Entertainment
8 Shows To Watch if You Love ‘Dutton Ranch’
The latest in Taylor Sheridan’s ever-expanding Yellowstone universe, Dutton Ranch has already garnered rave reviews for successfully carrying the mantle of the franchise’s legacy. Reprising their roles from Yellowstone, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser lead the cast as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, who attempt to leave the ghosts of Yellowstone behind and start a fresh life in South Texas. A spin-off sequel to the parent show, Dutton Ranch serves as a narrative/thematic bookend to the Dutton family’s saga.
If you’re a fan of Dutton Ranch’s acclaimed first season, then you might also want to catch up on more sprawling Western shows of the 21st century. From frontier-era dramas to modern-day thrillers, each of these Western shows shares the common themes of power, family legacy, loyalty, and survival, as well as complex characters who bring it all to life. Read on to discover more shows like Dutton Ranch that you can watch right now.
1
‘The Son’ (2017–2019)
Developed by Philipp Meyer, Lee Shipman, and Brian McGreevy from Meyer’s novel, The Son follows the life of Eli McCollough, kidnapped as a teenager in 1849 by the Comanche people and raised by their chieftain as his son. Decades later, Eli is a ruthless oil baron and rancher, struggling to maintain his power as his violent past threatens his future. Pierce Brosnan stars as the titular character, with Henry Garrett, Paola Núñez, Carlos Bardem, and Zahn McClarnon in key roles.
Shifting between the late 1800s and the 1900s, the story of The Son is told in two parallel timelines to explore the conflict between the past and the present. While it is not as contemporary as Dutton Ranch and is more traditional as a western, the AMC show shares some similar themes with the Yellowstone universe. With themes of family legacy, a ruthless patriarch, and generational conflict over land and business, The Son is closer in comparison to 1883 and 1923 than Dutton Ranch, but fans of the franchise might still find it an interesting watch.
2
‘Ransom Canyon’ (2025–Present)
Netflix’s answer to the Dutton family saga, Ransom Canyon is a romantic Western drama developed by April Blair and based on the book series by Jodi Thomas. Set in the titular town, the story centers on grieving rancher Staten Kirkland and his relationship with his longtime family friend, Quinn O’Grady, as they navigate rival ranch families vying for control of the land. Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, and Marianly Tejada star in the main roles.
Ransom Canyon has several shared elements and motifs with Dutton Ranch, in terms of ruthless rivalries, rugged cowboys, and expansive ranches, but varies largely in tone. The Netflix original leans more towards intimate emotions and personal relationships akin to shows like Virgin River or Sullivan’s Crossing, while maintaining its high-stakes family drama narrative. While Ransom Canyon earned mixed reviews in its first season, it has found a following among fans of Western melodrama.
3
‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)
Created and produced by David Milch, Deadwood is an HBO Western drama that follows the history of the titular South Dakota town before and after its annexation by the Dakota Territory. Set in the 1870s, the story chronicles its evolution from a lawless gold-mining camp into an organized civilization, focusing on the power struggle between Al Swearengen, a ruthless saloon owner, and Seth Bullock, a newly arrived, upstanding ex-Marshal. Timothy Olyphant and Ian McShane play the central characters, leading an ensemble cast.
With moral tension, a lawless land, and complicated characters, Deadwood is an engaging western drama that trades family complications for social politics. The series might not have grown in size or popularity like Yellowstone, but it set new standards for the genre in the early 21st century. A 2000s television classic, Deadwood has aged well and become a landmark of the Western genre that is sure to appeal to Dutton Ranch fans.
4
‘Longmire’ (2012–2017)
A neo-Western crime drama developed by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin, Longmire is based on the Walt Longmire Mysteries series of novels by Craig Johnson that follows the titular troubled sheriff in a Wyoming County. With the help of his daughter Cady, longtime friend Henry, and his team, Walt Longmire sets out to solve major crimes in his county while navigating troubles in the bordering native reservation. The series stars Robert Taylor as the titular sheriff, with Katee Sackhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Adam Bartley, and Cassidy Freeman in main roles.
