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As one of the most popular genres in TV entertainment, Western shows often establish a distinct visual style and employ a particular narrative form that has routinely garnered loyal audiences. Various Western shows throughout television history have given general audiences an idea of what this genre should be. However, as viewers have demanded more nuanced storytelling on television, Westerns have evolved to tackle more mature subject matter.
With an emphasis on morally complex characters, detailed episodic narratives, well-executed action and an expansive production design, the grittiest Western shows know how to captivate an audience. These gritty Western series further developed the genre within American fiction, challenging viewers to critically think about these stories while fundamentally remaining entertaining. From shows focused on industries, such as Frontier and the fur trade or Landman and oil, to more classic revenge tales like The English, gritty Westerns don’t shy away from tackling a variety of engaging topics.
Updated on July 2, 2025, by Natasha Elder: The best gritty Westerns aren’t just great because of the harsher depictions of the Western lifestyle, but also because of the intriguing characters and compelling stories. Some even mix in other genres, such as Justified, to provide a unique viewing experience. This list was updated to showcase more of the best gritty Westerns and dive into greater detail on why they’re so interesting.
15 Frontier Highlights the Dangers Inherent in the Fur Trade
Corruption and Crime Runs Rampant in Hudson Bay
Centering on Canada rather than the American West, Frontier (2016) is nonetheless a Western show worth watching. This show delves into the gritty world of the North American fur trade during the late 18th century. In this engaging Western, Jason Momoa plays Declan Harp, a criminal seeking to disrupt the Hudson’s Bay Company’s monopoly on the fur trade. The issue is particularly relevant to him, as he is half-Cree and the company encroaches on his native lands to obtain their goods.
Fittingly for a gritty Western, Declan is known for being vicious, further putting him at odds with those employed by the Hudson Bay Company. This show starts a bit slow, which is why it is ranked last, but eventually finds its footing. Once it does, Frontier tells a compelling story further backed by noteworthy acting.
14 The Son Details a Turbulent Power Struggle
The Powerful Acting Further Engages Viewers
Based on the novel by Philipp Meyer, AMC’s Western drama The Son recounts a tale dealing with family drama, political scheming and an intriguing dissection of a ruthless protagonist. Led by an engaging lead performance from Pierce Brosnan as Eli McCullough, the actor commands the screen as both a patriarch and a relentless businessman. Simultaneously, the show’s analysis of Eli McCullough also reflects the harsh realities of the Old West and how overcoming adversity, by any means necessary, can lead to prosperity.
The Son’s character drama fuels the narrative at hand while also capturing effective violence on screen that grips the viewer. By handling two interwoven plots surrounding Eli McCullough’s past and present, as well as the personal conflicts at stake, the audience is shown the true brutality of life on the Western frontier. The Son tackles a lot of themes, but it does so with great skill.
13 Lawmen: Bass Reeves Explores an Important Historical Figure
It Also Doesn't Shy Away from Depicting the Hardships of His Life
Adapting the life of the first African American Deputy U.S. Marshal, the 2023 Western miniseries Lawmen: Bass Reeves examines a larger-than-life figure whose exploits as an Old West hero engage the viewer with every episode. The central performance by David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves not only honors the legendary lawman with his committed portrayal but also engrosses the audience through the character’s incredible life story. Additionally, an all-star ensemble cast helps establish several dynamic characters.
Blending aspects of gritty procedural tropes, a Western narrative and biographical elements, the series details a thoughtful and thorough examination of the iconic U.S. Marshal. Moreover, Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ meticulously executed storytelling aims to highlight the sheer impact that Bass Reeves had during this era in America. Centering on a figure who is too often left unmentioned, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, is a captivating tale from start to finish.
12 The English Is an Intense Story of Revenge
Featuring Unlikely Heroes for a Western, The English Doesn't Shy Away from the Harsher Aspects of Western Life
After a ruthless man kills Lady Cornelia Locke’s son, she embarks on a journey of revenge. Along the way, she meets Eli Whipp, also known as Wounded Wolf, who is journeying to claim the land he earned by serving in the US Army. They end up traveling together and bond along the way. The English takes its time telling the story, but not in a way that makes the plot drag. Instead, the slower pacing allows ample time for the characters to develop and for the world to be fleshed out.
The writing for The English stands out immediately. The characters feel like real people, which quickly invests viewers in their ambitions and potential failures. Given that the protagonists are a woman and an indigenous man, The English also offers a unique perspective. This Western show shines a light on how much harsher life was for women and indigenous populations, and certainly doesn’t shy away from showing exactly how hard it could get for these groups. While it only had one season, The English is worth a watch.
11 American Primeval Lives up to Its Name
This Show Gives a Raw Depiction of the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Due to tensions regarding autonomy and territory, there was a significant clash between Mormon settlers and US armed forces beginning in 1857, which came to be known as the Utah War. American Primeval focuses on the brutality inherent in this altercation. More specifically, American Primeval hones in on the Mountain Meadows Massacre. While this show isn’t one to watch for historical accuracy, it is definitely worth watching for its entertainment value.
