aimed at younger audiences, the show presented a family-friendly, action-packed version of the Wild West, with a strong female lead (which was rare for the era).

20. ‘Davy Crockett’ 1954–1955

Fess Parker became a national sensation as Davy Crockett in this five-part miniseries, originally airing as part of the Disneyland anthology series. The show’s runaway popularity led to the first three episodes being edited into the 1955 film Davy Crockett, King of the Wild Frontier, and the final two into 1956’s Davy Crockett and the River Pirates. Buddy Ebsen co-starred as Crockett’s loyal friend George Russell. The original black-and-white episodes were later colorized for reruns in the 1960s.

21. ‘Stories of the Century’ 1954–1955

Railroad detective Matt Clark, played by Jim Davis (long before his Dallas days as Jock Ewing), takes on some of the most notorious outlaws of the Old West in this early syndicated series. With each episode focused on a different real-life figure, the show blended crime-fighting fiction with historical legends.

22. ‘Brave Eagle’ 1955–1956

23. ‘Buffalo Bill, Jr.’ 1955–1956

24. ‘Cheyenne’ 1955–1963

25. ‘Fury’ 1955–1960

26. ‘Gunsmoke’ 1955–1975

27. ‘The Adventures of Champion’ 1955–1956

28. ‘Frontier’ 1955–1956

29. ‘Judge Roy Bean’ 1955–1956

30. ‘The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp’ 1955–1961

31. ‘My Friend Flicka’ 1955–1960

53. ‘The Restless Gun’ 1957–1959

John Payne stars as Vint Bonner, a post–Civil War cowboy who prefers solving problems with words instead of bullets—though he can hold his own when trouble comes calling.

54. ‘Sugarfoot’ 1957–1961

Will Hutchins plays Tom Brewster, a gentle soul from the East who dreams of becoming a lawyer in the rough-and-tumble West. Nicknamed “Sugarfoot,” he’s a cowpoke with zero cowboy skills—but plenty of heart.

55. ‘Tales of Wells Fargo’ 1957–1962

Wells Fargo agent Jim Hardin (Dale Robertson) takes on outlaws in the Old West while trying—unsuccessfully—to settle into a quieter life on a ranch in San Francisco. Still riding on GritTV.

56. ‘Tombstone Territory’ 1957–1960

Sheriff Clay Hollister (Pat Conway) keeps the peace in Tombstone, Arizona, with the help of his deputies and the town newspaper editor. The show mixes frontier law and Old West journalism.

57. ‘Trackdown’ 1957–1959

Robert Culp stars as Texas Ranger Hoby Gilman, hunting fugitives across post–Civil War Texas. Eventually, he settles in Porter, where trouble still has a way of finding him.

58. ‘Wagon Train’ 1957–1965

Led by a rotating group of trail bosses, a wagon train makes its way from Missouri to California, encountering drama and new guest stars weekly. A who’s-who of Western legends.

59. ‘Zorro’ 1957–1959

Guy Williams (before Lost in Space) dons cape and sword as Don Diego de la Vega, a.k.a. Zorro, the masked vigilante fighting Spanish corruption in California—a stylish Disney production.

60. ‘Bat Masterson’ 1958–1961

Gene Barry plays the dapper Bat Masterson, a gambler and part-time lawman who uses charm, a cane, and only occasional firepower to uphold justice.

61. ‘Bronco’ 1958–1962

Ty Hardin is Bronco Layne, a former Confederate officer who drifts through the West, often brushing shoulders with real-life figures in his serialized adventures.

62. ‘Buckskin’ 1958–1959

Told from a child’s point of view, 10-year-old Jody O’Connell (Tom Nolan) lives in a Montana boarding house with his widowed mom, encountering the colorful characters who pass through town.

63. ‘Cimarron City’ 1958–1959

George Montgomery stars as Cimarron City’s mayor, trying to maintain order in an Oklahoma boomtown brimming with gold, oil, and outlaws. Political ambition meets frontier justice.

64. ‘Frontier Doctor’ 1958–1959

Rex Allen stars as Dr. Bill Baxter, a small-town doc in Rising Springs who travels by buggy—and often finds his medical rounds interrupted by trouble.

