Yellowstone has become one of the best Western dramas televisions shows available. It’s a gripping story that focuses on the Dutton family, the owners of the largest ranch in Montana, commonly known as “Yellowstone”.
From its premier in 2018, the Dutton family has drawn in fans from everywhere. The ranch borders land developers, an Indian reservation and American’s first National Park which causes intense situations as it’s in constant attack from media.
As IMDb describes it, “it is the best and worst of America seen through the eyes of a family that represents both”, perfectly encapsulating why it’s so loved, and why fans everywhere want to know what are some great shows like Yellowstone.
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15. Mayor of Kingstown
Another great series on Paramount Plus, Mayor of Kingstown follows the McLusky family who are power brokers tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry.
The family has been keeping the peace for decades, acting as moderators between street gangs, prisoners, guards and the cops. This series provides a harsh look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither.
14. Ozark
Following the Byrdes, which is a mostly ordinary family, as they travel from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks.
Marty, the husband/father, is a financial advisor, and also serves as the top money-launderer for Mexico’s second largest drug cartel, but things go awry, making the family move for safety.
13. Outer Range
Sometimes bringing two genres together can make it much more interesting, and that’s exactly what Outer Range did. It’s a Western drama that also combines sci-fi mysteries. A rancher fighting for his land and family discovers a mystery at the edge of Wyoming’s wilderness.
A big comparison of this show and Yellowstone is that they both have casted Will Patton as an antagonist, which is super interesting. It’s a great show like Yellowstone for those that want a bit more variety.
12. Ride
This new series features Nancy Travis as Isabel McMurray. It follows the McMurray family as they struggle to keep their ranch afloat in Colorado. It’s another Western drama that explores family relationships and hardships.
After the death of her husband, Isabel McMurray is the matriarch of the family and is working to protect not only her family but their livelihood.
11. Sons of Anarchy
While not a Western, Sons of Anarchy is still a great series to watch for those that enjoy watching political control. This motorcycle club operates both illegal and legal businesses in the small town of Charming. While Clay, the current president, enjoys sticking to the old ways of things and being violent, Jax, the current VP is looking to change things.
The conflict of power and relationships brings an interesting tension with the group, making it one of the best shows like Yellowstone for those that want to see more crime dramas.
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10. Succession
The main thing Succession has in common with Yellowstone is that they both have power. While the Dutton family controls the largest ranches in Montana, the Roy family in Succession controls the biggest media and entertainment companies in the world.
But once their father steps down from the company, fans will witness just how far they will go to take over. Exposing just how much they lack morals, the family will stop at nothing to gain power for themselves, creating an interesting fight for the front seat of the company.
9. The Son
For those that are fascinated on the family dynamic aspect of Yellowstone and want a bit more of that, this is a great show to try. The Son follows Peter, a man who left his previous ex-wife and son, who is enjoying life with his new partner Beth and their baby.
But once his eldest son from the previous marriage, 17-year-old Nicholas, turns up due to suffering from psychological trauma, Peter works hard to counsel him and help him through professional therapy, but things aren’t going as well as he’d hoped. It’s a drama series that focuses on dysfunctional families and hard topics like depression and suicide.
8. Godless
Set in the 1880s, Godless is a great show like Yellowstone. Following criminal Frank Griffin and his gang as they go after ex-protege, Roy Goode, who betrayed the brotherhood.
Roy seeks refuge in an isolated mining town known as La Belle, New Mexico, inhabited almost entirely by women, where he lives with Alice Fletcher, a hardened widow and outcast. When word spreads that Griffin is heading to La Belle, the town bands together to defend against the murderous gang.
7. Deadwood
Set in the 1800s, Deadwood follows the characters of Deadwood, South Dakota, a town of deep corruption and crime.
Ex-lawman, Bill Hickok, and Seth Bullock, a man hoping to start a new life for himself, find themselves at opposite sides of the legal and moral fence from Al Swearengen, the incipient boss of Deadwood. These three characters are intertwined with one another, causing friction and tension throughout the series.
6. Billy the Kid
This 2022 series follows titular character Billy the Kid through his life, from humble roots to the days as a gunslinger in the American frontier, all the way to his pivotal role in the Lincoln County War where he allegedly committed three murders.
It’s a Western drama and action series that has two series so far and is still going. Billy the Kid depicts the historical figure who was an outlaw in the Old West, alleged to kill 21 men. He was shot and killed at the age of 21.
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5. Justified
Another amazing show like Yellowstone is Justified. This series is based on Elmore Leonard’s novella “Fire in the Hole”, which follows a Deputy US Marshal Raylan Givens. After spending time away from home, he’s finally back in Kentucky with the task of bringing down the notorious criminal, Boyd Crowder.
Raylan deals with being at odds with his bosses in the Marshal services, all while dealing with his past life and family. He has a target on his back and is constantly at risk, creating intense and dramatic moments, all while having an amazing banter with Kentucky natives.
4. Hatfields & McCoys
This 2012 series follows two families on the West Virginia/Kentucky border years after the Civil War as they deal with their bitter and dramatized feud. The head of each family were close friends until the near end of the War, and when they returned home there was an increase of tension and misunderstanding, creating a war between them that went on for generations.
What makes it even more tense is that there is a spark of love between a McCoy and Hatfield, making the feud grow even more. Even though it’s a short series with only one season and a few episodes, it’s still a great watch for those that want something to get them through the absence of Yellowstone.
3. Longmire
This Netflix series is a great option for those that enjoy the Western dramas. It follows titular character, Walt Longmire, a charismatic and dedicated sheriff of Absaroka County in Wyoming. His daughter, Cady, struggles to help him turn his life around after his wife’s passing. However, when Vic comes in as a new female deputy, Longmire starts to feel a bit more invigorated about his job and running for re-election.
There are obstacles in his way though, as Branch, a young and ambitious deputy, wants to run for sheriff against him. With themes of betrayal, self-worth, finding dedication in the community, Longmire is an amazing show for those that are missing Yellowstone.
2. 1883
This Yellowstone prequel follows another generation of the Dutton family is traveling to Texas post-Civil war in this prequel show, 1883. The family joins a wagon train undertaking the arduous journey west to Oregon before settling in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone ranch.
The miniseries only consists of one season with ten episodes, a perfect watch for those that want a bit more backstory to the Dutton family. Starring big names in the Western genre, Tim McGraw, Sam Elliott and Faith Hill, 1883 is an inspiring and intense story that portrays seeking a better future for your family.
1. 1923
Another prequel of Yellowstone, this series is set in the early 20th century and follows another generation of the Dutton family. Facing challenges including the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition and the Great Depression, Fans will witness big stars like Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and Brandon Sklenar face challenges including the rise of Western expansion, Prohibition and the Great depression in 1923.
This is another miniseries that only has two seasons, a perfect watch for those that want a bit more out of Yellowstone. There are several amazing shows like Yellowstone, and thankfully there are some within the same universe.
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