The Best Western Miniseries of All Time

Summary

• Western genre captivates with its distinct settings, epic tales, and multifaceted characters in gripping narratives.
• Western miniseries offer refreshing perspectives on life away from modern tech, showcasing contrasting ways of survival.
• Dive into rich, satisfying Western tales like Davy Crockett, Hatfields & McCoys, and How the West Was Won for unforgettable adventures.

The Western genre is almost always a hit when it is done right. The famous genre strikes a chord with its audience due to its distinct setting, mood, and overall drama that often encompasses epic tales of adventure, culture, history, trials, tribulations, and, naturally, the interesting multifaceted characters that come with these compelling narratives. The combined man vs. man, and man vs. nature angles set against a gorgeous backdrop, bring to the forefront, the good vs. evil in human nature. And, we are often in for a grand story with many complex threads.

Westerns also present narratives of life and survival away from our modern-day technological world and therefore offer a refreshing look at a contrasting way of life. Here are 15 wonderfully executed, satisfying, and rich Western miniseries, that are not going to take too much of your time.

Update March 2nd, 2024: This article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with more Western TV shows.

15 Davy Crockett (1954-55)

Kicking off the list with a Western that technically pioneered the term “miniseries,” we have Davy Crockett. The mid-1950s serial consisted of five parts, all of which aired on television, and starred Fess Parker as the legendary frontiersman Davy Crockett. The first three episodes, titled “Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter,” “Davy Crockett Goes to Congress,” and “Davy Crockett at the Alamo,” see him as an ambitious young man and skilled hunter, including his heroic role at the Alamo, fighting hard for Texas independence.

Frontiers and Folklore

Parker revitalized the spirit of adventure as the titular character. He was supported by actors like Buddy Ebsen and Kenneth Tobey. Davy Crockett is nothing if not a delightful gem that gave birth to a nationwide fad and made Westerns accessible on television as well. Generations of viewers grew up being utterly fascinated by the series’ themes of freedom and courage. The series also introduced its viewers to a forgotten history and a time when coonskin caps were cool. Currently unavailable to stream.

14 Hatfields & McCoys (2012)

Hatfields & McCoys reimagines one of the oldest and most infamous family feuds in American history – the rivalry between two clans on the border of West Virginia and Kentucky in the aftermath of the Civil War. Devil Anse Hatfield and Randall McCoy used to be best friends, but when the conflicts over stolen livestock escalated, their respective clans erupted into bloody vengeance and left both communities divided and in conflict.

A Tale of Personal Vendetta

Told in three two-hour-long episodes, Hatfields & McCoys is a violent and thought-provoking Western that still holds the gold standard for television storytelling. From mutilated cattle to fierce ambushes, it pulls no punches in depicting what happened. Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton lead an all-star cast that breathes new life into the legendary patriarchs at war with one another. A hit with the critics, the miniseries earned reviews like, “It isn’t a perfect piece – which is both the series’ greatest strength and weakness.” Rent on Apple TV.

13 How the West Was Won (1977)

A rather unusual practice in the miniseries landscape, How the West Was Won aired as a sprawling series of double-length episodes over the course of three years. It follows four generations of one pioneering family led by mountain man Zebulon Macahan, who is not only forced to take care of his brother, four children, and the entire extended clan, but also trek west with them to build a life. Through their journey, we witness major chapters play out against the backdrop of the American frontier.

A Saga That’ll Be Remembered

Starring Hollywood’s finest – including Eva Marie Saint, William Kirby Cullen, Bruce Boxleitner, and Anthony Zerbe – How the West Was Won holds a special place on this list for bringing back James Arness, especially after Gunsmoke was canceled without giving his character a proper finale. Sweeping vistas and nostalgic scope makes way for a portrait of perseverance where mother nature continues to tread on. Despite all the time that has passed and all the contemporary Westerns that have come and gone, the miniseries still towers above all. Stream on Tubi TV.

12 1883 (2021)

This 10-episode quality production from Paramount+ is set in the post-Civil War era, and we follow the Dutton family’s travels on a long journey westward, going through Texas, Oregon, and finally settling in Montana, where they would establish the Yellowstone Ranch. It also serves as a prequel to the hit series Yellowstone. There’s one thing that this show truly captures, and that is the desire for a better life, no matter the hardships.

Masterpiece That Touches Your Soul

The talents of stars like Sam Elliot, Tim McGraw, Isabel May, and Faith Hill come out gloriously under the direction of Taylor Sheridan. From the weather to the desperation in the civilization, the show successfully portrays the Wild West. It’s not a show without violence and harsh scenes, but is one that accurately portrays a time in history when perseverance and family were your only lifelines. It’s brilliantly written, wonderfully acted, and directed almost to perfection. Stream on Paramount+.