65. ‘Frontier Justice’ 1958, 1959, 1961

Not a true original series, this summer filler recycled episodes of Zane Grey Theatre, hosted each year by Lew Ayres, Melvyn Douglas, and Ralph Bellamy.

66. ‘Jefferson Drum’ 1958

Jeff Richards plays widowed newspaper editor Jefferson Drum, who lands in Jubilee with his son and decides to stick around after witnessing local injustice.

67. ‘Lawman’ 1958–1962

John Russell is Marshal Dan Troop, bringing order to Laramie, Wyoming, with help from orphan-turned-deputy Johnny McKay (Peter Brown).

68. ‘Mackenzie’s Raiders’ 1958–1959

Col. Ronald Mackenzie (Richard Carlson) leads cavalry raids to stop bandits along the Rio Grande—by presidential order. Military and Western worlds collide.

69. ‘The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca’ 1958–1960

Disney’s serial starred Robert Loggia as real-life lawman and folk hero Elfego Baca, portrayed as TV’s first Hispanic pop icon. A film version aired in 1966.

70. ‘Northwest Passage’ 1958–1959

Set during the French and Indian War, this action-packed show follows Major Robert Rogers and his men on a treacherous mission across the frontier.

71. ‘The Rifleman’ 1958–1963

Chuck Connors is Lucas McCain, a widowed Civil War vet raising his son and keeping peace in North Fork with his trusty, modified Winchester rifle.

72. ‘The Rough Riders’ 1958–1959

Three former Civil War soldiers—two Union, one Confederate—team up to take on trouble across the post-war West in this short-lived Ziv-produced series.

73. ‘The Texan’ 1958–1960

Rory Calhoun plays Confederate vet Bill Longley, riding the Western trails and offering help where he can. Not groundbreaking, but a solid example of the genre.

74. ‘Texas John Slaughter’ 1958, 1961

Another Disney Western, this one stars Tom Tryon as real-life Texas Ranger John Slaughter, working to make the frontier safe for his growing family.

75. ‘Union Pacific’ 1958–1959

Jeff Morrow plays Bart McClelland, overseeing railroad expansion between Omaha and Cheyenne, dodging sabotage and profiteers along the way.

76. ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ 1958–1961

Steve McQueen’s big break as bounty hunter Josh Randall, wielding his sawed-off rifle and helping those in need—for a price.

77. ‘Yancy Derringer’ 1958–1959

Jock Mahoney is a Southern gentleman gambler secretly working undercover to protect New Orleans. With him is Pahoo-Ka-Ta-Wah, his stoic, silent Native American partner.

78. ‘Bonanza’ 1959–1973

The legendary Cartwrights of the Ponderosa—Ben, Adam, Hoss and Little Joe—balance family life and frontier challenges. Fourteen seasons of iconic Western drama.

79. ‘Bucky and Pepito’ 1959

Obscure animated Western about two boys—Bucky and his Mexican inventor friend Pepito. Most episodes are lost, so it remains largely unseen today.

80. ‘The Deputy’ 1959–1961

Henry Fonda lends star power as Marshal Simon Fry, but it’s Allen Case’s reluctant deputy Clay McCord who takes center stage—enforcing the law without drawing his gun.

81. ‘Hotel de Paree’ 1959–1960

After serving 17 years in prison, Sundance (Earl Holliman) returns to Georgetown, Colorado, kills a local menace and winds up both town marshal and co-owner of the Hotel de Paree. Naturally, trouble keeps checking in.

82. ‘Hudson’s Bay’ 1959

Set during the fur trade era, Barry Nelson (the first screen James Bond) plays Jonathan Banner, a trader navigating Canada’s wilderness with guide Pierre Falcon (George Tobias), fending off those who’d rather steal than barter.

83. ‘Johnny Ringo’ 1959–1960

Former gunslinger Johnny Ringo (Don Durant) tries to settle into life as a sheriff. With support from his deputy Cully (Mark Goddard) and love interest Laura (Karen Sharpe), he tries to keep the peace without reverting to his old ways.

84. ‘Laramie’ 1959–1963

Slim Sherman (John Smith) and his younger brother Andy (Robert Crawford Jr.) try to hold on to their Wyoming ranch after their father’s death. Plenty of action, but family values keep it grounded.

