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Before the rise of streaming services and high-budget dramas like Yellowstone or Westworld, classic Western TV shows ruled the airwaves. These series captured the American frontier's rugged spirit with tales of outlaws, sheriffs, and pioneers as they navigated the Wild West.
Moreover, they paved the way for all the modern productions in this iconic genre. So, whether you grew up watching them or are discovering them for the first time, here are eight old-school Western TV shows that still hold a special place in television history today.
Scroll to see all the old-school western TV shows you should watch if you love Yellowstone...
Wrather Productions
1. The Lone Ranger
Airing from 1949 to 1957, The Lone Ranger was one of the most legendary Western TV shows of its time. It followed the masked hero named Lone Ranger, played by Clayton Moore, and his loyal Indigenous companion Tonto, portrayed by Jay Silverheels. Together, they roamed the frontier and fought injustice.
Aside from the Lone Ranger becoming a symbol of heroism, the show was also groundbreaking in that it portrayed Tonto, an Indigenous character, as a trusted ally as opposed to a stereotypical enemy. This show is still a nostalgic favorite among fans of classic Westerns.
Warner Bros. Television
2. Cheyenne
Cheyenne, which premiered in 1955, was set in the years following the Civil War. It starred Clint Walker as Cheyenne Bodie, a compassionate scout who was raised by an Indigenous American tribe after losing his parents.
This series revolutionized TV since it was the first of its kind to feature hour-long episodes. Plus, Cheyenne was depicted as a soft-spoken and empathic person instead of the typical rough cowboy, making his character more well-rounded than one-dimensional cowboy archetypes.
Walt Disney
3. Zorro
Zorro, which aired from 1957 to 1959, introduced audiences to Don Diego de la Vega, a masked hero played by Guy Williams. Set in 1820s California, the show followed Zorro as he fought against corrupt Spanish officials and pushed for the rights of settlers and Indigenous Mexican individuals.
He became known for his black mask, cape, and sword, which set him apart from other Western heroes who relied on guns. Zorro even went on to inspire a 1998 remake, The Mask of Zorro, featuring stars like Anthony Hopkins, Antonio Banderas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Four Star Productions
4. The Rifleman
Unlike other Westerns that center around outlaws or cowboys, The Rifleman followed Lucas McCain, a kind-hearted rancher played by Chuck Connors. His main priority is ensuring that his son Mark grows up in a safe environment, so he tries to keep the peace in New Mexico.
This show still features the classic Western facets like gunfights and frontier justice. However, it went further by incorporating deeper emotional storytelling and themes of father-son relationships.
NBC
5. Bonanza
Bonanza was one of the most beloved Western series of its time since it blended drama with comedy. The show, which aired from 1959 to 1973, followed the Cartwright family, a group of ranchers in Nevada, as they worked to protect their land and loved ones in the post-Civil War era.
It stood out because it focused on the ensemble cast, not just one hero, which allowed Bonanza to explore more complex themes and societal issues, such as racism. The series got so popular that it ultimately inspired various spin-offs and films.
NBC
6. The Virginian
After The Virginian came out in 1962, it became the first Western TV series to be formatted into 90-minute weekly episodes and forever changed the genre. It centered around a foreman known as "The Virginian," played by James Drury, who oversees Shiloh Ranch in Wyoming.
This show ran for nine seasons, allowing for deeper character and storyline development. It also featured a star-studded cast, including Harrison Ford, William Shatner, and Robert Redford.
Four Star Productions
7. The Big Valley
By focusing on the Barkley family as they ran a ranch in California's San Joaquin Valley, The Big Valley brought a fresh perspective to the Western genre. That's because the family is led by Victoria Barkley, played by Barbara Stanwyck, who was a trailblazing character for her era.
She was strong-willed and gritty and helped reimagine the role of women in Westerns, who were traditionally relegated to minor parts. Plus, her daughter Audra, portrayed by Linda Evans, followed suit.
NBC
8. Little House On The Prairie
Finally, this list just wouldn't be complete without Little House On The Prairie. Based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, this series followed Laura, played by Melissa Gilbert, as she grew up as a young girl in the late 1800s Midwest.
This show was a groundbreaking Western as it focused on a female lead and tackled the harsher realities of life on the frontier. Little House On The Prairie included themes of family, gender inequality, and sisterhood, making it a more relatable classic.
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