The digital water coolers are still buzzing, echoing with the lingering presence of Yellowstone, a television phenomenon that redefined a genre and captivated millions. Its departure last year left an undeniable void, a raw itch in the collective consciousness of viewers desperately craving more of its unique blend of gritty Western drama, cutthroat family politics, and breathtaking landscapes. The flagship series may have concluded its initial run, but its legacy has ignited an insatiable hunger for similar narratives, for stories that resonate with the same primal intensity.
While it might be tempting to suggest the universally acclaimed Ozark or Succession, with their tangled webs of dysfunctional families and illicit dealings, chances are, if you’re a Yellowstone devotee, you’ve already devoured them. And if by some miracle you haven’t, consider this your unequivocal recommendation, regardless of your Yellowstone affinity. Similarly, the prequel masterpieces, 1884 and 1923, are almost a given for any true fan of the Dutton saga, offering rich historical context to the empire’s foundations. Yet, for those whose hearts beat specifically for the raw authenticity of the modern-day Duttons, or even those who found a deeper connection with the historical sagas, this meticulously curated list promises not to disappoint.
The timing for such a compilation couldn’t be more critical. The Yellowstone universe, far from fading, is poised for an explosive expansion. The eagerly anticipated Y: Marshals, with Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, is set to hit screens in 2026, promising a new chapter for the beloved character. Simultaneously, a dedicated series centered on the fan-favorite, volatile power couple, Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, featuring the incomparable Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, is fiercely in development. And then, there’s the tantalizing prospect of The Madison, an entirely new series starring the luminous Michelle Pfeiffer, hinting at fresh narratives within the expansive franchise. As the anticipation for these new ventures reaches fever pitch, this list serves as your essential companion, a meticulously crafted guide to satiate that unyielding hunger for more. So, saddle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey through 15 compelling series that promise to scratch that Yellowstone itch until the next Dutton-verse saga arrives.
Deadwood: The Untamed Soul of the Old West
Journey back to the lawless frontier of the 1870s with HBO’s critically acclaimed Deadwood. This series plunges viewers into the tumultuous growth of a South Dakota mining camp, transforming into a town, all under the shadow of its annexation by the Dakota Territory. With Timothy Olyphant’s stoic Seth Bullock and Ian McShane’s electrifying Al Swearengen, both portraying real-life figures, the show pulsates with the very Wild West mentality that John Dutton so fiercely clings to. Despite its abrupt cancellation after just three phenomenal seasons (2004-2006), Deadwood garnered eight Emmy wins and cemented its legacy as one of television’s greatest, albeit tragically cut short, masterpieces. The eventual release of Deadwood: The Movie thirteen years later provided a much-needed, cathartic conclusion, proving that justice, much like great storytelling, can arrive late but is never truly denied.
Last American Cowboy: The Unvarnished Truth of Ranch Life
Have you ever gazed upon the sprawling landscapes of Yellowstone and wondered if such vast, traditional ranches still exist in the heart of Montana? Animal Planet’s reality series, Last American Cowboy, answers with an emphatic “Heck yes!” This docuseries offers an unfiltered, intimate glimpse into the day-to-day duties and larger-than-life challenges faced by three cattle-ranching families in Montana. From the gritty realities of calving season to the tense economics of selling livestock, the show presents a diverse portrait of modern ranching. It features a resilient mom-and-pop operation clinging to tradition, an old-school ranch steadfastly utilizing horseback and time-honored methods, and the state’s largest ranch, where the owner has traded his trusty horse for the aerial perspective of a helicopter. While the drama may not be as overtly cutthroat as a Dutton family power struggle, the producers masterfully “milk” every moment for palpable tension and fascinating insights into a vanishing way of life.
