Western TV Genre Revival Thrives Beyond Taylor Sheridan’s Influence

The Western genre is currently experiencing a revival on television, with noteworthy contributions from various creators, not just Taylor Sheridan. While Sheridan’s work, particularly in shows like “Yellowstone,” has garnered massive viewership, the trend of Western series gaining popularity predates his involvement. This article explores the evolution of the Western genre on TV, its key milestones, and the need for a diverse array of content beyond Sheridan’s influence.

Origins of the Western TV Revival

The modern resurgence of the Western genre began well before the premiere of “Yellowstone” in 2018. The trend can be traced back to HBO’s “Deadwood,” which debuted in 2004 and attracted 5.8 million viewers. This major viewership marked the show as a significant player in reviving the genre, paving the way for others.

• 2004: “Deadwood” premieres on HBO.
• 2010: “Justified” debuts on FX.
• 2011: “Hell on Wheels” released on AMC.
• 2012: “Longmire” begins airing on A&E.

While Sheridan has certainly played a pivotal role in bringing modern Westerns to broader audiences, he was not the first to explore this shifting landscape.

The Neo-Western Genre

The first true neo-Western television series is often credited to “Justified,” featuring a contemporary storyline rooted in modern Kentucky. Similarly, “Longmire” offers a modern portrayal of the genre, further establishing the neo-Western as a genuine format.

Though some earlier shows, like “Cade’s County” (1971) and “Walker, Texas Ranger” (1993), had elements of the neo-Western, they were often considered too influenced by classic Western aesthetics to be categorized as true neo-Westerns.

Taylor Sheridan’s Impact

While Taylor Sheridan did not start the revival, he significantly elevated its popularity. His series “Yellowstone” became a cultural phenomenon, with the finale attracting a record 16.4 million viewers in 2024—numbers that earlier shows like “Deadwood” and “Justified” never approached.

Now, Sheridan is recognized as a central figure in Western television, but this has raised concerns about the dominance of his shared universe of shows. With several spin-offs in progress, there’s a fear that the genre may become overly reliant on his storytelling style.

The Need for Variety in the Western Genre

As many Western fans seek more diverse programming than what Sheridan offers, the industry must address this gap. Currently, AMC’s “Dark Winds” is one of the few other notable Western series still airing. Viewers are expressing interest in new projects, such as the upcoming “American Primeval” miniseries on Netflix and the continuation of Kevin Costner’s “Horizon” saga.

To ensure the continued growth and evolution of the Western genre, it’s critical for networks and streaming services to support a wider variety of storytelling. While Taylor Sheridan has undoubtedly shaped modern Western television, innovation beyond his creations is essential for the genre’s future.