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10 Thrilling Shows Like Yellowstone For Fans Of Westerns Dramas

shows like yellowstone

Yellowstone, a popular TV series that premiered in 2018, has captured the hearts of millions of viewers with its unique blend of drama, mystery, and action. If you’re a fan of the show and are looking for something similar to watch, you’re in luck. Here are 10 shows like Yellowstone that you’ll surely enjoy. Yellowstone is a highly acclaimed TV series that has gained a massive following since its premiere in 2018. The show, which is set in Montana, explores the lives of the Dutton family, who own and run the largest contiguous ranch in the United States.

The series features a talented cast led by Kevin Costner, who plays the patriarch of the family, John Dutton. Additionally, the show features stunning cinematography that showcases the beauty of Montana’s landscapes and the American West. The show also tackles important themes such as family, power, and the consequences of actions, making it not only entertaining but thought-provoking as well. Furthermore, the show has a strong supporting cast, including Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, and Wes Bentley, who bring depth and complexity to their respective roles.

List of TV Shows Like Yellowstone

1. Longmire (2012)

This crime drama series takes place in Wyoming and revolves around Sheriff Walt Longmire’s investigations of various crimes in the area. Longmire is a crime drama series set in rural Wyoming and follows Sheriff Walt Longmire as he investigates crimes in the area. Similar to shows like Yellowstone, Longmire takes place in a rugged, untamed environment and features characters with a strong sense of loyalty, justice, and morality.

The series explores the lives of the residents of the small town, including cowboys, Native Americans, and other unique characters, and provides a captivating look at life in the American West. With its suspenseful storylines, intricate characters, and stunning scenery, Longmire is sure to become one of your favourites!

2. The Ranch (2016)

The Ranch is a popular comedy-drama series similar to Yellowstone in terms of its western-style setting and focuses on family dynamics. Set in Colorado, the show follows the life of former football player Colt Bennett as he returns to his family’s ranch and tries to reconnect with his father and brother.

The Ranch features a similar mix of humour and drama as Yellowstone, offering a heartwarming and entertaining look at life in rural America. The strong cast of characters and its depiction of the complexities of family relationships makes this show a perfect option for fans of the American West.

3. Deadwood (2004)

Deadwood is a historic drama series set in the late 1800s in Deadwood, South Dakota. The series explores the lives of the town’s residents, including cowboys, miners, businessmen, and politicians. The show features a talented ensemble cast, including Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, and Brad Dourif, and is widely regarded as one of the best television dramas of all time.

Deadwood is known for its gritty, realistic depiction of the American frontier, and its richly drawn characters, who struggle to survive and thrive in a harsh and unforgiving world. If can’t seem to get enough of a series like Yellowstone then this historical drama Deadwood will be a great one to add to your list.

Also Read: Shows like Mad Men

4. Godless (2017)

Godless is a Western-style drama series show set in the town of La Belle, New Mexico, in the late 1800s and explores the lives of its residents, including outlaws, women, and minorities. The series follows Frank Griffin, a notorious outlaw who is hunting down his former partner, Roy Goode, who has taken refuge in La Belle.

Like Yellowstone, Godless takes place in a rural setting, focusing on the lives of the residents, including outlaws, women, and minorities. Godless is a highly acclaimed series that has been praised for its cinematography, character development, and action sequences. If you’re a fan of Westerns, Godless is a series like Yellowstone that is sure leave you on the edge of your seat.

5. Damnation (2017)

Damnation is a period drama series set in the 1930s that revolves around a striker named Seth Davenport, who becomes involved in the struggle between industrialists and laborers in Iowa. Series like Yellowstone and Damnation both offer a unique blend of historical drama, action, and character development, with complex storylines and well-written characters.

Damnation is a rugged and dangerous world of the American frontier, where power and wealth often dictate the lives of those who inhabit it. With its compelling storytelling, intricate character arcs, and intense action, Damnation is sure to captivate and entertain you.

6. Justified (2010)

The crime drama series Justified is about the U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens as he enforces justice in the rural areas of Kentucky. Set in modern times, this show showcases Raylan’s unconventional methods of bringing criminals to justice and his often tumultuous personal life. With its thrilling action sequences, smart writing, and strong character development, Justified has become a favorite among audiences who love shows with a mix of drama, action, and humour.

The show stars Timothy Olyphant as Raylan Givens, along with a talented ensemble cast that brings depth and nuance to the characters and their relationships. For modern Western-style dramas and complex, multi-dimensional characters from shows like Yellowstone, Justified should be a good choice.

7. The Sopranos (1999)

While it may not be a Western Drama, The Sopranos is a groundbreaking TV series that centres around Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who tries to balance his work and family life. The Sopranos has some great writing, exceptional performances, and powerful storytelling you’ll ever see.

The Sopranos is often credited with revolutionizing the crime drama genre and elevating the quality of television storytelling. The show received numerous awards and critical acclaim during its 6-season run and has since become a cultural phenomenon. It remains one of the most beloved and iconic television shows of all time and hence it’s perfect for anyone looking for TV shows like Yellowstone.

Also Read: Shows like Peaky Blinders

8. The Son (2022)

The Son is a historical drama series that explores the rise of the oil industry in Texas, through the eyes of the McCullough family-owned oil company. The series follows 2 timelines: one in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and another in the present day.

The show examines the McCulloughs’ journey from humble pioneers to powerful tycoons, as well as the family’s power struggles and their relationships with other powerful families in Texas. If you haven’t watched this show yet, don’t wander around in search of shows like Yellowstone and check out The Son. Binge-watch the first season and then continue to watch the second. It’s a good one.

9. Hell on Wheels (2011)

Hell on Wheels is a Western-style drama series that first aired in 2011. Set during the building of the transcontinental railroad in the late 1800s, the show follows the life of former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon, as he navigates his way through the rough and dangerous world of railroad construction.

The series explores themes of revenge, greed, and redemption, as Cullen faces challenges both on and off the job. With its fast-paced action, intense drama, and captivating characters, Hell on Wheels is unmissable for the genre of Westerns and historical dramas. Suppose you’re a longtime fan of a series like Yellowstone, then Hell on Wheels is sure to keep you entertained.

10. Westworld (2016)

Westworld explores a unique blend of drama, action, and mystery, making them perfect for fans of Western-style storytelling. Set in untamed environments and feature strong-willed characters who navigate complex relationships and unpredictable events. In Westworld, a futuristic Western-themed amusement park is the backdrop for the adventures of robots called hosts.

Series like Yellowstone and Westworld are both known for their intricate plot twists, unpredictable characters, and captivating performances. Whether you prefer a futuristic twist on the Western genre or a classic portrayal of life on the frontier, Westworld has something great to offer.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few shows like Yellowstone that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Breaking Bad
  2. Justified
  3. Tulsa King

When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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