TheWesterngenre follows a classic, nostalgic formula. Full of iconic gunslingers, dangerous outlaws, and well-meaning sheriffs, these stories are thrilling at every turn and a great watch for anyone hoping to see a heroic battle in the rugged landscape of the Wild West, potentially in the form of one ofpop culture’s best non-movie Westerns. Hollywood has maintained its fascination with this niche genre, turning out Western TV shows like the Paramount hitYellowstoneand HBO’sWestworld, both of which ran for multiple seasons and found a dedicated fan base.
Though classic Westerns are often looked to as relics of Hollywood’s past, many modernWestern TV shows would not exist without classic moviesand shows that streamlined the genre. In fact, some franchises have even gone on to see new popular adaptations, such asZorroandThe Lone Ranger,due to their influence. Beyond their genre-defining effects,some classic shows broke ground in their time, addressing social issues that still concern society and thus allowing the Western genre to hold up today.
The Lone Ranger
Cast
The Lone Ranger is a Western-themed television series that follows the adventures of the masked hero known as the Lone Ranger and his Native American companion, Tonto. Set in the American Old West, the series originally aired from 1949 to 1957, with Clayton Moore playing the Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels portraying Tonto. The duo seeks to uphold justice and fight crime while pursuing outlaws and protecting the innocent.
The Lone Rangeris recognizable by its name alone. Based on the character from the original 1930s radio show,The Lone Rangertells the story of the Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) and his Indigenous American companion, Tonto (Jay Silverheels), as they travel through the Wild West and protect vulnerable citizens from evil criminals. Because it was one of the first Westerns,The Lone Rangeris about as traditional as it gets in terms of conforming to the rules of this genre.
1933–1955
1949–1957
1956
1981
The Lone Ranger(Film)
2013
However, in its time, the show became one of ABC’s biggest hits and was groundbreaking in its depiction of the heroic cowboy character. With his iconic costume of a cowboy hat, black mask, and blue jean one-piece, the Lone Ranger is still recognizable today. Interestingly, his friendship with Tonto is rare compared to many other older Westerns, which often portrayed Indigenous peoples as enemies or threats. In 2013,The Lone Rangerwas remade as a filmstarring Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer.
9Zorro (1957-1959)
Created By Johnston McCulley
Zorro(Guy Williams) can also be easily identified by his mask, black cap, and cape. This western series soared to popularity and follows the mysterious Don Diego de la Vega, who fights corrupt Spaniards in 1820s California, defending the settlers and Indigenous Mexican peoples.Over the years, there have beenmultiple actors who have portrayed Zorro. The swashbuckling character is so iconic the story was adapted into a film remake in 1998;Zorrothen went on to have multiple other remakes.
12 Greatest Zorro Movies & TV Shows, Ranked
Zorro has been around for more than 100 years, and in that time, the series has been adapted dozens of times to varying degrees of success.
Zorro’s version of the cowboy, unlike many others, differentiates himself by using swordsmanship rather than the ordinary gun.Beyond Zorro’s popularity as a character, the show shed light on the plight of the settlers and Indigenous peoples of Mexico, often ignored in many classic Westerns of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Zorro’s commitment to helping underserved communities is something that translates well with modern viewers.
The Rifleman
The Rifleman is a Western television series starring Chuck Connors as Lucas McCain, a skilled marksman who raises his son Mark in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, the show explores themes of justice, morality, and fatherhood against the backdrop of the American frontier.
The Riflemanis another tried and true classic of the Western genre. However, this story doesn’t follow a gunslinging outlaw or cowboy, but rather a well-meaning rancher with a knack for shooting. Instead, the “Rifleman,” Lucas McCain, focuses on maintaining peace in his small town in New Mexico so that his son, Mark McCain, can live a safe life. The series brought the famous Western actor’s career to new heights, leading to allChuck Connor’s best movies and TV shows.