11 Children of the Dust (1995)

Children of the Dust is directed by David Greene, who adapts the story from Clancy Carlile’s 1995 novel of the same name. It is set in the 1880s, and Sidney Poitier plays Gypsy Smith, a bounty hunter of African American and Cherokee descent, who tries to help and protect the African American homesteaders in the area. Meanwhile, an abusive white trader and KKK vigilantes stir violence and threaten their heritage.

A Story of History and Hope

Told with soul, authenticity, and unflinching directness, Children of the Dust gives voice to the stories of those natives who were silenced for too long. There are three epic, tear-jerking installments in the entire miniseries, all of which are fascinating to watch. Along with Poitier, the TV miniseries also stars Billy Wirth, Michael Moriarty, and Joanna Going. Poitier and Wirth work very well together, and their dynamic is crucial to the narrative. Currently unavailable to stream.

10 Son of the Morning Star (1991)

This two-part Western television miniseries recounts the events that led to the legendary Battle of the Little Bighorn. It is told through the perspectives of two women, where one part of the story introduces the audience to George Custer and Crazy Horse, as well as the Kansas campaign of the mid-1860s, and the second looks at the remnants of the war and the 7th Cavalry.

Award-Winning Western Miniseries

Meticulously plotted and well-executed, Son of the Morning Star won four Primetime Emmys in the categories of Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Drama Miniseries or a Special, as well as one for Costuming, Makeup, and Sound Editing each. While Gary Cole is lauded for his intricate portrayal of Custer, Rodney A. Grant also gives a really fine performance. Overall, the miniseries offers a glimpse into the tragic fates and lives of its protagonists. Currently unavailable to stream.

9 Broken Trail (2006)

While four-time Primetime Emmy winner Broken Trail only has two episodes, it is so rich in substance. In this compelling drama, we zoom in on two men; a cowboy veteran and his nephew, trekking from Oregon to Wyoming who come across five Chinese girls in need of help, who fell victim to prostitution. The two men are torn between their deep desire to care for the girls and their safety, especially since they were targeted by evil men, and their tough responsibilities, which involve delivering a herd of horses.

Drives Towards Rewarding Ends

Starring Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church, this unforgettable miniseries perfectly demonstrates its unforgettable Western tale. Broken Trail offers a journey with depth, where you will encounter colorful characters and problems you’ll want the answers to. When everything seems to go against a man, how can he remain honest, kind, and effective? Broken Trail is not a conventional Western series or film, which is why its story is truly captivating. Realistic and beautifully filmed, Broken Trail is everything you’d want from a Western. Currently unavailable to stream.

8 A Dog’s Will (1999)

A Dog’s Will is a lesser-known Western TV show, but it is as enjoyable as some of the major series that received recognition. A Western, that’s set in Brazil? A Dog’s Will is exactly that. In a short span of four episodes, we watch two best-friends who are smart, yet financially struggling. Consequently, they travel across Brazil, tricking people in order to get by. However, the story doesn’t end here, in their adventurous journey, they have to face menacing bandits.

Brazilian Western Worth Watching

Pairing history with a lot of heart and humor, A Dog’s Will (or O Auto da Compadecida) depicts survival as more of a joy than the impossible. It stays true to the period details and uses its surroundings by exploring themes of social inequality, rebellion, and justice. Regardless, the miniseries respects its source material, which is a play by Ariano Suassuna, and is full of not only hilarious moments but dramatic ones that hit all the sweet spots. Currently unavailable to stream.

7 The English (2022)

Set in 1890, The English follows an English woman (played by Emily Blunt), who makes her way to the American Wild West with one goal in mind; to seek revenge on the man she deems responsible for her son’s death. The show highlights how many lands carry a turbulent history of violence, and of individuals who had to tolerate abuse to maddening extents. It also showcases how the Native American people were practically wiped out.

A Western Miniseries Led by Emily Blunt

Across six episodes of suspense and subtle social commentary, the miniseries rose to popularity as one of television’s rare recent westerns. It’s a slow burn, with twists and turns, multidimensional characters, and a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impression; one that is beautiful, despite the emotional turmoil found in the series. Emily Blunt gives a fine performance here as well, along with Chaske Spencer, who was nominated for a BAFTA for the role. Stream on Prime Video.

6 Godless (2017)

Set in the 1880s, gang leader Frank Griffin hunts for ex protégé, Roy Goode, who ran away from him. Feeling betrayed, the merciless criminal chases Goode to La Belle, New Mexico, where he finds refuge. However, La Belle is not like any other town. It is full of widowed women whose husbands died in a mining accident. When they hear of Griffin’s cruel nature and his scheme to get revenge on Goode, they form an alliance to protect one another and stand against him.

