Yellowstone fans are facing a long and brutal drought. A confluence of factors has pushed the back half of season 5 into the unforeseeable future. Production was first delayed when Kevin Costner had his time pulled away from the series by both his film, Horizon: An American Saga, and his exceedingly messy divorce. Then came the writers' and actors' strikes in Hollywood (a picket line that Yellowstone writers and actors will not cross) over streaming residuals and limits on Artificial Intelligence, which will likely not be over any time soon. Paramount has stated we can expect a November 13 release, but this seems like wishful thinking as the final half of season 5 has yet to begin shooting.
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But do not despair. As we face this vicious inconvenience, there are plenty of other shows to sate the appetites of the Yellowstone-starved. Shows that capture similar family power struggles. Or a similar ruggedness of life in the open country. There are even multiple spinoff series that take place within the Yellowstone universe. So hang in there. We're in this together. And we've got your back. Take this list of 16 shows akin to Yellowstone not as a replacement, but as a brief respite from the relentless content dry season.
1883
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
Who's in it: Sam Elliott, Tim McGraw, LaMonica Garrett, Faith Hill, Isabel May
Seasons: 1
Embark on a captivating journey with the Dutton family in 1883, a prequel to Yellowstone. Witness their ambitious quest to forge a new life in the American West, as they brave treacherous landscapes, encounter ruthless adversaries, and grapple with the raw challenges of the frontier.
1923
Christopher Saunders/Paramount+
Who's in it: Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Brandon Sklenar
Seasons: 1 (2 on the way)
The show traces the journey of the Dutton family's generation in 1923, a period marked by multiple challenges such as Prohibition, drought, and the initial phases of the Great Depression. Montana, where the family resides, feels the impact of these hardships well before the 1929 Stock Market Crash.
Longmire
Lewis Jacobs / Netflix
Who's in it: Robert Taylor, Katee Sakhoff, Lou Diamond Phillips, Cassidy Freeman
Seasons: 6
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of rural Wyoming, Longmire delves into the world of Sheriff Walt Longmire. With a deep sense of duty and a haunted past, Longmire navigates a complex web of crime, justice, and personal demons. The series intricately weaves together thrilling mysteries, rich character development, and the rugged beauty of the American West.
Deadwood
TImothy Olyphant as Seth Bullock in 'Deadwood.' (HBO)
Who's in it: Timothy Olyphant, Ian McShane, Robin Weigert, Molly Parker
Seasons: 3
Transport yourself to the lawless town of Deadwood, where morality is as malleable as the mud underfoot. Through a masterful blend of historical accuracy and fictional storytelling, this gritty series chronicles the lives of outlaws, lawmen, and entrepreneurs in a town teetering on the edge of chaos.
Mayor of Kingstown
Dennis P. Mong/Paramount+
Who's in it: Jeremy Renner, Hugh Dillon, Emma Laird, Taylor Handley
Seasons: 2
Mayor of Kingstown delves into the heart of a city rife with crime, corruption, and power struggles. The McLusky family operates as key players in this intricate game, striving to maintain order amidst a turbulent urban landscape. As they navigate the complex relationships between law enforcement, politics, and criminal enterprises, the series exposes the delicate balance of maintaining control.
Ozark
Tina Rowden/Netflix
Who's in it: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner
Seasons: 4
In the scenic but perilous Ozarks, financial planner Marty Byrde is thrust into a life of laundering money for a Mexican cartel. As his family becomes entangled in a web of danger and deception, the series skillfully navigates the tension between crime and survival, unraveling the layers of morality and desperation.
Justified
Prashant Gupta/FX
Who's in it: Timothy Olyphant, Walton Goggins, Natalie Zea, Jacob Pitts
Seasons: 6
U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens returns to his Kentucky hometown, but his old stomping grounds are rife with old grudges and new criminal enterprises. As he enforces the law with a mix of sharp wit and unorthodox methods, Justified explores the clash between Raylan's personal code of justice and the complexities of his past.
