The families that settled the frontier were known for their perseverance and grit, and in 1883, the prequel to Paramount+'s popular modern western Yellowstone, the Dutton family captures those qualities inherent to the dynamism of the American West. Fleeing a life of poverty in Texas in favor of a new beginning in Montana, James and Margaret Dutton (played by true-to-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill) entrust their survival to Shea Brennan (western veteran Sam Elliott), a grizzled cowboy with a turbulent past but the temerity to get them across the Great Plains.
There have been precious few western series recently, and still fewer set in the late 1800s, when the Civil War, the Emancipation Proclamation, completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, and industrialization were causing great changes for the nation, but these series echo what makes 1883 must-see TV. Whether they prefer slightly more raw fare like Deadwood, wholesome like Bonanza, or all about family like The Son, all of these contain 1883's sweeping drama, epic cinematography, and authentic characters.
Hell On Wheels (2011-2016)
Available On AMC Plus
Follow solemn Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon as he tries to put the Civil War and the death of his wife behind him working for Union Pacific. With each spike hammered on the transcontinental railroad its mobile working town "Hell on Wheels" moves westward, taking Bohannon with it. Starting fresh is only possible with new love and new friends, but some enemies will reawaken his long-buried taste for blood and vengeance.
As in 1883, Hell on Wheels is a character-driven drama, with a colorful assortment of heroes, villains, and everyone in between just trying to make a better life for themselves. With Cullen Bohannon's nomadic story set from 1865-1869, consider it Shea Brennan's prequel series prior to hitching his horse to the Dutton's wagon train.
Hatfields & McCoys (2012)
Available On Hulu
Similar in quality to some of his best movies, Kevin Costner of Yellowstone fame spearheads Hatfields & McCoys as "Devil" Anse Hatfield opposite Bill Paxton's Randall McCoy in a tale of two patriarchs and the legendary real-life family feud that nearly plunged Kentucky and West Virginia into civil war. The 3-episode mini-series follows the men from their friendly days before the Civil War, all the way through a series of misunderstandings that eventually involves the US Supreme Court.
What would have happened if Randall McCoy hadn't been a prisoner of war? What would have happened if Anse Hatfield hadn't left early to become a successful lumberman? Like 1883, this series shows the disputes that can arise when two strong-willed men each believe themselves to be right based on different circumstances and the tensions that can mount from wrongful accusations.
Deadwood (2004-2006)
Available On HBO Max
Deadwood lasted just a few seasons on HBO, but the gritty western left a lasting impression on audiences thanks to its stacked cast, incredible dialogue, and intense performances. It follows the known --and lesser-known-- western heroes that blew through the small mining town of Deadwood, just prior to it becoming part of the United States.
Fans of the slice-of-life western, eager to feel transported into the bitter trials and triumphs of people out west will find Deadwood to be a lot like 1883. Though it isn't as large in scale, as the citizens rarely leave the town, viewers will find enough excitement with powder keg Sheriff Bullock, wily saloon owner Al Swearengen, and gunslingers Wild Bill Hickok.
Bonanza (1959 - 1973)
Available On Crackle
Considered one of the best western TV shows of all time, Bonanza follows Ben Cartwright and his sons Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe as they work and defend the bountiful Ponderosa ranch in the late 1800s. If it sounds a lot like a historical version of Yellowstone, the roots are there, albeit slightly more idyllic.
There is perhaps no better-revered television series about a family yoking the frontier than Bonanza, which has given inspiration to series like Yellowstone and 1883 because of its dramatic acting, beautiful scenery, and --for the time-- sensitive approach to issues surrounding inclusivity, masculinity, and feminism in the Old West.
Cheyenne (1955-1962)
Available On Pluto
The first hourlong western drama to premiere in the Golden Age of Television, Cheyenne follows gentle giant Cheyenne Bodie, a scout, tracker, ranch hand, and occasional lawman who drifts across Cheyenne territory putting his skills to use. His migratory existence allows for a wide variety of situations that show the diversity of the region, and his ties to the Cheyenne people who raised him make for interesting discussions on race and identity.
For its era, the series does a commendable job not resorting to typical western movie tropes, with Asian actors free from speaking pidgin English, and First Americans given complexity beyond the offensive "noble savage" archetype. As in 1883, it shows that everyone on the frontier is working towards a better future on the foundation of a troubled past.
Godless (2017)
Available On Netflix
Set in 1884, Godless tells the story of Roy Goode, formerly of outlaw Frank Griffin's gang, seeking refuge in a small mining town run mostly by its women. Together with a tough widower and the rest of the townspeople, he prepares to make his stand against his former friend and his murderous brotherhood.
Fans of strong women like Margaret and Elsa Dutton in 1883 will appreciate the tenacity and grit of the characters featured in this mini-series, forced to make difficult decisions on behalf of their families, revealing the unsung heroes of the American West. It also boasts similar breathtaking scenery and strong dramatic performances.
The High Chaparral (1967 - 1971)
Available On Pluto
Set in the 1870s, The High Chaparral tells the adventures of the Cannon family, led by stern patriarch John Cannon and beautiful Mexican aristocrat Victoria Montoya, as they strive to build a cattle empire. With a strained alliance with local Apaches and a sensitive view towards Mexicans across the border, John and Victoria's sense of trust and love must be what builds a foundation of tolerance and prosperity.
Though it only ran for four seasons, the series strove for realism, never shying away from the class conflicts that arose among the white, Mexican, and Apache inhabitants of the Arizona territory. Everything was anchored by its two strong leads, who evoked the indefatigable bond between Margaret and James Dutton in 1883.
The Big Valley (1965 - 1969)
Available On Hulu
The Barkley family of Stockton, California form the center of this sprawling western series, with Victoria Barkley striving to see her children make something of themselves without relying on the wealth and influence of their family name. Amid dozens of westerns featuring strong patriarchs, this series was atypical when it aired for its tough-as-nails matriarch.
Even with their affluence, the Barkleys are portrayed as upstanding citizens who use their privilege to help the underdog. The dramatic tension in the series often comes from Victoria Barkley's status as a single mother in the town, as well as her decision to raise the illegitimate son of her late husband and another woman. Like Margaret Dutton, she tries to do the best she can for her family, even if it means putting their needs above her own.
The Son (2017 - 2019)
Available On Hulu
The Son focuses on Eli McCullough (played by Pierce Brosnan in one of his best roles) as a former family man turned ruthless tycoon, desperate to keep hold of his oil dynasty from his surrounding neighbors. A series of flashbacks tie together 150 years of McCullough history and three generations, beginning with Eli being mentored by a Comanche war chief and ending with his children inheriting his powerful legacy in Texas.
Just as 1883 strives to tell the multi-generational story of the Dutton family between its own epic narrative and Yellowstone's, The Son attempts to fit the same life lessons and dramatic plotlines into its two seasons. Where the Dutton family will build its empire on cattle, the McCulloughs builds it's on Texas oil, with a deep undercurrent of moral analysis as each series explores what it takes to reign supreme in the West.
Wagon Train (1957 - 1965)
Available On Prime
Presented as more of an anthology series, Wagon Train tended to follow an episodic format, focusing on different aspects of frontier life as a wagon train traveled from Missouri to California. Moving between the characters in the wagon train as well as the settlements it es through allowed for a much wider range of stories.
Based on true stories inspired by Manifest Destiny and the American frontier, this massive series is full of beautiful scenery and charismatic characters, the latter of which is portrayed by a cavalcade of famous guest stars. Ronald Reagan's guest spot might just rival Tom Hanks in Episode 2 of 1883!