Must-Watch Westerns That'll Rope You In

If you like dramatic confrontations and righteous vengeance set against epic, if occasionally dusty, backdrops, then we've got a list for you. Paramount+ is home to a range of great Westerns. If you're a longtime fan of the genre, or someone who's looking for a show that'll keep you on the edge of your saddle, read on for our guide to awesome Westerns you can watch right now.
 Get Started

Gunsmoke

There are classic Westerns -- and then there's Gunsmoke. The Emmy®-winning TV show, based on the iconic radio drama of the same name, was a perennial hit for CBS for parts of three decades, from 1955-1975. The series follows Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) as he attempts to tame the wild Dodge City. He is aided by his trusty partner Chester (Dennis Weaver, Seasons 1-9), Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) and the local saloon's Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake, Seasons 1-19). As of publication, you can stream Gunsmoke Seasons 7-8 on Paramount+ – that's more than 70 episodes. So, binge-watch away.
 Watch Gunsmoke

Hell on Wheels

This critically acclaimed Western stars Anson Mount, now familiar to Star Trek fans as Captain Pike of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (and before that Star Trek: Discovery). The show is set in the years after the Civil War – in a town known as Hell on Wheels – and hinges on Union Pacific's construction of the first transcontinental railroad. Hell on Wheels produced five seasons from 2011-2016. All seasons are now streaming on Paramount+.
 Watch Hell on Wheels

1883

The Paramount+ original 1883 is a Yellowstone origin story from Yellowstone co-creator and Oscar® nominee Taylor Sheridan. The limited-run drama follows the Dutton family of the 19th century as they make a perilous journey West to claim the land that will become Yellowstone Ranch. During the trek, the Duttons team up with a Civil War vet, Shea Brennan (Oscar® nominee Sam Elliott), in order to survive bandits, raids, desert and disease in their pursuit of a greater life. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Isabel May also star. All episodes are now streaming. Check out the Taylor Sheridan collection for more shows from the producer, including 1923, also a Yellowstone origin story, and the Old West drama Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
 Watch 1883

Joe Pickett

Based on the bestselling Joe Pickett novels by C.J. Box, this modern-day Western follows a dedicated game warden (Michael Dorman) and his family as they navigate the shifting socio-political climate of a small rural town on the verge of economic collapse. When a murder victim winds up on Joe’s doorstep, a larger conspiracy looms, and the Picketts find themselves in the crosshairs. There are two seasons of Joe Pickett to dive into; all episodes are now streaming.
 Watch Joe Pickett