Although the Western genre has struggled on the big screen for the past few years (well, decades), it’s never been more alive on television. Whether it’s a classic series set in the Old West or a modern reinterpretation, the Western is not just surviving — it’s thriving.
And nowhere is that more evident than in Netflix’s latest show, "The Abandons." Starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson as a pair of warring matriarchs, "The Abandons" is set in rural Oregon and centers on a bitter feud over a lucrative patch of land. With both established talent and promising newcomers, the show weaves a thrilling tale full of action, intrigue and high-stakes drama.
For fans looking to continue the ride after they finish the miniseries, there’s a rich lineup of other Western shows like "The Abandons" that capture the same tension, feuds, and gripping storytelling that make the genre so irresistible.
'Godless'
Traditionally, Westerns have been dominated by men with an overdeveloped sense of masculinity, but "Godless" flips that convention on its head, much like "The Abandons," where the two strongest-willed characters are the women driving the conflict.
Set in 1880s New Mexico, the series follows a town left nearly devoid of men after a brutal mining disaster. With Michelle Dockery and Merritt Wever at the helm, "Godless" carves out a fresh path in a well-trodden genre, delivering something both tense and original. At just seven episodes, it’s also an ideal option for a quick, binge-worthy Western fix.
Watch on Netflix
'Deadwood'
"Deadwood" is not only one of the most underrated Western TV shows of all time (or at least it was when HBO canceled it after three seasons), it’s one of the best TV shows, period.
Set in the fledgling mining town of Deadwood in the 1800s, the series perfectly captures a community teetering between civilization and total lawlessness. Sheriff Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant) must navigate this treacherous landscape, especially in his dealings with brothel owner and unofficial town leader Al Swearengen (Ian McShane). "The Abandons" follows in "Deadwood's" footsteps, creating a richly detailed world full of supporting characters you instantly want to learn more about.
Watch on HBO Max
'Yellowstone'
When it comes to TV Westerns, "Yellowstone" is hard to beat. Its sprawling canon has spawned high-profile prequels and spinoffs, yet the original series still commands attention. Kevin Costner stars as John Dutton III, the head of a wealthy, sprawling cattle empire in Montana.
But don’t expect a heartwarming family drama; the Duttons are toxic, resentful, and ready to stab each other in the back at the first opportunity. And yet, their relentless drama is utterly watchable. Over five seasons, fans have eagerly followed the chaos of this volatile family, proving that Western tension remains irresistibly engaging.
Watch on Peacock
'Hatfields & McCoys'
At the heart of "The Abandons" is the feud between the wealthy Van Ness family and the scrappy band of orphans led by Lena Headey’s Fiona. That dynamic inevitably calls to mind "Hatfields & McCoys," the television adaptation of one of the Old West’s most infamous family rivalries.
Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton star as the patriarchs of each clan, chronicling the bitter conflict between these two Appalachian families during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. If there’s one thing the Hatfields and McCoys excelled at, it’s pettiness and relentless vengeance.
Buy on Apple TV or Prime Video
'The English'
Revenge drives much of "The Abandons," a theme echoed in "The English," which stars Emily Blunt as an Englishwoman traveling to Wyoming to confront the man she blames for her son’s death. Her journey is fraught with violence and cruelty she never anticipated, and survival seems impossible until she encounters Pawnee scout and Civil War veteran Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), who appears at just the right moment to guide her through her first perilous night.
Although "The English" may not have received the same fanfare as other Westerns, critics praised the series for the commanding performances of Blunt and Spencer, making it a standout in the genre.
Watch on Prime Video
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