This series contains many of the classic elements of a Western that fans of the genre will appreciate: gun fights, shady outlaws, and a charming town seated in the old West. Still,The Riflemandistinguishes itself from other shows in the genre because of its deeper emotional notes. Many episodes focus on important life lessons that Lucas passes on to his son, such as practicing forgiveness and seeking out justice. At the end of the day,The Riflemanis a story about a father’s love for his son and the community.
Cheyenne
Cheyenne is a classic Western television series that aired from 1955 to 1963. The show follows the adventures of Cheyenne Bodie, a rugged cowboy played by Clint Walker, as he travels the American West, often getting caught up in conflicts and romantic entanglements in the small towns he visits.
Cheyenneis a Warner Bros. TV show, set in the aftermath of the Civil War. The series focuses on another popular cowboy, Cheyenne Body (Clint Walker), a kindhearted scout who travels across the Wild West in search of crime and a fight. This Western broke records for its time, as it was the first to deliver hour-long TV episodes in its genre.
Cheyennewas turned into a film,Gold, Glory, and Custerin 1964, which was a compilation of several episodes of the show strung together into a feature.
Unlike some other cowboys in similar television programs,Cheyenne has an interesting backstory as an orphan who was raised by an Indigenous American tribe after his parents' death.He is also depicted as soft-spoken and kind compared to the often grumpy and gruff cowboys in many Western TV shows. The caring and understanding nature of this series' leading character is palatable to many modern audiences who may be tired of the outdated feel of seemingly emotionally stunted cowboys from other series.
The Virginian
Set in the Wyoming Territory of the 1890s, this Western series follows the lives and challenges at the Shiloh Ranch under various owners. It emphasizes character-driven stories exploring relationships and personal dilemmas against the backdrop of frontier life, differing from typical Western narratives of the era.
The NBC TV seriesThe Virginiansimilarly broke records as the first of its kind to be formatted into weekly 90-minute episodes.The successful series, which wasone of the longest-running Westernswith its whopping nine seasons, told the story of a mysterious foreman, known as “The Virginian” (James Drury) who watches over Shiloh Ranch in late 1800s Wyoming. In this series, the titular character’s identity remains forever unknown, but he is known for his quiet and mysterious demeanor.
This Western saga was one of the first of its time to have such a developed and complex storyline. Because of its nine-year run and long episode runtime, the show had room to create deeper stories with more emotional investment. Besides its compelling plot, the show was known for its impressive list of guest and supporting actors, many of whom would be recognized today, such as Robert Redford, William Shatner, and Harrison Ford.
Bonanza
Bonanza is a classic television Western that aired from 1959 to 1973, centering on the wealthy Cartwright family who operate a vast ranch named the Ponderosa. Starring Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, the series follows the family’s adventures and struggles in the Nevada Territory during the mid-19th century. Each episode features various challenges related to family dynamics, local disputes, and broader social issues of the time.
Another series with a long run isBonanza,a favorite among lovers of the defined Western genre, blending drama and comedy in a way that many Westerners at the time had not done yet. This show chronicles the lives of the Cartwrights,a family of Nevada ranchers who must protect their land during and after the events of the Civil War.Bonanzawas so popular it went on to be adapted into several spin-offs and films.
Much ofBonanza’s appeal lies in that it breaks the mold by centering around the ensemble cast of the Cartwright family. It is, in many ways, a story about family survival in uncertain times, which makes for a more realistic interpretation than the heroic lone wolf who swoops in to save the town.Bonanzaalso tackles societal issues through a progressive lens for its time, touching on issues like racism in several episodes. Today, viewers will appreciate this Western for its lovable family and its commentary.
Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie, a Western drama, debuted in 1974 and stars Michael Landon, Melissa Gilbert, and Karen Grassle. The series chronicles the daily experiences of a family residing on a farm in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, during the late 19th century, exploring themes of community and frontier life.
Similarly,Little House On The Prairietells the tale of another family making their way across the West. The series, which is based on the famous books by Laura Ingalls-Wilder,chronicles the lives of the Ingalls family in the late 1800s Midwest. Laura (Melissa Gilbert) won the hearts of viewers, and the show remained in the top ranks of NBC for its nine-year run.