Blue Bloods: Law, Order, and Family Feuds in the Concrete Jungle
Much like Yellowstone‘s compelling family dynamic, Blue Bloods presents a venerable patriarch at the helm of a sprawling family, whose children have, in various capacities, followed in his formidable footsteps. The key difference? Their arena is the complex, often dangerous, world of law enforcement rather than sprawling pastures. Tom Selleck anchors this long-running CBS drama as police commissioner Frank Reagan, whose lineage includes Donnie Wahlberg as his sharp police detective son, Will Estes as his dedicated beat cop son, and Bridget Moynahan as his fiercely intelligent daughter, an assistant district attorney. While she may not wield the same ruthless cunning as Beth Dutton, Moynahan’s character undeniably possesses a formidable edge. Blue Bloods delivers a powerful blend of intense family drama intertwined with gripping action and procedural elements, a formula that has kept it consistently within the top ten in ratings for six of the past seven years, securing its renewal through its impressive 14th season as of 2023.
Big Sky: Montana’s Dark Underbelly
From the prolific mind of storytelling maestro David E. Kelley, creator of hits like Big Little Lies, comes Big Sky, a crime drama series based on C.J. Box’s “The Highway” book series. As its title starkly implies, this show is deeply rooted in the vast, stunning, yet often menacing, landscapes of Montana—the very scenery Yellowstone fans have come to adore. The series thrusts viewers into the world of a private detective and an ex-cop as they navigate a chilling series of crimes across the state, beginning with a terrifying string of child abductions orchestrated by a sinister truck driver. Katheryn Winnick and Kylie Bunbury lead the charge in this ABC series, supported by a compelling roster of recurring stars, including Jensen Ackles, country music legend Reba McEntire, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, and Ryan Phillippe.
Monarch: Country Music’s Crown in Peril
Drawing immediate parallels to Yellowstone with its multi-generational family drama and the relentless struggle to uphold a revered family name, Monarch dives deep into the high-stakes world of country music royalty. Starring Kevin Costner’s former Bull Durham co-star, Susan Sarandon, alongside real-life country icon Trace Adkins, the series centers on the reigning queen and king of country music, whose meticulously crafted reputation and legacy face an existential threat. This precarious situation falls onto the shoulders of their children, led by the talented Anna Friel, who must scramble to salvage the family empire while simultaneously chasing their own elusive dreams of stardom. Though Monarch graced Fox and Hulu for only a single season, it packed an impressive punch, featuring a parade of big-name country music guest stars and delivering a surprisingly catchy original soundtrack. Get it? Boot?
Justified: Wild West Justice in the Modern Era
Much like Yellowstone, Justified transports viewers to the rural heartland, a world populated by individuals who often operate on the fringes of the law, the kind of folks you’d prefer to encounter only under the most agreeable circumstances. Developed by Graham Yost and drawing from the rich narratives of Elmore Leonard’s stories, this series stars Timothy Olyphant as U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens. Givens, a man of few words and decisive action, possesses an unshakeable tendency to enforce his own brand of Wild West-style justice within the rugged terrains of eastern Kentucky. This unconventional approach, predictably, rattles the criminals he hunts and often clashes with the bureaucratic superiors he answers to. Yet, his distinctive methodology resonated deeply with critics and audiences alike, leading to a critically acclaimed six-season run that garnered eight Emmy nominations and two wins, celebrating the outstanding guest performances of Margo Martindale and Jeremy Davies. And why let a good thing fade? True to form, seven years after its conclusion, FX announced Justified: City Primeval, a limited sequel series, once again spearheaded by Olyphant, arriving in mid-2023. Given its past triumphs, one could argue that executives were indeed justified in resurrecting this beloved franchise.
Tulsa King: A Mafia Kingpin’s Unlikely Western Frontier
While Tulsa King features a colossal Hollywood leading man primarily known for his cinematic prowess and delves into the intricate web of organized crime, its most compelling parallel to Yellowstone lies in the unmistakable influence of Taylor Sheridan. The co-creator of Yellowstone is also the driving creative force behind Tulsa King, a series that marks Sylvester Stallone’s groundbreaking first starring role in a scripted television series. Stallone delivers a masterful performance as a mafia capo, unceremoniously exiled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, after a gruelling 25-year prison stint. He thoroughly captivated both critics and audiences throughout the show’s explosive first season on Paramount+. To ensure the series matched Stallone’s commanding presence, Sheridan enlisted the formidable talents of Terrance Winter, known for his masterful work on iconic hits like The Sopranos and Boardwalk Empire, as the showrunner for the inaugural season. And for those craving yet another Sheridan creation on Paramount+ led by an A-list star, the compelling Mayor of Kingstown, featuring Jeremy Renner, stands as another essential viewing.