85. ‘The Man from Blackhawk’ 1959–1960

Insurance investigator Sam Logan (Robert Rockwell) travels the frontier for the Blackhawk Insurance Co., sniffing out bogus claims and fraud in the Wild West.

86. ‘Pony Express’ 1959–1960

Grant Sullivan plays investigator Brett Clark, working with Pony Express rider Donovan (Don Dorrell) to ensure the mail gets through—despite all the gun-toting complications.

87. ‘Quick Draw McGraw’ 1959–1961

Hanna-Barbera’s cartoon lawman is a talking horse with a slow draw and a big heart. Alongside sidekick Baba Looey, he keeps the West silly and safe. Still a classic of Western parody.

88. ‘Rawhide’ 1959–1966

Set in the 1860s, this cattle drive saga made Clint Eastwood a star. As Rowdy Yates, he helped guide the herd—and the show—across the frontier.

89. ‘The Rebel’ 1959–1961

Nick Adams plays Johnny Yuma, a Civil War vet turned drifter and aspiring writer. He journals his way through the West—backed by a revolver and a sawed-off shotgun. Peace, it turns out, needs firepower.

90. ‘Riverboat’ 1959–1961

Darren McGavin captains a Mississippi steamboat he won in a poker game, navigating adventures and shady dealings along the river. A young Burt Reynolds co-stars—until an off-screen feud had him written out.

91. ‘Shotgun Slade’ 1959–1961

By the end of the ’50s, TV Westerns were starting to feel a bit same-y, so this show tried something new. Scott Brady stars as Shotgun Slade, a private detective in the Old West who solves mysteries and tracks down stolen goods. Think of it as a Western with a noir twist.

92. ‘Wichita Town’ 1959–1960

Joel McCrea plays Marshal Mike Dunbar, doing his best to maintain law and order as Wichita, Kansas, grows from a dusty frontier town into something bigger. Solid setup, but by this point, viewers were craving fresher takes—and the genre was due for a shake-up in the coming decade.

1960s

93. ‘Klondike’ 1960–1961

Set during the Yukon gold rush of the 1890s, this NBC series followed rugged adventurers and fortune-seekers in the harsh, lawless territory of Skagway, Alaska. Starred Ralph Taeger and James Coburn.

94. ‘Outlaws’ 1960–1962

A unique Western told from the lawmen’s point of view in the Oklahoma Territory, focusing on U.S. Marshal Frank Caine (Barton MacLane) and his deputies. There was a shift in perspectives in Season 2 to tell stories from the outlaws’ view.

95. ‘Overland Trail’ 1960

William Bendix and Doug McClure star as Overland Stage Company agents protecting the stagecoach line in this action-driven Western. It only lasted 17 episodes, but it delivered fast-paced adventures.

96. ‘Stagecoach West’ 1960–1961

Robert Bray and Wayne Rogers play stage line employees who encounter danger on every run. The series emphasized travel, tension and justice across the rugged terrain of the American frontier.

97. ‘The Tall Man’ 1960–1962

Barry Sullivan portrays Sheriff Pat Garrett and Clu Gulager plays Billy the Kid in this fictionalized take on their infamous relationship in Lincoln County, New Mexico.

98. ‘Tate’ 1960

Short-lived but notable, Tate starred David McLean as a Civil War veteran turned one-armed gunslinger trying to find peace across the West. Known for being a rare early attempt at a disabled lead character.

99. ‘Two Faces West’ 1960–1961

Charles Bateman stars as twin brothers—a peaceful doctor and a hard-nosed marshal—sharing identities in a Colorado frontier town. The dual-role premise made it stand out.

100. ‘Wrangler’ 1960

Jason Evers played Wrangler, a drifter with strong morals who moved from job to job. A summer replacement series that ran only six episodes.

101. ‘The Americans’ 1961

Set during the Civil War, this series centered on two brothers fighting on opposite sides. Darryl Hickman and Richard Davalos starred in this short-lived but ambitious historical drama.

102. ‘Frontier Circus’ 1961–1962

Think Wagon Train, but with a traveling circus. The show followed the crew of the T&T Circus bringing their show to frontier towns, facing both natural and human challenges.

103. ‘Empire’ 1962–1963

Centered around a large New Mexico ranch called the Garrett Empire, this modern-day Western starred Richard Egan and introduced Ryan O’Neal in a supporting role.