Little House On The Prairie: 10 Life Lessons Learned From Watching The Show
Like many family-themed shows, Little House often strived to teach viewers lessons aimed at improving everyday life.
Little House on the Prairieis a Western told through the lens of a young girl,as she transitions from childhood to young adulthood; certain episodes do not shy away from the darkness of her hard life.This is rare for the genre, which most often focuses on male leads. NBC’s adaptation is also known for its strong acting performances and writing, which often touched on important themes of family, sisterhood, and sexism at the turn of the century. Today, audiences can still relate to many of the struggles Laura and her family experience throughout the show.
The Big Valley
The Big Valley is a Western television series set on the Barkley family ranch in California’s San Joaquin Valley during the late 19th century. The show stars Barbara Stanwyck as the matriarch Victoria Barkley, guiding her family through various challenges as they manage their vast empire. Supporting cast includes Richard Long, Lee Majors, Peter Breck, and Linda Evans, who portray her resilient children.
On the opposite side of the country, the Barkleys' story of survival was told on the ABC program,The Big Valley.This western focuses on the family’s challenges as they run a wealthy ranch in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Led by matriarch, Victoria Barkley (Barbara Stanwyck), the family also aids settlers in the region who move to their Valley. Far from the traditional cowboy western,The Big Valleyis all about the importance of family and sticking together.
In the absence of her husband, Victoria is uniquely written for her time: headstrong and gutsy, she redefined the role ofleading women in great Westerns, who are usually side characters with little to no power. The same can be said of her spunky daughter, Audra (Linda Evans), who keeps up with her brothers. The show’s ensemble featured strong acting performances, some leading to Emmy wins. With a strong plot and progressive female characters,The Big Valleywould still be considered an engaging series by today’s standards.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
The daughter of a successful Boston doctor, Michaela Quinn defies all the conventions of post-Civil War society and decides to follow in her father’s footsteps. After his death, Michaela leaves Boston and moves to Colorado Springs, working as a doctor in a small town in the Wild West.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Womanis another Western that revolves around a strong female character in the Wild West. This program focuses on the titular Dr. Quinn (Jane Seymour), who works as a doctor in a small town in Colorado Springs after moving from Boston to set up a private practice. As she begins to adjust to life in the rugged landscape, Dr. Quinn befriends members of her community.
Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman: 10 Hidden Details You Never Noticed
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman was a show about Michaela Quinn’s medical exploits in Colorado Springs. Here are ten hidden details you might have missed.
This was another unconventional take on the genre, remaining stationary in the town with Dr. Quinn and featuring a female lead. However, the series still has the classic elements of a Western, from its small-town setting to the frontiersman Dr. Quinn encounters at her practice. Ultimately,Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman,looks at the West from the perspective of the town members themselves, not the cowboy who briefly pays a visit.The show also touches on themes of sexism, showcasing Dr. Quinn’s struggles to be taken seriously as a female doctor.
1Centennial (1978)
Created By John Wilder
Centennialis truly a one-of-a-kind Western. The miniseries, which only has 12 episodes, tells the story of Centennial, Colorado’s formation from 1795 to the 1970s, as the white settlers pushed into Indigenous territory and began taking root in the land. The series travels between the modern day and the past, challenging the conventions of what the setting looks like with a Western.
For those interested in diving deeper into the history ofCentennial,the series is based upon the 1974 novel of the same name by James A. Michener, which reported in depth about the period of transformation covered in the show.
With a high budget and star-studded cast,Centennialwas difficult to produce, but the results are well worth it. The series is written well and based on actual events that led to the creation of this region in Colorado.Like many otherWesterns influenced by real history,the show executes a blend between history and fiction masterfully. Apart from its historical connections,Centennialis aWesternrich in quality, from stunning cinematography to detailed costuming. Today,Centennial’s story remains evergreen because it tells the story of the beginnings of the modern United States.
