11 Best Western TV Shows on Paramount Plus 2026
Find the strongest western series on Paramount Plus, from Gunsmoke and Longmire to 1883, 1923, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, all in one handy list.
If you’re looking for the best western TV shows on Paramount Plus, this list gives you a strong mix of classic frontier stories, modern ranch drama, and true-life lawman tales. You’ll find long-running favorites like Gunsmoke and Longmire alongside newer entries such as 1883, 1923, and Lawmen: Bass Reeves. There’s also more rugged, character-driven drama in Hell on Wheels, Joe Pickett, and the upcoming Yellowstone-related spinoffs Marshals and Dutton Ranch. Whether you want action, crime, or a slower burn rooted in the West, these picks cover a wide range of styles without leaving the genre behind.
-
01
Marshals
action · crime · drama · western
With the Yellowstone Ranch behind him, Kayce Dutton joins an elite unit of U.S. Marshals, combining his skills as a cowboy and Navy SEAL to bring range justice to Montana, where he and his teammates must balance family, duty and the high psychological cost that comes with serving as the last line of defense in the region's war on violence.
Why watch: If you like modern westerns with action and crime elements, Marshals may fit well. Its focus on range justice, duty, and the psychological cost of the job gives it a tougher edge than a simple ranch drama.
Directed by Christopher Chulack, Gonzalo Amat, John Erick Dowdle, Guy Ferland, Greg YaitanesCast Luke Grimes, Ash Santos, Tatanka Means, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle KebbelParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
02
Dutton Ranch
drama · western
Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler fight to survive on their cherished 7,000-acre ranch amid tough times and stiff competition, while ensuring young Carter becomes the man he's supposed to be.
Why watch: If you enjoy family-centered western drama, Dutton Ranch is a natural pick. The premise centers on Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and the challenge of holding onto a large ranch while guiding Carter.
Directed by Christina Alexandra Voros, Phil Abraham, Jessica Lowrey, Greg YaitanesCast Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai CourtneyParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
03
Longmire
action · crime · drama · western
A Wyoming sheriff rebuilds his life and career following the death of his wife. Based on the “Walt Longmire” series of mystery novels written by best-selling author Craig Johnson.
Why watch: If you want a western that blends sheriff-story tension with crime and drama, Longmire is a strong choice. It should appeal to viewers who like a grounded lead and a small-town Wyoming setting.
Directed by J. Michael Muro, Christopher Chulack, Michael Offer, T.J. Scott, Peter WellerCast Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman, Adam BartleyAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
04
1883
3 Emmy nominations
drama · western
Follow the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. A stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land — Montana.
Why watch: If you like historical westerns with a family journey at the center, 1883 is worth a look. Its setting and focus on the Dutton family heading west make it a fit for viewers who want a serious period story.
Directed by Ben Richardson, Christina Alexandra Voros, Taylor SheridanCast Tim McGraw, Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Isabel May, LaMonica GarrettParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
05
1923
2 Emmy nominations
drama · western
Follow a new generation of the Dutton family during the early twentieth century when pandemics, historic drought, the end of Prohibition and the Great Depression all plague the mountain west, and the Duttons who call it home.
Why watch: If you prefer western drama set in the early 1900s, 1923 stands out. The story covers a difficult era shaped by drought, pandemics, Prohibition, and the Depression.
Directed by Ben Richardson, Guy FerlandCast Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, Brandon Sklenar, Julia Schlaepfer, Jerome FlynnParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Not quite it? Ask WattaWatch for western on Paramount Plus →
-
06
Hell on Wheels
1 Emmy nomination
drama · western
The epic story of post-Civil War America, focusing on Cullen Bohannon, a Confederate soldier who sets out to exact revenge on the Union soldiers who killed his wife. His journey takes him west to Hell on Wheels, a dangerous, raucous, lawless melting pot of a town that travels with and services the construction of the first transcontinental railroad, an engineering feat unprecedented for its time.
Why watch: If you enjoy gritty frontier stories with revenge, labor conflict, and a lawless setting, Hell on Wheels should suit you. Its railroad-era backdrop gives it a different angle from the usual ranch-based western.
Directed by David Von Ancken, Adam Davidson, Neil LaBute, Michael Nankin, David StraitonCast Anson Mount, Colm Meaney, Robin McLeavy, Phil Burke, Christopher HeyerdahlAMC+Paramount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
07
Gunsmoke
Won 5 Emmys 15 nominations
western
Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television.
Why watch: If you like classic Western television, Gunsmoke is an easy recommendation. Its Dodge City setting and lawman focus make it a foundational pick for viewers who want an older, straightforward western.
Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, Harry Harris, Ted Post, Bernard McEveety, Vincent McEveetyCast James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, Dennis WeaverPeacock PremiumParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
Lawmen: Bass Reeves
1 Emmy nomination
drama · western
The story of Bass Reeves, the legendary lawman of the wild West, is brought to life. Reeves worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded—and is believed to be the inspiration for The Lone Ranger.
Why watch: If you want a western based on a real historical lawman, Lawmen: Bass Reeves is a compelling option. The crime and drama elements pair well with its post-Reconstruction setting and federal peace officer premise.
Directed by Christina Alexandra Voros, Damian MarcanoCast David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Barry PepperNetflixParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
Joe Pickett
western · drama
A game warden and his family navigate the changing political and socio-economic climate in a small rural town in Wyoming on the verge of economic collapse. Surrounded by rich history and vast wildlife, the township hides decades of schemes and secrets that are yet to be uncovered.
Why watch: If you like western drama with mystery and local politics, Joe Pickett may be a good match. The game warden angle and Wyoming setting give it a grounded, rural feel.
Directed by Drew Dowdle, John Erick Dowdle, Everardo Gout, Jennifer Morrison, Janice CookeCast Michael Dorman, Julianna Guill, Sharon Lawrence, Skywalker Hughes, Mustafa SpeaksParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
10
The Last Cowboy
documentary · drama · western · reality tv
Horse trainers compete in the high-stakes world of professional reining.
Why watch: If you enjoy documentary-style competition shows, The Last Cowboy is the best fit here. Its focus on horse trainers and professional reining makes it a different kind of western pick.
Cast Ginger Schmersal, Dan Nachtrab, Craig SchmersalParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
11
Hey Dude
comedy · kids & family · western
Hey Dude is an American Western comedy series that aired from 1989 to 1991. The show was broadcast on the Nickelodeon network, and aired reruns on Nickelodeon until early 1999, and now on TeenNick ever since late 2011. Hey Dude was Nickelodeon's second original live action television series, following the 1984 series Out of Control.
The series was set on the fictional "Bar None Dude Ranch" near the city of Tucson, Arizona. It portrayed the lives of the ranch's owner, his son, a female ranch hand, and four teenage summer employees. Hey Dude was a comedy geared towards a teenage audience.
The complete series have been released on DVD. Only the first four seasons are on iTunes.
Why watch: If you want a lighter western with comedy and a younger cast, Hey Dude may be the one to try. Its ranch setting and family-friendly tone make it an easy change of pace from the heavier dramas.
Directed by Ross K. Bagwell Jr., Frederick King KellerCast David Brisbin, Kelly Brown, Debi Kalman, Christine Taylor, Joe TorresParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From legendary TV Westerns to newer series tied to ranch life, this lineup shows how broad the genre can be. If you want a mix of lawmen, frontier survival, family conflict, and historical settings, the titles here make a solid starting point. Bookmark this page and come back when you want another western series to try. We update it regularly so the recommendations stay useful as the catalog changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need a Paramount Plus subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Paramount Plus. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these western shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the western titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.