104. ‘Gunslinger’ 1961

Tony Young stars as Cord, a Texas lawman assigned to clean up post-Civil War trouble in Tombstone. Only 12 episodes were produced.

105. ‘Whispering Smith’ 1961

Audie Murphy stars as the titular Denver detective investigating crimes in the Old West. Canceled after 26 episodes, despite its film noir flavor and pedigree.

106. ‘Stoney Burke’ 1962–1963

Jack Lord plays a rodeo rider chasing a championship title while facing trouble on and off the circuit. A modern Western with a gritty tone.

107. ‘The Virginian’ 1962–1971

James Drury is the foreman of Shiloh Ranch, with Doug McClure as Trampas. A prestige NBC series adapted from Owen Wister’s novel, known for its 90-minute format and top-tier guest stars.

108. ‘Wide Country’ 1962–1963

Earl Holliman and Andrew Prine star as rodeo brothers trying to make a living while navigating personal conflicts. One of several early ‘60s shows set in the rodeo world.

109. ‘The Dakotas’ 1963

A hard-edged Western following a group of lawmen bringing order to the Dakota Territory. Notable for its serious tone, but canceled after only 19 episodes due to complaints over violent content.

110. ‘Redigo’ 1963

A short-lived spin-off of Empire, Richard Egan returns as rancher Jim Redigo,trying to keep his land afloat. Lasted just 13 episodes.

111. ‘Temple Houston’ 1963–1964

Jeffrey Hunter stars as the son of Sam Houston, playing a lawyer in the Old West. A courtroom Western with historical elements, though its tone varied from week to week.

112. ‘The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters’ 1963–1964

Kurt Russell plays young Jaimie, who joins a wagon train bound for California. A family-oriented adventure based on the Pulitzer-winning novel.

113. ‘Daniel Boone’ 1964–1970

Fess Parker stars as the famed frontiersman in this colorful, family-friendly adventure set during the Revolutionary War era. A huge hit for NBC.

114. ‘Destry’ 1964

A comedic remake of Destry Rides Again starring John Gavin. The series only lasted 13 episodes despite its familiar title.

115. A Man Called Shenandoah 1965–1966

Robert Horton stars as an amnesiac wanderer in the post-Civil War West trying to uncover his past. Short-lived but well-regarded.

116. The Big Valley 1965–1969

 Set in California’s Central Valley, the Barkley family deals with ranch life and drama. Star-studded cast includes Barbara Stanwyck, Richard Long, Lee Majors, and Linda Evans.

117. ‘Branded’ 1965–1966

Chuck Connors plays Jason McCord, a dishonored Army captain trying to restore his reputation as he wanders the West.

118. ‘F Troop’ 1965–1967

This sitcom spoofs Western tropes, centering on the misfit soldiers of Fort Courage and their antics with the local Hekawi tribe.

119. ‘Laredo’ 1965–1967

A blend of comedy and action, this show follows three Texas Rangers who often find themselves in trouble even when upholding the law.

120. ‘The Legend of Jesse James’ 1965–1966

Tells the story of the infamous outlaw Jesse James, portraying him more as a misunderstood antihero than a villain.

121. ‘The Loner’ 1965–1966

Created by Rod Serling, this moody Western stars Lloyd Bridges as a former Union soldier roaming the post-Civil War West.

122. ‘The Wild Wild West’ 1965–1969

A sci-fi-tinged Western featuring Secret Service agents James West (Robert Conrad) and Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin), who protect President Grant using futuristic gadgets. Spawned two reunion TV movies and a 1999 feature film.

123. ‘The Iron Horse’ 1966–1968

Gambler Ben Calhoun (Dale Robertson) unexpectedly becomes the owner of a railroad and must complete the line amid sabotage and strife.

124. ‘The Monroes’ 1966–1967

Five orphaned siblings try to survive and maintain their homestead in the Wyoming Territory after the deaths of their parents.

125. ‘Pistols ‘n’ Petticoats’ 1966–1967

A comedic Western about a pistol-packing grandmother and her family who serve as law enforcers in a frontier town.

126. ‘The Road West’ 1966–1967

Barry Sullivan stars as a Kansas farmer who moves his family west to Nebraska in this family-oriented drama.