Longmire has earned the reputation of a subtle and quiet show that delights with its mystery and scenic visuals. It intelligently blends crime procedural elements with conventional, slow-burn drama in a gorgeous setting that would feel familiar to Dutton Ranch fans. Though it became the highest-rated original drama series on A&E during its run and is still considered one of the best modern westerns on television, Longmire has become sadly forgotten in more recent years.
5
‘The Madison’ (2026–Present)
Following the phenomenal success of Yellowstone and its spin-offs, Taylor Sheridan wrote and created The Madison, another neo-Western story set within the Yellowstone universe that isn’t connected to its characters or plots. The series follows Stacy Clyburn, matriarch of the Clyburn family, who moves her family from New York City to an idyllic ranch home in Montana after suffering a tragic loss. Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Beau Garrett, Patrick J. Adams, and Elle Chapman star in the main roles.
Slow-burning and deeply emotional, The Madison is a dramatic shift from the rest of the Yellowstone shows. Unlike most sprawling westerns dealing with land disputes, corporate intrigue, or violent action, it dives more into character drama and the Clyburn family’s inner workings. On its premiere, The Madison received mixed reviews, with praise for its stunning cinematography and Michelle Pfeiffer’s powerful performance as the grieving matriarch.
6
‘1923’ (2022–2025)
Created by Taylor Sheridan, 1923 is the third series in the Yellowstone universe and serves as a sequel to 1883 and a second prequel to Yellowstone. Set in the titular year, the plot focuses on one generation of the Dutton family as they navigate personal, social, and economic hardships in the early years of the Great Depression, which severely affected Montana before the entire economy collapsed decades later. The show’s ensemble cast stars Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, Jerome Flynn, Timothy Dalton, and Brandon Sklenar in key roles.
The two-season Western drama became a major success for Paramount+ as its biggest debut, rising above the ratings of Yellowstone and other shows by Sheridan. The show draws its audience with the star power and keeps them engaged with its great cinematography and powerful acting. Since its premiere in 2022, the show has earned widespread acclaim, perhaps the most in the franchise, earning several awards and nominations, especially for Mirren and Ford’s performances.
7
‘1883’ (2021)
The success of Yellowstone paved the way for its first spin-off and prequel, 1883, which follows the history of the Dutton family and the origins of the family saga. Set 125 years before the events of Yellowstone, in a post-Civil War America, 1883 follows James and Margaret Dutton as they leave behind the poverty of the southern states and settle in Montana, founding the Yellowstone Ranch. The series stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, and LaMonica Garrett in main roles, alongside guest stars like Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Billy Bob Thornton, and Graham Greene.
During its concurrent run with Yellowstone, 1883 became more successful than the parent show, breaking several records. The series is closest in theme to Dutton Ranch than any other title in the Yellowstone universe. Beth Dutton’s journey is not only reminiscent of her ancestors’ journey from the South to the Great Plains but is also a poetic, full-circle moment for her bloodline. A well-crafted, well-acted period drama, 1883 enjoys high praise from fans and critics and is a must-watch for Dutton Ranch fans.
8
‘Yellowstone’ (2018–2024)
A television phenomenon created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Yellowstone is the reason why Dutton Ranch exists. The show follows the powerful Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana, and revolves around patriarch John Dutton as he navigates his family’s legacy, personal and social relationships, and legal conflicts with the local native reservation. The show’s ensemble cast includes Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham.
The Dutton family generation that set off the titular franchise, Yellowstone revived the Western genre for television and became a groundbreaking show. Fans of Dutton Ranch will not only like Yellowstone as a previous chapter but might also find it useful to watch Beth Dutton’s history with her family and the events that led to her move to South Texas. Powered by gritty characters and terrific performances, the neo-Western drama has had increasingly positive reviews and has earned cult status.
- Release Date
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2018 – 2024
- Network
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Paramount Network
- Directors
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Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan, Christina Alexandra Voros, Guy Ferland, John Dahl
- Writers
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John Coveny, Ian McCulloch
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