Are you eagerly counting down the days until Yellowstone’s Season 5 graces our screens again? Well, you’re not alone. Yellowstone, the hit Paramount Network series, has taken the TV shows world by storm. Created and directed by the talented Taylor Sheridan, this show has breathed new life into the Western genre and captured the hearts of viewers across America. It’s a gripping tale of an old ranching family in Montana, battling to preserve their way of life against a slew of threats. What makes it truly stand out is its masterful storytelling and the compelling struggles faced by its well-drawn characters.
The Yellowstone phenomenon has left an indelible mark on television, transcending its core audience and garnering a widespread following. With its unparalleled success, many new shows are now exploring similar themes. In fact, Taylor Sheridan himself is leading the charge with a collection of new shows, including two Yellowstone spin-offs. So, while you anxiously await Season 5 of Yellowstone, here are 8 must-watch shows that capture the essence of Yellowstone and will keep you entertained.
The Son
 | The Son | |
| Genre Western, Drama | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 7.4/10 | |
| Cast Pierce Brosnan, Michelle Dockery, Henry Garrett, Jacob Lofland, Jess Weixler, Peter Mullan | ||
If you’re looking for a series that’s reminiscent of Yellowstone, The Son is a top pick. This show, based on Philipp Meyer’s book, stars Pierce Brosnan as Eli McCollough, a formidable cattle baron. The narrative seamlessly weaves family drama and modern Western themes, spanning two timelines: 1849, when a young Eli is abducted by the Comanches, and the early 1900s, when he’s a ranch owner striving to reconnect with his children while safeguarding his empire.
Longmire
 | Longmire | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Robert Taylor, Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Adam Bartley, Bailey Chase, Cassidy Freeman | ||
Longmire transports us to a small-town setting in rural Wyoming, following Sheriff Walt Longmire, portrayed by Robert Taylor. If you enjoyed Yellowstone’s modern Western take, Longmire offers a familiar vibe. Sheriff Longmire grapples with crime, complex relationships with the nearby Cheyenne reservation, and his personal demons. Collaboration and conflict with the Cheyenne tribal police are recurring themes, adding depth to the series.
Breaking Bad
 | Breaking Bad | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 55 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 9.5/10 | |
| Cast Bryan Cranston, Anna Gunn, Aaron Paul, Betsy Brandt, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk | ||
Breaking Bad, often hailed as a Shakespearean tragedy, is a masterpiece that deserves your attention. The riveting journey of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin, is nothing short of perfection. With unforgettable performances, a timeless structure, and thought-provoking explorations of greed, ego, innocence, and morality, this series is a must-watch.
Bloodline
 | Bloodline | |
| Genre Drama | Runtime 55 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 7.9/10 | |
| Cast Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Sissy Spacek, Kyle MacLachlan, Linda Cardellini | ||
Bloodline takes the concept of family secrets and criminal entanglements, akin to Ozark, and delivers a magnetic and addictive narrative. The Rayburn family, with members spanning various professions, grapples with traumatic events from their past, which cast long shadows over their present choices, often with devastating consequences.
Boardwalk Empire
 | Boardwalk Empire | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 56–60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 8.3/10 | |
| Cast Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, Shea Whigham | ||
Set during the Prohibition era in Atlantic City, Boardwalk Empire delves into the criminal underworld with an ensemble of powerful characters. Just like Yellowstone, it interlaces politics and violence, delivering a gripping narrative that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Sons of Anarchy
 | Sons of Anarchy | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, Kim Coates, Tommy Flanagan | ||
Sons of Anarchy played a pivotal role in shaping Taylor Sheridan’s career and laid the groundwork for Yellowstone. Both series feature characters who operate outside the law, driven by their intricate codes of honor. With stellar performances by Charlie Hunnam and Katey Sagal, this show was a hit with both critics and audiences during its seven-season run.
Godless
 | Godless | |
| Genre Western, Crime, Drama | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Scott Frank | 8.6/10 | |
| Cast Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, Jack O’Connell, Merritt Wever, Scoot McNairy | ||
Godless offers a fresh twist on the classic Western. Set in 1884, it unfolds in a town populated solely by women. The series follows an outlaw seeking refuge in this unique town, all while contending with his former mentor, portrayed by Jeff Daniels. Godless combines modern filmmaking with classic Western elements, offering a violent yet empathetic viewing experience.
Deadwood
 | Deadwood | |
| Genre Western, Drama | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 8.8/10 | |
| Cast Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Molly Parker, William Sanderson, Kim Dickens, John Hawkes | ||
Travel back to the 19th century American gold rush with Deadwood, set in the real town of Deadwood, South Dakota. Timothy Olyphant takes on a leading role as Seth Bullock, a real-life resident of Deadwood during its tumultuous early days. This HBO classic boasts a sprawling cast and explores how the earliest American towns emerged from chaos.
Wrapping it up!
So, whether you’re a die-hard Yellowstone fan, a lover of the great American West, or simply in search of compelling storytelling, these shows are bound to keep you entertained until the next season of Yellowstone gallops back onto your screen. With their rich characters, gripping plots, and the timeless allure of the Wild West, you’re in for a binge-watching experience like no other. So grab some popcorn, settle into your favorite spot on the couch, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through these remarkable series. Happy binge-watching, and may your love for the Western genre never fade!