127. ‘The Rounders’ 1966–1967

Adapted from the film, this lighthearted series follows two cowpokes working on a modern Western ranch.

128. ‘Shane’ 1966

David Carradine stars in this adaptation of the classic film and novel, playing a former gunfighter trying to live a peaceful life.

129. ‘The Guns of Will Sonnett’ 1967–1969

Walter Brennan and Dack Rambo play a grandfather-grandson duo searching the West for the boy’s elusive gunfighter father.

130. ‘Cimarron Strip’ 1967–1968

Marshal Jim Crown (Stuart Whitman) enforces law across a dangerous, untamed stretch of land between Kansas and Indian Territory.

131. ‘Custer’ 1967

Wayne Maunder portrays George Armstrong Custer in a dramatized version of his early military career before Little Bighorn.

132. ‘Dundee and the Culhane’ 1967

John Mills and Sean Garrison star as frontier lawyers defending the innocent in this short-lived legal Western.

133. ‘The High Chaparral’ 1967–1971

In Arizona Territory, rancher John Cannon forms a fragile alliance with Mexican landowners to protect his property and family.

134. ‘Hondo’ 1967

Loosely based on the 1953 John Wayne film, this series stars Ralph Taeger as a former Confederate officer helping Native Americans.

135. ‘Rango’ 1967

Tim Conway is a bumbling Texas Ranger reassigned to a quiet post where he still manages to cause chaos in this slapstick sitcom.

136. ‘Here Come the Brides’ 1968–1970

A mix of drama and comedy, this show follows Seattle loggers and the single women brought in to help settle the region. Bobby Sherman and David Soul co-starred.

137. ‘Lancer’ 1968–1970

A tough rancher unites with his two very different sons to protect their land in California’s San Joaquin Valley.

138. ‘The Outcasts’ 1968–1969

A former slave and ex-Confederate soldier form an uneasy partnership as bounty hunters in the post-Civil War West.

1970s

139. ‘Alias Smith and Jones’ 1971–1973

Two charming outlaws, Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, try to go straight while dodging the law and staying true to their good-hearted nature. A lighthearted Western inspired by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

140. ‘Nichols’ 1971–1972

James Garner stars as a reluctant lawman who returns to his hometown and takes over as sheriff in 1914 Arizona, navigating change with dry wit and resistance to violence.

141. ‘Hec Ramsey’ 1972–1974

Have Gun Will Travel star Richard Boone plays a former gunfighter turned forensic-minded lawman in this hybrid Western/detective series set at the turn of the 20th century.

142. ‘Kung Fu’ 1972–1975

David Carradine starred as Kwai Chang Caine, a half-Chinese Shaolin monk who wanders the American Old West seeking his half-brother while avoiding bounty hunters and lawmen. The show blended martial arts action with Eastern philosophy and Western tropes, becoming a cult hit for its unique tone and flashback structure. It launched Carradine to stardom and influenced numerous martial arts-themed series to follow.

143. ‘Dusty’s Trail’ 1973–1974

A Gilligan’s Island-style Western starring Bob Denver and Forrest Tucker as part of a wagon train separated from the main group and constantly getting into comedic misadventures.

144. ‘The Cowboys’ 1974

Based on the 1972 John Wayne film, this short-lived series continues the story of a rancher’s young cowhands trying to run a cattle drive without their late boss.

145. ‘Dirty Sally’ 1974

A Gunsmoke spin-off featuring Jeanette Nolan as the feisty, sharp-tongued prospector Sally Fergus and her travels through the West with a young ex-outlaw.

146. ‘Little House on the Prairie’ 1974–1983

Michael Landon headlines this beloved family drama based on the Laura Ingalls Wilder books, focusing on the trials and triumphs of pioneer life in Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

147. ‘Barbary Coast’ 1975–1976

William Shatner and Doug McClure star as government agents battling crime in 1870s San Francisco. The show blends spy antics with Old West flair.

148. ‘How the West Was Won’ 1976–1979

Epic in scope, this miniseries-turned-series follows the Macahan family’s journey westward, portraying the challenges and conflicts of frontier life with sweeping drama.

149. ‘The Quest’ 1976

Kurt Russell and Tim Matheson star as brothers in search of their kidnapped sister, mixing action and emotion in a one-season journey through the West.