The Son: A Patriarch Forged in Blood and Ambition
Based on Philipp Meyer’s acclaimed 2013 novel, which he also co-developed for the screen, The Son is a sweeping Western drama that unravels a multi-generational saga. Pierce Brosnan delivers a powerful performance as Eli McCullough, a Texas rancher whose extraordinary life journey began when he was raised by Comanches. He would later ascend to become a formidable cattle and oil baron, forging an empire amidst America’s ascent to global superpower status. As the nation transforms, so too does Eli, evolving from a hardworking family man into a cold, calculated killer, driven by the relentless imperative to secure his dynasty for future generations. The echoes of Yellowstone‘s fierce family loyalty and ruthless ambition are undeniably strong here. Intriguingly, Sam Neill was initially cast in the lead role but withdrew, paving the way for Brosnan’s return to a scripted series, his first major role since his breakthrough in Remington Steele in the early 1980s.
Longmire: Justice and Culture Clashes in the Wilds of Wyoming
Set against the breathtaking, yet often isolated, backdrop of Absaroka County, Wyoming, Longmire is a compelling crime drama series adapted from Craig Johnson’s best-selling mystery novels. Australian actor Robert Taylor stars as Sheriff Walt Longmire, a man deeply committed to his duties, yet silently burdened by the recent, profound loss of his wife. This series resonates with Yellowstone through its evocative rural setting and, more significantly, its nuanced exploration of the intricate, often fraught, relationships between Native American characters and other residents. A standout among the supporting cast is Lou Diamond Phillips, portraying Henry Standing Bear, a loyal and steadfast friend to Sheriff Longmire. Despite a robust three-season run on A&E, where it consistently ranked among the network’s highest-rated shows, Longmire faced an unexpected cancellation, only to find a new home on Netflix for its subsequent three seasons, much to the delight of its dedicated fanbase.
Bloodline: Dark Secrets Beneath the Sunshine
From the acclaimed creators of the hit FX series Damages, Bloodline peels back the veneer of perfection to expose the dark undercurrents beneath a seemingly idyllic family. The series centers on the Rayburn family in the sun-drenched Florida Keys, where their long-standing local inn serves as a deceptive facade for the deeply entwined complexities of their lives. It’s akin to Yellowstone‘s intense family drama, but set against a backdrop of pristine beaches rather than sprawling pastures. As the narrative unfolds, the Rayburns’ carefully cultivated image as hardworking pillars of the community begins to unravel, shattered by the insidious surfacing of long-buried secrets. The once tight-knit family unit fractures under the immense pressure, forcing ostensibly “good” people to confront the unthinkable, as tension and drama escalate with a suffocating intensity. Bloodline, a Netflix original, garnered widespread acclaim, particularly for its powerhouse ensemble cast led by Kyle Chandler, and featuring luminaries such as Sissy Spacek, Linda Cardellini, and Ben Mendelsohn, whose mesmerizing performance earned him three Emmy nominations and a well-deserved win.
Sons of Anarchy: Outlaw Brotherhood and the Ties That Bind
For fans seeking a direct link to the Yellowstone universe, beyond the obvious thematic parallels, Sons of Anarchy offers a compelling, albeit unexpected, connection through Taylor Sheridan himself. While Sheridan was not the creator of this acclaimed crime drama, he played a significant recurring role within its gritty narrative. The series plunges into the tumultuous world of a Californian biker gang, led by Charlie Hunnam as Jax Teller, a complex protagonist grappling with the harrowing balancing act between his loyalty to his outlaw brotherhood and his profound responsibilities as a father. The show’s formidable and ever-evolving supporting cast boasted names like Katey Sagal, Drea de Matteo, Maggie Siff, Ron Perlman, and Jimmy Smits. Crucially, Taylor Sheridan appeared in 21 episodes as Deputy Police Chief David Hale, a role that marked his last significant recurring acting part in a series before he famously cast himself as the endearing cowboy Travis Wheatley in Yellowstone, illustrating a fascinating full-circle journey in his career.
