If you’re hooked on Yellowstone’s blend of gritty drama, family loyalty, and stunning western landscapes, you’re probably craving more shows that serve up the same raw energy. Luckily, there’s no shortage of TV dramas that deliver on tense family dynamics, rugged settings, and high-stakes power plays. Whether you want more cowboy grit or complex family sagas, this list of 12 shows like Yellowstone will keep you glued to the screen.
Why Fans Love Yellowstone and What to Look for in Similar Shows
Before diving into the list, let’s break down what makes Yellowstone so addictive:
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Complex family dynamics
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Intense power struggles
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Stunning rural and western settings
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Characters who blur the line between hero and villain
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Themes of loyalty, survival, and legacy
With these ingredients in mind, the shows below echo that mix perfectly.
1. Longmire
If you want a modern western with a strong sense of justice, Longmire is your go-to. It centers on Walt Longmire, a sheriff in Wyoming, navigating crime, corruption, and personal demons. The slow-burn storytelling and rugged landscapes remind you why westerns never go out of style.
2. Hell on Wheels
Step into the post-Civil War era with Hell on Wheels, which chronicles the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. The show is gritty, violent, and drenched in the moral ambiguity that Yellowstone fans crave. It’s about power, revenge, and survival in the wild frontier.
3. Justified
If you love sharp dialogue and tough characters, Justified brings the heat. Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens returns to his Kentucky roots to deal with criminals and his own complicated past. It’s a mix of crime thriller and western, with intense family ties and complex villains.
4. Godless
Godless flips the western script with a town run almost entirely by women after a mining disaster. It’s tense, beautifully shot, and filled with rich characters who fight to survive and thrive. If you appreciate Yellowstone’s strong female characters, this one’s a gem.
5. Ozark
While not a western, Ozark shares Yellowstone’s dark family drama and power struggles. Follow the Byrde family as they navigate the criminal underworld in the Missouri Ozarks. The tension, plot twists, and moral complexity make it a must-watch for fans craving intense drama.
6. Sons of Anarchy
This show about an outlaw motorcycle club dives into loyalty, family, and power just like Yellowstone. It’s darker and more violent but has the same addictive quality of watching a complex family trying to hold it all together.
7. Outer Range
Outer Range blends supernatural mystery with western themes, set in Wyoming. It’s a modern twist on Yellowstone’s landscape and tension, with a family trying to protect their land from outside threats — but with a bizarre, otherworldly twist.
8. Deadwood
Deadwood is the epitome of the gritty western genre, portraying a lawless town in the 1870s. The show’s sharp writing, historical depth, and morally complex characters have made it a cult favorite among Yellowstone fans who crave authenticity.
9. Mayor of Kingstown
This tense drama focuses on the powerful McLusky family controlling Kingstown, Michigan’s prison system. Like Yellowstone, it explores power, corruption, and family loyalty, but in a gritty urban setting. It’s a dark, intense ride.
10. Blood & Oil
Looking for a show that blends family drama with high-stakes business battles? Blood & Oil dives into the cutthroat world of the North Dakota oil boom, featuring scheming families, romance, and plenty of drama that will satisfy Yellowstone enthusiasts.
11. Yellowstone Prequel: 1883
If you want to stay in the Yellowstone universe, 1883 is a perfect prequel. It explores the origins of the Dutton family as they trek west, braving harsh conditions and deadly threats. It’s raw, emotional, and dripping with classic western vibes.
12. Frontier
Set during the fur trade era in Canada, Frontier captures the brutal, lawless spirit of early western expansion. The show’s focus on power struggles, family, and survival is very much in line with Yellowstone’s DNA.
What Makes These Shows Great for Yellowstone Fans
Every show on this list shares elements that make Yellowstone such a hit: powerful families, dangerous stakes, and stunning landscapes. Whether it’s cowboys, criminals, or modern-day power brokers, these stories keep you hooked by showing how far people will go to protect what’s theirs.
Themes of Loyalty and Power
Many of these series explore the fragile balance of family loyalty and ruthless ambition. The characters are often flawed, walking a fine line between right and wrong — just like the Dutton family.
Rugged Settings as a Character
Like Yellowstone, the backdrop in these shows is almost a character itself. The wild, unforgiving landscapes shape the story and reflect the characters’ internal battles.
Strong Female Characters
Many of these series feature fierce women who challenge the traditional western tropes. If you love Beth Dutton’s sharp edge, shows like Godless and 1883 offer similarly powerful female leads.
Why You Should Watch These Shows Next
If you’re finishing Yellowstone and craving more grit and drama, these 12 shows will fill that void. Each offers something unique but familiar enough to keep you coming back for more — tension, loyalty, betrayal, and raw emotion.
Where to Watch These Series
Most of these shows are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Paramount+, and Peacock. Some, like 1883, are exclusive to Paramount+, so check your subscriptions!
How These Shows Compare to Yellowstone
While no show is exactly Yellowstone, these picks match its tone, themes, or style. Some lean more into the western genre, others focus on crime or family sagas, but all share the same addictive storytelling formula.
What Fans Say About These Shows
Viewers praise these series for their deep characters, gripping plots, and stunning visuals. Fans often say these shows “scratch the same itch” that Yellowstone does — mixing brutal action with heartfelt moments.
Tips for Binge-Watching These Dramas
Start with shows that match your favorite Yellowstone element. Want more westerns? Try Hell on Wheels or Deadwood. Crave family drama? Check out Ozark or Sons of Anarchy. And if you want more from the Dutton legacy, jump into 1883.
Final Thoughts
The world of Yellowstone doesn’t have to end with the latest episode. These 12 shows offer a range of gripping stories, from frontier justice to modern-day power games. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for hours of thrilling TV that’s every bit as compelling.
FAQs
1. Which show is most similar to Yellowstone?
Longmire and 1883 closely mirror Yellowstone’s western themes and family drama.
2. Are there any supernatural elements in these shows?
Outer Range introduces a supernatural twist while staying true to western roots.
3. Where can I watch the Yellowstone prequel, 1883?
1883 is available exclusively on Paramount+.
4. Do these shows have strong female characters?
Yes! Godless, 1883, and Yellowstone itself feature powerful women shaping the narrative.
5. Are these shows good for binge-watching?
Absolutely. They all have multiple seasons or limited series that keep viewers hooked episode after episode.