150. ‘Sara’ 1976

A short-lived comedy-drama starring Brenda Vaccaro as a progressive schoolteacher in a small 19th-century Western town.

151. ‘The Oregon Trail’ 1977

Rod Taylor leads a wagon train heading west in this short-lived adventure drama that tapped into the family-friendly Western trend.

152. ‘The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams’ 1977–1978

Dan Haggerty plays a gentle mountain man falsely accused of a crime, living peacefully in the wilderness with his bear companion, Ben.

153. ‘Young Dan’l Boone’ 1977

A fictionalized account of the early exploits of the legendary frontiersman as a young adventurer navigating uncharted territories.

154. ‘The Young Pioneers’ 1978

Following a young couple struggling to build a life on the frontier in the 1870s. A miniseries and brief series based on Rose Wilder Lane’s novels.

155. ‘Young Maverick’ 1979

This short-lived sequel series follows Ben Maverick, the son of Bret Maverick, trying to live up to his family’s gambling legacy.

156. ‘Centennial’ 1978–1979

An ambitious, multi-generational miniseries chronicling the history of a Colorado town from the late 1700s to the 1970s. Based on James Michener’s novel.

157. ‘The Chisholms’ 1979–1980

A Virginia family heads west to California in this dramatic miniseries (and later brief series) that captures the hardships of overland migration.

1980s

158. ‘Best of the West’ 1981–1982

A spoof of traditional Westerns, this short-lived sitcom followed the misadventures of Sam Best (Joel Higgins), a Civil War veteran who becomes a town marshal in Copper Creek. Despite a talented cast that included Leonard Frey and Tracey Walter, and creative input from MASH veteran Earl Pomerantz, the show was canceled after one season but developed a modest cult following.

159. ‘Bret Maverick’ 1981–1982

James Garner reprised his iconic role from Maverick in this revival series that finds Bret settling down in Sweetwater, Arizona, after winning a saloon in a poker game. Although more grounded than its predecessor, the series kept Garner’s charm front and center. It lasted just one season but served as a nostalgic continuation of the classic character.

160. ‘Father Murphy’ 1981–1983

Created and produced by Michael Landon, this family drama starred Merlin Olsen as a frontiersman who poses as a priest to help a group of orphans. The show echoed the tone of Little House on the Prairie, with strong moral lessons and sentimentality. It ran for two seasons and built a loyal audience among viewers who appreciated heartwarming frontier tales.

161. ‘Gun Shy’ 1983

A short-lived Disney Channel comedy miniseries (sometimes misremembered as a full series), Gun Shy was a comedic reinterpretation of The Apple Dumpling Gang with Tim Conway and Don Knotts reprising their roles as bumbling outlaws. Despite the familiar cast, the project had minimal impact and quickly faded into obscurity.

162. ‘The Yellow Rose’ 1983–1984

A prime-time soap set on a sprawling Texas ranch, The Yellow Rose starred Cybill Shepherd, Sam Elliott and David Soul as members of a wealthy and conflicted family. Part Dallas, part modern Western, it was praised for its performances and scenic cinematography but struggled in the ratings and was canceled after one season.

163. ‘Zorro and Son’ 1983

This comedic take on the Zorro legend aired as a midseason replacement on CBS. Henry Darrow, who had voiced Zorro in an animated version, played the elder Don Diego, while Paul Regina portrayed his son. Aimed at a younger audience, the show lacked the swashbuckling appeal of earlier versions and lasted only five episodes.

164. ‘Wildside’ 1985

This stylized action-Western featured a team of secret government operatives masquerading as ranchers in the post-Civil War West. Starring William Smith and a young Meg Ryan, the show combined gadgetry, espionage and gunfights but never caught on. It aired only six episodes before being pulled.

165. ‘Outlaws’ 1986–1987

In this sci-fi/Western hybrid, a group of 19th-century Texas Rangers are transported to modern-day Houston through a time warp. Mixing police procedural with cowboy charm, the series offered an unusual premise but couldn’t sustain interest beyond one season. Rod Taylor starred alongside a cast of rugged character actors.