The Sopranos: The Original Family Empire
The imposing hierarchy of the Dutton Yellowstone Ranch, coupled with their often brutal methods of conducting business—relying on intimidation, raw force, and a strict code of loyalty—effectively transforms Yellowstone into a mob story, albeit one uniquely transplanted to the rugged, rural landscape of Montana. But for those seeking the quintessential narrative of organized crime, there remains no television series more definitive than The Sopranos. James Gandolfini’s iconic portrayal of Tony Soprano anchors this groundbreaking HBO series, as he deftly juggles the relentless pressures emanating from both his biological family and his formidable “work family,” all while navigating his internal struggles with panic attacks under the guidance of a therapist. Created by the visionary David Chase, the series ran for six critically lauded seasons, amassing an astonishing 111 Emmy nominations and securing 21 wins, including the prestigious Outstanding Drama Series award, alongside multiple Lead Actor and Actress accolades for its mesmerizing stars, Gandolfini and Edie Falco.
Hatfields and McCoys: A Feud Forged in Blood and Land
This explosive three-part miniseries offers an undeniable feast for Yellowstone aficionados, brimming with thematic parallels that resonate deeply with the Dutton saga. Set against a rugged Western backdrop, it delves into visceral feuds over land ownership, echoing the very essence of the Duttons’ relentless fight for their territory. At its core, the miniseries features a commanding performance from Kevin Costner, who embodies Devil Anse Hatfield, fiercely juxtaposed against Bill Paxton’s Randall McCoy. The narrative dramatically recounts the infamous, blood-soaked rivalry between these two legendary families on the West Virginia/Kentucky border in the volatile years following the Civil War. The miniseries was an unqualified triumph, captivating both audiences and critics alike, earning a remarkable 15 Emmy nominations and clinching five prestigious wins, including Outstanding Lead Actor for Costner and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Tom Berenger. Notably, Costner’s involvement extended beyond his powerful on-screen presence; he also served as a producer and even contributed original music through his band, Kevin Costner and Modern West, further cementing his multi-faceted talent.
Joe Pickett: Wyoming’s Unsung Hero of the Wild
Based on the compelling characters brought to life by novelist C.J. Box, Joe Pickett is a neo-Western series that masterfully weaves together elements of crime and drama. The narrative meticulously follows the life of a dedicated Wyoming game warden and his family, navigating the complexities of a small town nestled precariously near the majestic Yellowstone National Park. The series heightens its dramatic tension through the lens of an ever-shifting political and socio-economic climate, reflecting the real-world pressures faced by those living on the wild fringes. Initially launched on Spectrum Originals, the series found a broader audience on Paramount+. Michael Dorman, the talented New Zealand actor, anchors the series in the titular role, building on his strong performances in For All Mankind and The Invisible Man. As the second season approached its release, viewers anticipated recognizing a roster of veteran actors, with perhaps the most notable being the charismatic David Alan Grier, making for a compelling ensemble.
Outer Range: The Supernatural Unraveling of a Ranching Dynasty
Perhaps the most common and compelling description for Outer Range is “Yellowstone, but with sci-fi elements.” And, in essence, that description is brilliantly accurate. Josh Brolin, serving as both executive producer and star, delivers a commanding performance as Royal Abbott, a Wyoming rancher who embodies the quintessential struggles of his kind: fiercely protecting his family and unyieldingly fighting for his land. However, Abbott’s world is dramatically upended by far more than just the disappearance of his daughter-in-law and a rival family’s relentless attempts to seize his property. The narrative takes a jarring, existential turn with his discovery of a mysterious, unfathomable black void in his pasture—a classic scenario, elevated to cosmic proportions. Brolin leads an impressive ensemble cast including Imogen Poots, Noah Reid, and Lili Taylor. Following a well-received inaugural season on Prime Video, the series is poised for its highly anticipated second campaign in the coming months, promising to further explore the enigmatic depths of its unique genre blend.
What other shows, perhaps lesser-known, have captured the raw, untamed spirit and complex family dynamics that define the essence of Yellowstone for you?