The Best Western TV Shows
The very best western TV shows feature horses, guns, dirt, crime, lassos, and more! This list of the greatest western shows, ranked best to worst, also includes pictures from the shows when available. Popular western TV series have been a staple of television since the early days of the silver screen - some of the very first programs to gain popularity. So vote up your favorite old western TV shows and the modern western series.
Shows set in the Wild West have declined in popularity over the last few decades, but plenty of people still go back and watch reruns of shows such as Gunsmoke and Bonanza. One of the most popular shows of the last few years set in the west is Deadwood, which is about a mining town in the years after the Civil War. If it is one of your favorite western TV shows, then vote it up so more people will watch it. Eventually, it may lead to more Wild West TV shows being produced.
Many of the programs on this list of the best western TV shows are from decades past, and that needs to be changed. Let others know just how great TV shows set in the west are and hopefully more will be made. If you're just wondering what the best western TV shows are, then just look at the list below.
- 1James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone
- Premiered: September 10, 1955
- Network: CBS
Step into Dodge City and follow Marshal Matt Dillon as he maintains law and order in the wild frontier town. Aired for twenty years, it's safe to say this show had folks gripped to their screens, wondering what'd happen next. Its long run made it a staple of classic Western television, mixing intense shootouts with heartfelt life lessons.
- 2Chuck Connors, Johnny Crawford, Paul Fix
- Premiered: September 30, 1958
- Network: ABC
He's a widower, a rancher, and one heck of a sharpshooter. Watch as Lucas McCain defends his land, raises his son, and outguns outlaws with a customized Winchester rifle. This beloved series showcases themes of justice, morality, and plain ol' good triumphing over evil.
- 3Richard Boone, Kam Tong, Hal Needham
- Premiered: September 14, 1957
- Network: CBS
A knight without armor in a savage land, Paladin is your man if the price is right. As a sophisticated yet skilled gunslinger, he'll take on any job – from rescuing kidnapped heiresses to settling murderous disputes. With a calling card that reads, "Have Gun, Will Travel," you know this guy means business.
- 4Clint Eastwood, John Ireland, Charles Gray
- Premiered: January 9, 1959
- Network: CBS
Move 'em on, head 'em up! It's time to hit the trail with drovers Gil Favor and Rowdy Yates as they drive cattle across the dangers of the Old West. This iconic series follows their adventures along the Sedalia trail, encountering rustlers, hostile natives, and everything in between.
- 5Steve McQueen
- Premiered: 1958
- Network: CBS
You better think twice before crossing bounty hunter Josh Randall. Played by Steve McQueen, this steely-eyed protagonist brings outlaws to justice with the help of his signature weapon, a sawed-off Winchester. It's thrilling, action-packed, and full of suspense – just what you'd expect from a top-notch Western.
- 6James Garner, Jack Kelly, Diane Brewster
- Premiered: September 22, 1957
- Network: ABC
Get ready to laugh and gamble with Bret and Bart Maverick, two charming brothers who prefer to talk their way out of trouble. With wits as sharp as their six-shooters, these two make their way through the old West in search of fortune, adventure, and lady luck.