166. ‘Paradise’ 1988–1991

Also known later as Guns of Paradise, this CBS series starred Lee Horsley as Ethan Allen Cord, a gunslinger forced to raise his late sister’s children. The show combined family drama with classic Western themes and ran for three seasons. It was one of the last traditional-style Westerns to air in prime time during that era.

167. ‘Lonesome Dove: The Miniseries’ 1989

This Emmy-winning epic, adapted from Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, starred Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones as aging Texas Rangers driving cattle to Montana. Lavishly produced and emotionally resonant, it reignited mainstream interest in the Western genre and spawned several sequels and a short-lived TV series.

168. ‘The Young Riders’ 1989–1992

A fictionalized account of the Pony Express, The Young Riders followed a group of young couriers—including a pre-fame Josh Brolin—as they navigate the lawless frontier. Blending teen drama with Western action, the show appealed to younger viewers and ran for three seasons on ABC.

1990s

169. ‘Zorro’ 1990–1993

This stylish reboot, filmed in Spain and starring Duncan Regehr as the masked hero, aired in syndication and remained faithful to the classic Zorro mythos. With its moody atmosphere, swordplay, and serialized storytelling, it became a cult favorite, especially among international audiences.

170. ‘The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.’ 1993–1994

Bruce Campbell headlined this quirky, genre-blending Western as a Harvard-educated bounty hunter chasing an outlaw gang—and a mysterious orb—across the Old West. Mixing steampunk, sci-fi, and slapstick, the show built a devoted fanbase but was canceled after one season. It’s now considered a cult classic.

171. ‘Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman’ 1993–1998

Jane Seymour starred as Michaela Quinn, a physician who leaves Boston to practice medicine in the frontier town of Colorado Springs. Combining medical drama, romance, and frontier life, the series became a Saturday night staple for CBS and spawned several TV movies after its run.

172. ‘Harts of the West’ 1993–1994

Beau Bridges played a Chicago shoe salesman who moves his family to Nevada to run a dilapidated ranch, with Lloyd Bridges co-starring. A modern-day Western dramedy with heart and humor, it was well-received by critics but struggled in the ratings and lasted just one season.

173. ‘Hawkeye: The First Frontier’ 1994–1995

Loosely based on The Last of the Mohicans, this syndicated series starred Lee Horsley as Natty Bumppo and featured Lynda Carter. Set during the French and Indian War, the show offered high adventure and lush scenery, but didn’t break through to a wide audience.

174. ‘Legend’ 1995

Richard Dean Anderson starred as a 19th-century pulp novelist who pretends to be his fictional hero, Nicodemus Legend. John de Lancie co-starred as a scientist helping create Legend’s gadgets. Despite its inventive premise and steampunk trappings, the show lasted only 12 episodes on UPN.

175. ‘Lonesome Dove: The Series’ / ‘The Outlaw Years’ 1995–1996

A continuation of the Lonesome Dove saga, the series followed Newt Call (Scott Bairstow) as a lawman in Curtis Wells, Montana. Retooled in its second season as The Outlaw Years, the show shifted to a darker tone. It ran for two seasons in syndication.

176. ‘Dead Man’s Walk’ 1996

A prequel to Lonesome Dove, this ABC miniseries starred David Arquette and Jonny Lee Miller as young Gus and Call on a brutal journey across Texas. Adapted from Larry McMurtry’s novel, it emphasized survival, violence, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

177. ‘The Lazarus Man’ 1996

Robert Urich played a mysterious Civil War survivor with amnesia, trying to piece together his past while helping those in need. The series gained a following but was abruptly canceled due to Urich’s cancer diagnosis and a subsequent legal dispute with the network.

178. ‘Dead Man’s Gun’ 1997–1999

A Twilight Zone-style anthology set in the Old West, this Showtime series traced a cursed pistol as it passed from person to person, altering their fates. Narrated by Kris Kristofferson, each episode featured a new cast and moral twist, exploring greed, justice, and vengeance.

179. ‘Legacy’ 1998–1999

A family drama set in post-Civil War Kentucky, Legacy aired on UPN and followed the Logan family’s efforts to preserve their Southern horse-breeding tradition. It featured early roles for actors like Jeremy Garrett and Sean Bridgers, but lasted only one season.