This gritty Western TV show puts on full display the vicious actions that lay at the heart of much of American expansion, as well as the infighting that has plagued it along the way. Not for the weak of stomach, American Primeval is known to unsettle some because of the graphic violence that it employs. Complementing this violence is an ensemble cast composed of skilled actors and cinematography that perfectly captures the bleak atmosphere.
10 Landman Explores the Dangers of Oilfields
Billionaires and Workers Reshape the Economic Landscape of Texas
As dangerous as outright outlaws and frontier settlers, the oil industry is certainly a lucrative business, worth a pretty penny. Set in West Texas, Landman focuses on Tommy Norris, a petroleum Landman and Operations VP at M-Tex Oil, as well as a lawyer who fearlessly enters the world of the oil industry to investigate the cause of a fatal accident.
Well-researched, Landman portrays the oil and gas companies with a fair amount of accuracy. Moreover, these portrayals lead to intriguing storylines that immediately enthrall viewers. The show’s portrayal of the oil industry’s significant impact on America’s economy and geopolitics is yet another indication of the care put into the show’s creation, as well as its relevance to the lives of many of its viewers. However, some of the side characters can be a bit one-dimensional, which is why it ranks at #10.
9 The Good Lord Bird Depicts the Difficulties in Abolishing Slavery
The Events of the Show Lead up to a Historical Confrontation
Easily digested as a miniseries and an underrated show, The Good Lord Bird expertly explores the difficulties in successfully fighting against slavery. The main character, Henry Shackleford, played by Joshua Caleb Johnson, joins a crew of abolitionists led by John Brown, played by Ethan Hawke. The show culminates in the 1859 raid on the Federal Armory at Harpers Ferry in Virginia, an unsuccessful step toward a slave revolt but a key catalyst for the Civil War.
The Good Lord Bird doesn’t only focus on the enormous task that the characters, and real historical figures, faced, but also comments on why so many stand by and let atrocities happen. This philosophical exploration adds even more depth to the show. While The Good Lord Bird tells a fictionalized telling of events, John Brown is a real historical figure whose story the series handles with thoughtful consideration.
8 1923 Is a Solid Western Spin-off Series
It Excels at Complex Storytelling
As the second show to spawn from the Yellowstone universe, Paramount Plus’ Western drama prequel 1923 continues to explore the famed Dutton family and equally captures fans’ attention. With the likes of Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford in starring roles as Cara & Jacob Dutton respectively, as well as other talented performers in the ensemble cast, the show deepens the Duttons’ historical relationship with Montana. It also shows how the family suffered through hardships during events like Prohibition, drought, and the early stages of the Great Depression.
1923 also continues the trend of Taylor Sheridan’s sharp storytelling and relays to the viewer the complex Dutton legacy across American history. At the same time, given Taylor Sheridan’s varied career in the Western genre, the series maintains the writer/director’s nuanced and gritty examination of Western themes while heightening the Duttons as a fixture of modern television Western shows for audiences. Sheridan’s vast experience in the Western genre comes out in full force in this memorable show.
7 1883 Traces Back the Dutton Family Legacy
Focusing on a Wagon Train Experience Provides a New Perspective
Intricately crafted as the first spin-off show within the Yellowstone universe, the Western drama prequel miniseries 1883 gives fans a fascinating look into the Duttons’ storied history. In doing so, the show reveals the struggles that plagued this family after the American Civil War while journeying to establish a homestead. With an all-star cast that includes the likes of Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and more, alongside memorable guest stars, the show captures interesting character drama and evokes gritty storytelling.
The historical setting of 1883 not only frames the Duttons’ legacy but also highlights the difficult undertaking of a wagon train experience. As 1883 follows the Duttons trying to find a new home, the viewer becomes enthralled at the tough challenges that these characters must face, while simultaneously reflecting on how this experience shaped many Americans during this period. The masterful way that 1883 incorporates these elements speaks to the high quality of the show.
6 Godless Plays With Traditional Western Gender Tropes
The Amazing Ensemble Cast Greatly Enhances the Quality of the Show
Expertly designed by creator Scott Frank, Netflix’s 2017 Western drama miniseries Godless enthralls audiences with a simplistic yet engaging narrative that puts a new spin on the Western genre. Working from a story about a young outlaw on the run from his mentor who winds up in a small town mostly occupied by women, the series delves into great character relationships and showcases effective violence. This effectively heightens the drama throughout the building plot.
Elevated by the committed ensemble cast, particularly the great female performers, Godless’ gritty character drama and genre-defying storytelling keep the viewer guessing with every episode. Moreover, the concise portrayal of the town of La Belle and all the townsfolk helps relay to the audience the many character dynamics at play. When the citizens of La Belle are introduced to conflict, the viewer is invested in every single character and wonders how each person will overcome the odds.