Thrives on its Feminine Resolve

Starring Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, and Scoot McNairy, Godless is yet another tale of revenge. It is written and directed by Scott Frank, who uses an atmospheric lens to ratchet up the tension between morality and myth. By shunning convention, it delivers a gritty and compelling female-driven narrative that feels empowering. Even the critics pointed out that “its female-driven ensemble sets it apart in a male-dominated genre.” Visually stunning, Godless is a solid Western to check out. Stream on Netflix.

5 Into the West (2005)

Into the West is a sweeping miniseries that tells the tale of two families; Native American and white American, during the American expansion in 1820, whose lives become intertwined. Both of their perspectives on the West are depicted with jarring details and the interweaving storylines follow characters of the respective families and the conflict that arises between them when a White settler marries a Native American’s sister.

Noble Effort in Storytelling

Into The West consists of six two-hour episodes that balance dreams and nightmares of its human characters with profound emotions. Under the gaze of several directors, and with a sprawling cast made of prominent actors like Josh Brolin, Michael Spears, Steve Reevis, and Rachael Leigh Cook, the miniseries enlarges the scope of the West. The show also feels authentic as different languages that were true to that time period are used. The cultures of different individuals back in the Wild West are also focused on. Both entertaining and eye-opening, Into the West is a noble effort in story-telling.

4 The Sacketts (1979)

Based on the novels The Daybreaker and Sackett by Louis L’Amour, The Sacketts is a two-part television series with an ensemble cast that includes Sam Elliott, Tom Selleck, and Jeff Osterhage. Set in the post-Civil War era, two brothers head west from Tennessee, while their oldest brother precedes them, looking for gold. While the three brothers start their journey, they also have to drive cattle, avoid being killed, and tame a wild town.

A Fight of Fists and Family

Brotherhood is vividly highlighted in this Western. It is a frontier saga that centers around rebels and natives alike, and much of its strength lies in the supporting characters and their stories, brought to life vividly by Glenn Ford, Ben Johnson, and Gene Evans. Unlike other Western miniseries, there’s little profanity or bloodshed in this one, but it is the gorgeous vistas that truly steal your breath away. Overall, The Sacketts is a decent Western with strong moral values that are brought out by strong performances from the brothers. Currently unavailable to stream.

3 The Good Lord Bird (2020)

Based on the novel of the same name by James McBride, The Good Lord Bird follows Ethan Hawke as John Brown, an abolitionist hero who is fighting slavery in Kansas, and all the events that led to the famous 1859 army depot incident at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, where they conducted a surprise attack hoping to start a slaves’ rebellion to end the practice. The story is told from the fictional perspective of Onion, a young boy who was saved by Brown from slavery.

Plunges You Into a Pre-War Scenario

Dark, yet humorous, this story is one of the most important stories about the efforts of some fine individuals to end slavery. It does so, while also examining race, religion, and gender roles. Ethan Hawke gives a consistent, magnificent performance, while the ensemble makes even the perils and misadventures seem hopeful. Overall, The Good Lord Bird does right by its source material and weaves a complex, bloody, and atmospheric Western. Stream on Fubo TV.

2 Centennial (1978-1979)

Spanning from the mid-1700s to the late 1970s, Centennial is a multi-generational story that highlights the expansion of the town of Centennial, Colorado. The American family and the frontier town they formed become the epicenter of this saga. In the TV series, we take a closer look at the different paths people took in that town, and their motives for embarking on those paths, and the aftermath of the changing landscape.

Richly Layered Generational Western

Every city has a rich history, and the people before us led completely different lives. Centennial dives deep into the ever-changing nature of a place and its relationship with its inhabitants. The powerful narrative brings out the kaleidoscope of human emotions through its plot and its diverse cast. It is educational, as it covers almost 170 years worth of history in 12 episodes, and if you’re a fan of historical fiction and Westerns at the same time, then this TV miniseries is one to check out. Stream on Starz.

1 Lonesome Dove (1989)

Lonesome Dove is one of the most beloved Western TV miniseries of all time, based on Larry McMurtry’s novel. The seven-time Primetime Emmy winner follows two former Texas rangers, who begin a new adventure into the West as they join a cattle drive to Montana. Their journey becomes an epic tale of encounters, hardships, and opportunities that are centered around love, friendship, and loss.

The Grandest of All Westerns

It’s an ode to living life, no matter what your age is. All elements of the drama, tragedy, romance, and flavorful characters are masterfully woven together to present a touching narrative of two humans who take a chance on themselves and all the events that follow. The musical score is captivating, and the whole cast gives world-class performances in this masterpiece of a Western. Lonesome Dove almost perfectly nails each of the cinematic elements that make it up. Stream on Peacock.

If you love Westerns, check out our video list of the five best Western movies: