10. "Longmire"
Inhales deeply Can you smell it? Freshly brewed coffee from Ruby's diner in the morning, the chilly breeze of Durant, Wyoming, and a sheriff that's seen his fair share. Walt Longmire. Think of him as your old-school detective in a cowboy hat.
Murders, mysteries, and yes, Native American land disputes. But, remember, it's not just about solving cases, it's about healing from personal losses. Walt's cowboy boots? They've seen better days and carry many secrets.
It's gritty, a tad slower, but stick around for the view. Or for the intriguing dynamics of a modern-day Western.
9. "Banshee"
A conman assumes the identity of a sheriff in the town of Banshee, Pennsylvania. Twisted? You bet. He's not there for the peace and tranquility, but rather, settling old scores and avoiding gangsters. He dishes out his own law.
Banshee ain't Yellowstone's picturesque ranch, but the drama? On par. The show screams adrenaline and audacity. It's flashy, it's loud, and oh, it's violent. If "Yellowstone" is a glass of aged whiskey, "Banshee" is like downing shots on a rowdy night out.
8. "Hell on Wheels"
Welcome to the construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad. It's the post-Civil War era, and former Confederate soldier, Cullen Bohannon, finds himself entangled in this massive endeavor. He's got vengeance on his mind.
Railroads, muddy towns, and folks who've got scores to settle. Think of it as laying down tracks on unsettled grounds, both literally and metaphorically. It's as wild as the West can get. History buffs might nitpick on accuracy, but for the drama lovers? A feast!
7. "Queen of the South"
Let's salsa into the world of cartels. Teresa Mendoza, a poor woman from Sinaloa, rises to power within a drug cartel and dreams of becoming the world's wealthiest drug trafficker. A rags-to-riches tale? Sure, but with high stakes. Drugs, love, betrayal. Teresa isn't on a ranch, but she sure knows how to manage her empire.
You won't find sprawling landscapes here, but you'll get a dose of cunning strategies and power plays. Is it a bit over the top? Perhaps. Is it worth the drama? Absolutely.
6. "The Son"
Journey through time with Eli McCullough, a charismatic man who built a Texan empire after a tough childhood. He's kidnapped by the Comanches, grows up among them, and later? He becomes an oil baron.
From the wild frontiers to the business boardrooms, Eli's story is about power and legacy. The Texas terrain is vast, wild, and full of opportunities, somewhat reminiscent of the Dutton ranch. A generational saga that questions: How far will you go to protect your legacy?
5. "Deadwood"
Step into the muddy streets of Deadwood, South Dakota. The Gold Rush is in full swing. Lawlessness? Check. Complex characters? Double check. Al Swearengen's saloon might not serve you the best whiskey, but the man sure knows how to rule. It's raw, unfiltered, and packed with historical characters.
While it's not a ranch drama, the power dynamics and territorial disputes echo the struggles of the Duttons. Some find the dialogue Shakespearean; others, a tad hard to follow. Either way, Deadwood's a gold mine of stories.
4. "Rectify"
Deep South, here we come. Daniel Holden's released after two decades on death row. Was he innocent or not? The town's divided. It's not about cowboys or vast ranches but the landscape of human emotions.
The narrative is slow, deliberate, and introspective, capturing a man's journey of rediscovery. It's not "Yellowstone's" sprawling ranch, but it delves deep into human complexities. Critics rave about it, but it's an acquired taste, like a rich southern stew simmering for hours.
3. "Godless"
Ladies and gents, welcome to La Belle, a town run by women after a mining accident wiped out most of its men. It's the wild west, but with a twist. Outlaw Frank Griffin is on a vengeful hunt against Roy Goode, who's hiding in La Belle.
It's a limited series, like a well-cooked meal: precise and fulfilling. It doesn't meander like some of our other entries. The ladies might not herd cattle, but they sure can handle a gun. Looking for an old west showdown with a fresh perspective? This might just be your next binge.
2. "Hap and Leonard"
Set in the late 1980s, this is a tale of two best pals in East Texas: Hap, a white working-class ex-con, and Leonard, a gay black Vietnam vet. They end up in a slew of misadventures, often landing in hot water.
While it doesn't deal with the vast ranches or the great outdoors, the deep bond between the duo, set against a backdrop of crime, class, and racial tensions, is as engaging as the Dutton family's loyalties.
1. "Damnation"
Set in the 1930s, this is a tale of struggle between the rich and the poor. Seth Davenport, a man pretending to be a small-town preacher, aims to ignite a revolt against the status quo. Little does he know a professional strikebreaker named Creeley Turner, who shares a secret past with him, is in town to squash this rebellion.
Think of it as a chess game, with the American heartland as the board. The plot sizzles and pops like bacon on a skillet, making it a hearty watch for any "Yellowstone" enthusiast.