JUST IN: 10 Old-School Western TV Shows That Still Hold Up Today

The Western genre 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 of pop culture’s best non-movie Westerns. Hollywood has maintained its fascination with this niche genre, turning out Western TV shows like the Paramount hit Yellowstone and HBO’s Westworld, 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 modern Western TV shows would not exist without classic movies and shows that streamlined the genre. In fact, some franchises have even gone on to see new popular adaptations, such as Zorro and The 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.

10The Lone Ranger (1949–1957)

Created By George W. Trendle & George W. George

The Lone Ranger is recognizable by its name alone. Based on the character from the original 1930s radio show, The Lone Ranger tells 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 Ranger is about as traditional as it gets in terms of conforming to the rules of this genre.

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 Ranger was remade as a film starring 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 been multiple actors who have portrayed Zorro. The swashbuckling character is so iconic the story was adapted into a film remake in 1998; Zorro then went on to have multiple other remakes.

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.

8The Rifleman (1958)

Created By Sam Peckinpah & Arnold Lavern

The Rifleman is 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 all Chuck 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 Rifleman distinguishes 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 Rifleman is a story about a father’s love for his son and the community.

7Cheyenne (1955)

Created By Roy Huggins

Cheyenne is 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.

Cheyenne was turned into a film, Gold, Glory, and Custer in 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.

6The Virginian (1962)

Created By Charles Marquis Warren

The NBC TV series The Virginian similarly broke records as the first of its kind to be formatted into weekly 90-minute episodes. The successful series, which was one of the longest-running Westerns with 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.

5Bonanza (1959-1973)

Created By David Dortort

Another series with a long run is Bonanza, 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. Bonanza was so popular it went on to be adapted into several spin-offs and films.

Much of Bonanza‘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. Bonanza also 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.

4Little House On The Prairie (1974-1983)

Created By Blanche Hanalis

Similarly, Little House On The Prairie tells 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 is 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.

3The Big Valley (1965)

Created By A.I. Bezzerides & Louis F. Edelman

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 Valley is 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 of leading 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 Valley would still be considered an engaging series by today’s standards.

2Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (1993-1998)

Created By Beth Sullivan

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman is 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.

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

Centennial is 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 of Centennial, 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, Centennial was 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 other Westerns influenced by real history, the show executes a blend between history and fiction masterfully. Apart from its historical connections, Centennial is a Western rich 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.

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