The best western TV series of all time
The top 3 according to 356 votes from people: Deadwood (2004-2006) · Gunsmoke (1955-1975) · Justified (2010-2015). (Updated Jan 16, 2026.)
From Gunsmoke to Deadwood: the western series critics and fans rank highest, from the golden age of TV westerns to the prestige era (TVLine, SlashFilm, Collider, TV Insider).
Top 14
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1
Deadwood (2004-2006)
Al Swearengen and a lawless mining camp in 1870s Dakota.
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2
Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
Marshal Matt Dillon in Dodge City for twenty seasons.
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3
Justified (2010-2015)
US Marshal Raylan Givens back in Harlan County, from Elmore Leonard.
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4
Lonesome Dove (1989)
The cattle drive from Texas to Montana.
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5
Bonanza (1959-1973)
The Cartwrights and the Ponderosa ranch.
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6
The Rifleman (1958-1963)
A widowed rancher and his son in New Mexico.
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7
Hell on Wheels (2011-2016)
Building the transcontinental railroad.
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8
Godless (2017)
A New Mexico town of women and an outlaw gang.
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9
Longmire (2012-2017)
A modern sheriff in Wyoming.
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10
Yellowstone (2018-2024)
Kevin Costner defends the Dutton ranch in Montana.
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11
1883 (2021-2022)
The Duttons' journey west.
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12
The Virginian (1962-1971)
A ranch foreman in Wyoming, in 90-minute episodes.
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13
Have Gun – Will Travel (1957-1963)
Paladin, a gentleman gunfighter for hire.
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14
Rawhide (1959-1965)
Cattle drives with a young Clint Eastwood.
How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.
Is something missing?
Comments (1)
Deadwood at the top is the right call. Ian McShane's Swearengen is one of the great TV characters.