The Western genre has had its ups and downs across film and television history.Far from its heyday in the early 20th century, the genre is neverthelessarguably at its peak in the 21st, and it’s all thanks to Hollywood’s smaller screen sibling. TV in the 21st century has exploded into big-budget life, thanks in no small part to the improvement in technology and the rise of streamers. Because of this,the epic scope of the West is now able to be captured on the small screen, leading to a renaissance for the genre on our television sets. So, without further ado, here’s a look at the best Western shows on Prime Video right now.
Thinking of trying something else? Why not check out Collider’s list of thebest action movies on Prime? Or how about thebest movies on Prime in general?
‘The English’ (2022)
Rotten Tomatoes: 84% | IMDb: 7.8/10
The English
One of the most underrated period dramas in recent memory,The Englishstars the Academy Award-nominatedEmily Bluntas Cornelia Locke, an Englishwoman new to the Wild West with revenge on her mind. AlongsideChaske Spencer’s Eli Whipp, Cornelia looks to avenge the death of her son, but all might not be as it seems. Taking the slow-burning sentiments of the Western genre and transferring them into a brooding drama fixed on the power of one woman,The Englishis an immersive viewing experience. Blunt is fantastic as ever, with a set of scripts that bring this dramatic story to life. The show was remarkably nominated for an impressive five BAFTAs. -Jake Hodges
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‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1974 - 1983)
IMDb: 7.5/10
Little House on the Prairie
One of the most memorable Western series of all time,Little House on the Prairieis based onLaura IngallsWilder’sLittle Housebooks and follows the day-to-day lives of nineteenth-century American Midwest family, the Ingalls. Located on the banks of Plum Creek in Minnesota, thisLittle House on the Prairiewould quickly become synonymous with heartwarming television, with generations of viewers returning time after time to this cozy series. A touching, emotionally-driven show with memorable characters andDavid Rose’s unforgettable themeat its heart,Little House on the Prairie’s golden reputation will long live on. -Jake Hodges
‘Outer Range’ (2022 - 2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.1/10
Outer Range
Created byBrian Watkins,Outer Rangemixes the Western genre with science-fiction as Wyoming rancher Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) discovers a strange black void lurking on the edge of his pasture. With mystery shrouding his community ever since drifter Autumn (Imogen Poots) arrived, it seems as if everything is about to go wrong. Bathed in immersive mystery and proudly boasting a beautifully twisting narrative,Outer Rangeis one of the best Western series on Prime. Worthy of your full attention, this gripping plot requires even the most observational to stay alert, with the frankly outrageous central story brilliantly crafted to be as believable as a kitchen sink drama. -Jake Hodges
‘The Gene Autry Show’ (1950 - 1955)
IMDb: 7.2/10
The Gene Autry Show
One of the earliest examples of the Western genre on television,The Gene Autry Showfollowed the titular famous singing cowboy as he transitioned to the small screen alongside his trusty horse Champion and partnerPat Buttram. Very much a paint-by-numbers approach to Western television, there is something ultimately timeless aboutThe Gene Autry Show.With plenty of class and charisma, Autry dominates each moment with his infectious charm and fantastic singing voice. For those with a penchant for the classics,The Gene Autry Showis a heartwarming addition to your viewing plans. -Jake Hodges
‘The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp’ (1955 - 1961)
IMDb: 7.6/10
The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp
A series based somewhat on a true historical tale,The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earpdoes exactly what it suggests, following the everyday life of the titular Kansas and Arizona marshal (Hugh O’Brian) as he battles infamous villains alongside a selection of memorable side characters. A classic Western by every sense of the phrase, it’s impossible to complimentThe Life and Legend of Wyatt Earpwithout gushing over O’Brian’s confident lead performance, one that oozes the essence of the cowboy hero right to its core. Brave, bold, and timeless, Earp is the true standout of the 226 episodes of this series — one that earned two Primetime Emmy nominations, one for writing and another, of course, for O’Brian. -Jake Hodges
‘Hell on Wheels’ (2011 - 2016)
Rotten Tomatoes: 73% | IMDb: 8.3/10
Hell on Wheels
Created byJoeandTony Gayton,Hell on Wheelsis set in a post-Civil War America as former soldier Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount) attempts to avenge the death of his wife by tracking down the killers. However, he doesn’t expect his journey to bring him to the building of the transcontinental railroad, one of the most important undertakings in US transportation history that connected the East Coast with the West Coast. Soaked in history as all good Westerns should be,Hell on Wheelsis both educational and entertaining. Alongside a superb ensemble cast and a tense tale of revenge and epic drama,Hell on Wheelsis enjoyable from the very first second as the owner of a memorable title track that even scored a Primetime Emmy nomination. -Jake Hodges
‘The Rifleman’ (1958 - 1963)
IMDb: 8.3/10
The Rifleman
This classic Western is set on a ranch near New Mexico and follows widower Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors), who, with the help of his trusty modified Winchester, keeps order alongside Marshal Micah Torrance (Paul Fix) in their town. If you were to think of the checklist needed for a classic Western, every single box is certainly ticked byThe Rifleman. Although it might seem like some sort of parody today, Connors' portrayal of Lucas McCain was the quintessential television portrayal of his day, with suave and action prowess making him the hero of many a viewing child. With plenty of style and energy,The Riflemanis ready to brighten up your day. -Jake Hodges
‘Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman’ (1993 - 1998)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
One of the most famous fictional medical professionals of all time,Dr. Quinn, Medicine WomanfollowsJane Seymouras the titular doctor, who shadows her Boston physician father’s footsteps and rises to the top of her game. However, the frontier town of Colorado Springs doesn’t warm well to the thought of a female doctor, with the trust of her patients proving difficult to earn. A series with plenty of charm and certainly something to say,Dr. Quinn, Medicine Womanwas an interesting depiction of misogyny at a time when television rarely explored that topic. Seymour is ever-brilliant in the lead role, with the series even picking up an impressive four Primetime Emmys over six seasons. -Jake Hodges
‘Young Riders’ (1989 - 1992)
IMDb: 7.7/10
Young Riders
Created byEd Spielman,Young Riderswas a hit series based at the waystation in Sweetwater, Kansas. The show followed the lives of those at the station, including former Texas Ranger Teaspoon Hunter (Anthony Zerbe), William F. Cody (Stephen Baldwin), and The Kid (Ty Miller). For those of a certain generation, there might’ve been no better show on TV thanYoung Riders. Featuring a stellar cast comprising of future Hollywood greats such asJosh Brolin, the series picked up two Primetime Emmys for its hard work across just three years on air, with many still wishing to this day it had lasted many years longer. -Jake Hodges
‘Fallout’ (2024 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% | IMDb: 8.4/10
Based on the beloved video game series of the same name,Fallouthas become one of 2024’s biggest hits and one of Prime’s flagship shows. The series followsElla Purnell’s Lucy, a woman living in a bunker in a post-apocalyptic future Earth ravaged by radiation. However, following a bandit raid, Lucy is forced into the open and made to face the horrors of this burned world.Fallout’s dedication to style, substance, and staying true to its source material has made it a hit with original fans and non-fans alike. From Purnell’s poised and immersive lead performance to the unique aesthetic the series so lovingly adapts from the video game,Falloutwell and truly earns its title as one of the year’s best shows. -Jake Hodges
