6 good shows like American Primeval

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This show is one of the most popular on Netflix so far in 2025! After finished watching the first season, everyone is looking for another great Western series to watch. If that's your quest, we've got you covered!

The new series, written by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg, follows Sara and her son Devin, played by Betty Gilpin and Preston Mota, as they head West in 1857. After becoming embroiled in a skirmish, Sara and Devin end up caught in the middle of a conflict between the US Army, Brigham Young, the Mormon community, and the Native American tribes. Meanwhile, with the assistance of Isaac Reed (played by Taylor Kitsch), Sara attempts to stay one step ahead of those who are intent on harming her.

To watch right now, let's start our list with another Western series that's available on Netflix.

Godless

This is one of the most overlooked Netflix shows ever, not to mention it's the best Western series on Netflix. It's even better than

The series, which was created by Scott Frank, initially premiered on Netflix back in 2017. Godless boasts a talented cast that includes

Jeff Daniels, Merritt Weaver, Jack O'Connell, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Tantoo Cardinal, and Sam Waterston. You might know Coates from American Gothic, as well. In that series, Coates played Brigham Young.

The story revolves around Roy Goode, an outlaw who is being pursued by his former gang after he took something that doesn't rightfully belong to him. Seeking refuge, Roy settles in a small Western town, but inevitably, his past catches up with him.

Won a few awards at the 2018 Emmys, including Supporting Actor and Actress wins for Daniels and Weaver. And before we continue, I just have to say that Weaver is absolutely incredible in this series.

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• Seasons: 1
• Created by Scott Frank
• Where to watch: Netflix

1883

Set in 1883, just like in real America at the time, a lot occurred during this period. The scenery is similar, but each series deals with a different subject matter. Thematically, the shows also differ quite a bit, particularly in their portrayal of Native Americans in each story.

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features an all-star cast, including Sam Elliott, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Eric Nelson, and Isabel May

which then became

• Release Date: December 19, 2021
• Seasons: 1
• Created by Taylor Sheridan
• Where to watch: Paramount+

Lawmen: Bass Reeves

tells Bass's story.

In the series, David Oyelowo plays Bass Reeves, a lawman who rode the American West enforcing law and order, searching for outlaws and troublemakers that were terrorizing Native Americans, settlers, and pioneers.

on Paramount+ right now.

• Release date: November 5, 2023
• Seasons: 1
• Created by Chad Feehan
• Where to watch: Paramount+

Deadwood

Would you consider this the best show on the list to start watching right away? If you haven't seen it and enjoy Westerns, you're in for a real treat!

*The story of Deadwood in the 1870s explores the tumultuous and lawless town that emerged during the tumultuous Western expansion of the United States following the Civil War.*

Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane star in the series, alongside an impressive ensemble cast. Unfortunately, it's disappointing that the show ended when it did, but it remains one of the greatest Western TV shows ever made.

• Premiere date: March 21, 2004
• Seasons: 3
• Created by David Milch
• Available to stream: Max, Hulu, and more

Hell on Wheels

This show is an obvious pick for this list. The series, created by Joe and Tony Gayton, premiered on AMC in the fall of 2011 and ran for five seasons through 2016. It's an older show, but that might just be one of the reasons more people haven't checked it out yet.

To check out the other shows on this list, it's the most convenient option to stream. You can watch for free on Prime Video and Tubi right now!

This show also has a terrific cast, including Anson Mount, Common, Dominique McElligott, Colm Meaney, and many more. Seriously, the cast is truly massive!

• Release date: November 6, 2011
• Seasons: 5
• Written by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton
• You can watch it on Tubi, Hulu, Prime Video, AMC+, and other streaming services.

Yellowstone

This show probably has the most different premise and plot, compared to an American Primeval, but I think many of the shows' themes, such as the need for protection and doing what you need to, in order to protect what you believe is yours, and others, are quite similar.

This new Western series follows the saga of the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), who is building his vast ranching and business empire near Yellowstone National Park. The show tells the story of John and his family as they navigate conflicts with others in the area over land, power, money, and other issues.

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• Launch Date: June 20, 2018
• Seasons: 5
• Created by Taylor Sheridan
• Where to watch: Peacock

Stay tuned for more information about the potential prequel series.

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