180. ‘The Magnificent Seven’ 1998–2000

Based on the iconic film, this CBS adaptation featured a new team of gunmen defending a town from outlaws. Michael Biehn and Ron Perlman led a diverse ensemble. The series mixed action with character drama and ran for two seasons, becoming a fan favorite.

2000s

181. ‘Ponderosa’ 2001–2002

A prequel to Bonanza, this short-lived series aired on PAX TV and explored the early days of Ben Cartwright and his sons. Daniel Hugh Kelly starred as Ben. The show emphasized family-friendly storytelling but struggled to connect with fans of the original.

182. ‘Peacemakers’ 2003

This USA Network series starred Tom Berenger as a former gunfighter turned lawman using modern forensics in the 1880s. Think CSI meets the Old West. Despite its intriguing premise and solid cast, it lasted only one season.

183. ‘Deadwood’ 2004–2006

David Milch’s gritty, profanity-laden HBO series redefined the genre with its complex characters and historical realism. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane headlined a stellar cast in this tale of lawless growth in a South Dakota mining town. Widely acclaimed, it earned multiple Emmys and a 2019 follow-up film.

2010s

184. ‘Quick Draw’ 2013–2014

A comedic Western from Hulu, this semi-improvised series starred John Lehr as a Harvard-educated sheriff trying to bring modern crime-solving techniques to a Kansas town in the 1870s. Mixing deadpan humor with genre tropes, the show developed a cult following during its two-season run.

185. ‘The Son’ 2017–2019

Pierce Brosnan starred in this AMC drama based on Philipp Meyer’s novel, playing Eli McCullough, a ruthless Texas oil baron and former Comanche captive. Spanning generations and timelines, the series offered a brutal meditation on power, legacy and American expansion. It ran for two seasons.

186. ‘Yellowstone’ 2018–2024

Created by Taylor Sheridan, this neo-Western saga starred Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the patriarch of a powerful Montana ranching family battling developers, politicians, and rival tribes. A cultural juggernaut for Paramount, it revitalized interest in the Western genre and spawned multiple spinoffs.

2020s

187. ‘1883’ 2021–2022

This Yellowstone prequel followed James and Margaret Dutton (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) as they led their family westward along the Oregon Trail. Gritty and cinematic, the limited series captured the perilous journey of pioneers and cemented Taylor Sheridan’s growing Western TV universe.

188. ‘Joe Pickett’ 2021–2023

Based on C.J. Box’s novels, this modern Western followed a Wyoming game warden (Michael Dorman) navigating family life, political corruption, and violent crimes in his community. Originally airing on Spectrum and later Paramount+, it was praised for its grounded storytelling before its quiet cancellation.

189. ‘1923’ 2022–2025

Another Yellowstone prequel, this series starred Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, fighting to preserve the family’s legacy during the Great Depression, Prohibition and a deadly range war. Lavishly produced, it blends family saga with historical turmoil and continues through 2025.

190. ‘Billy the Kid’ 2022–present

Tom Blyth stars in this MGM+ series chronicling the life of outlaw Billy the Kid, from his Irish immigrant roots to his legendary status in the American West. Blending fact and folklore, the show explores the emotional toll of frontier life with a stylized edge.

191. ‘Outer Range’ 2022–2024

A genre-bending Western with sci-fi elements, Outer Range starred Josh Brolin as a Wyoming rancher who discovers a mysterious black void on his land. Mixing existential dread with family drama and time travel, the Prime Video series ran for two seasons before being canceled.

192. ‘Walker: Independence’ 2022–2023

This CW prequel to Walker starred Katherine McNamara as Abby Walker, a Boston widow seeking justice in the lawless town of Independence, Texas. Featuring a diverse cast and modern sensibilities, it lasted just one season before being canceled during the network’s rebranding period.

193. ‘Lawman: Bass Reeves’ 2023

Part of Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Western slate, this Paramount+ miniseries starred David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves, the first Black U.S. Marshal west of the Mississippi. Drawing from real history, it told gritty, standalone stories in an anthology format and received praise for its performances.

194. ‘American Primeval’ 2025

Set to premiere in 2025 on Netflix, this limited series stars Taylor Kitsch in a raw and violent tale exploring the birth of the American frontier. Produced by Peter Berg and set against a brutal 19th-century backdrop, it promises a dark, revisionist take on Manifest Destiny.