Sayak Basu
If we think about all the things that are possible if we are ready to spend whatever money required, we shall soon find out that there is hardly anything in this world that money can’t buy. This is what the leading character of the series‘ Yellowstone’, Billionaire John Dutton, finds out when his land is encroached upon by other parties. Dutton is the patriarch of this rich American family and owns one of the largest ranches in the United States. However, outside forces like developers, national park, and a reserved area for native Americans are now taking up parts of his land for their requirements. This makes Dutton furious and impatient to get back what is rightfully his.
Shows like ‘Yellowstone’ make you realize that there is another world far from the cosmopolitan cities that exist within America. In this world, politicians are puppets in the hands of huge organizations that deal in petroleum and lumbers. These organizations do not even hesitate from poisoning water bodies and killing people to meet their requirements. Murders go unsolved, and the only language that works is that of money. The story of ‘Yellowstone’ is set in such a wildland. If you enjoyed watching this show and are looking for series that explore similar themes and ideas, then we’ve got you covered. Here’s the list of best shows similar to ‘Yellowstone’ that are our recommendations. You can watch several of these series like ‘Yellowstone’ on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime.
7. Waco (2018)
This six-episode miniseries is based on a real-life incident that happened in 1993 in Waco, Texas. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were involved in a standoff with a religious sect called the Branch Davidians. The standoff went on for 51 days and led to the death of 76 people in total. The Branch Davidians were believed to have been stocking weapons illegally and building an army of their own. The ATF had gone to their retreat to inspect the area and arrest some of their leaders. It was then that the religious sect retaliated and decided to hold off the lawmen from entering their premises. In the series ‘Waco’, we see the standoff from various perspectives to get an all-encompassing view of the event. The series did portray the events based on hard facts, but did not gain much positive acclaim from critics.
6. The Son (2017-)
Phillip Meyer’s novel of the same name is the inspiration behind this series. The leading character of the series, Eli McCullough, is played by Pierce Brosnan. The story begins in 1849, when Eli is just 13 years old. The native American Comanches attack his family, rape and kill his mother and sister, and kidnap Eli along with his brother Martin. While Marti gets killed in captivity, Eli becomes close to the Comanches, and is also adopted by one of the Comanche families. It so happens that an epidemic spreads among the tribe and kills off most of the tribesmen. In order for them to get some money, Eli insists that the Comanches sell him back to the white people. Though he has trouble to readjust himself into the white Americans’ society, Eli manages to do so; he later comes across some gold and becomes a successful businessman. However, Eli always finds it difficult to establish a fruitful relationship with his own children. ‘The Son’ was generally received positively by the critics.
5. Better Call Saul (2015-)
‘Better Call Saul‘ is a spinoff of the highly acclaimed show ‘Breaking Bad‘. The character Saul Goodman, who contributed immensely to the growth and prosperity of Walter and Jesse’s crystal meth business, is the leading character of this series. It is here that we first come to know that this character’s name is not originally Saul Goodman, but is actually Jimmy McGill. He starts off as a con-man, and then becomes a lawyer. However, what he does best is getting criminals out of complicated situations. His unique ability makes Saul dear to criminals, and he quickly becomes an influential figure for the international drug dealer Gus Fring, a character whom we first meet in ‘Breaking Bad’.
‘Better Call Saul’ is set around six years before the events of ‘Breaking Bad’, and thus serves as a setup as to how Goodman manages to become such an expert in aiding criminals. Like its predecessor, ‘Better Call Saul’ met with critical acclaim as well and was even nominated for 23 Primetime Emmy Awards in total. The reason this series is included in this list is that just like ‘Yellowstone’, ‘Better Call Saul’ is set in a world where the gun has a louder voice than the law. The only way to survive in this world is to resort to criminal means.
4. Hell on Wheels (2011-2016)
Trains have been one of the main pillars of modernity encroaching upon a piece of land; because with the coming of a railway system, comes the possibility of mass transportation of people and goods. The series in question, ‘Hell On Wheels’ tells the story of the first ever Transcontinental Railroad being made in the United States. The series showcases the building of the railroad along with the lives of the employees, laborers, prostitutes, and criminals who set up their homes around the construction area. The central character of the show is Cullen Bohannon. He had fought in the Civil War as a Confederate soldier, and later goes on a hunt to find out certain Union soldiers who had killed his family. While on his hunt, Bohannon joins the railroad builders as an engineer, thus coming in contact with their camp, which is known as Hell on Wheels. Critics were not as impressed with the performances and direction of the show as they were with its intense plot.
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3. Damnation (2017-2018)
The story of ‘Damnation’ is set during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Many poor Americans had to suffer a lot during this period because of the lack of job opportunities. The leading character of the series is a man called Seth Davenport. He appears in a small town as a preacher where nobody is aware of his bloody and violent history. Seth tries to make the townspeople aware regarding the fact that they are being exploited by the industrialists, bank, and the sheriff. The townspeople gather around him and call a strike against this injustice. Seth faces opposition from Creeley Turner, who has been paid by an industrialist to put an end to the strike. Surprisingly, Turner and Davenport turn out to be brothers meeting after a long time. The series was positively received by critics during its run.
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2. Deadwood (2004-2006)
‘Deadwood’ is an HBO original series set in the eponymous town in Dakota. The series focuses on the rise of Deadwood from being a small camp to a major town in the state of Dakota. The story centers around a dispute between Deadwood’s sheriff, Seth Bullock, (played by Timothy Olyphant), and the owner of The Gem Saloon, Al Swearengen (played by Ian McShane). It is based on real events, with most characters using the original names of the people they are based on. ‘Deadwood’ received critical acclaim because of its fantastic storyline and vivid description of Dakota in the 1870s. The show managed to win eight Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe Award during its run.
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1. Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
‘Gunsmoke’ first started off as a radio show and then made its way to the television. The radio series began in 1952 and went on till 1961. The central character of the show is Marshal Matt Dillon. He is a strong lawman who maintains peace and keeps the wild west free from criminals. Many cultural historians have compared this show to being America’s own epic. Just like Greece has ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’, the American epic is believed to be ‘Gunsmoke’. The style and approach of the series was toned down when it was taken from the radio and was made into a television series. While the themes in the radio show were serious in nature, the television series mainly concentrates on the heroism put on display by Dillion.
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