Hatfields & McCoys
Chris Large
Who's in it: Kevin Costner, Bill Paxton, Matt Barr, Boyd Holbrook
Seasons: 1
Based on a true tale of blood feuds and vendettas, this miniseries delves into the bitter rivalry between two Appalachian families. Against the backdrop of the late 1800s, it paints a vivid picture of the explosive conflict, the human cost of vengeance, and the unrelenting grip of generational enmity.
Succession
HBO
Who's in it: Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin, Matthew MacFadyen
Seasons: 4
Enter the ruthless world of media conglomerate moguls in Succession. As the Roy family battles for control over their empire, the series lays bare the internal power struggles, familial dynamics, and moral compromises that define their lives. With a sharp blend of drama and satire, it's a captivating exploration of wealth, influence, and the lengths people will go to secure their legacy.
Outer Range
Prime Video
Who's in it: Josh Brolin, Imogen Poots, Lewis Pullman, Tom Pelphrey
Seasons: 1 (2 on the way)
Among the sweeping landscapes of Wyoming, Outer Range follows a rancher whose life takes a mysterious turn when he uncovers an enigmatic secret on his land. The series draws viewers into a gripping narrative of intrigue, as he navigates the unknown, confronts his own past, and finds himself entangled in a larger-than-life mystery.
Sons of Anarchy
FX Networks
Who's in it: Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Theo Rossi, Kim Coates
Seasons: 7
Roaring down highways and riding the edge of the law, an outlaw motorcycle club known as the Sons of Anarchy operates in a world of chaos and loyalty. With a raw intensity, the series peels back the layers of brotherhood, crime, and the quest for control, all set against a backdrop of shifting alliances and violent rivalries.
Billy the Kid
Chris Large/Epix
Who's in it: Tom Blyth, Daniel Webber, Alex Roe, Joey Batey
Seasons: 1 (2 on the way)
Step into the boots of the infamous American outlaw, Billy the Kid. This series offers a deep dive into his life, from his early days as a ranch hand to his evolution as a legendary figure in the Old West. Explore the untamed spirit of the frontier through his escapades, encounters with lawmen, and enduring place in history.
Walker, Texas Ranger
CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Who's in it: Chuck Norris, Clarence Gilyard, Sheree J. Wilson, Nia Peeples
Seasons: 9
Cordell Walker, a Texas Ranger, is the embodiment of justice in the Lone Star State. Walker, Texas Ranger combines action-packed law enforcement with a heartfelt exploration of family values and resilience. As Walker faces down criminals and navigates personal tragedy, the series captures the essence of duty, honor, and the pursuit of truth.
Walker
Rebecca Brenneman/THE CW
Who's in it: Jared Padalecki, Keegan Allen, Matt Barr, Odette Annable, Lindsey Morgan
Seasons: 3
The reimagined Walker series reintroduces Cordell Walker as he returns to Austin after a period of undercover work. As he reconciles with his family and adjusts to his new reality, the series delves into the complexities of identity, relationships, and the challenges of balancing personal life with law enforcement.
The Son
Van Redin/AM
Who's in it: Pierce Brosnan, Jacob Lofland, Zahn McClarnon, Henry Garrett
Seasons: 2
The Son spans generations, chronicling the rise of a dynasty from its humble beginnings to its position of immense power. Against the backdrop of changing landscapes and societal shifts, the series delves into themes of legacy, ambition, and the intricate interplay of family dynamics.
Breaking Bad
Ursula Coyote/AMC
Who's in it: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, RJ Mitte
Seasons: 5
Venture into the heart of darkness with Breaking Bad. Follow the transformation of Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher, into a ruthless methamphetamine manufacturer. As he partners with former student Jesse Pinkman, the series delves into the moral descent and complex psychology of characters entangled in the drug trade, all against the backdrop of Albuquerque's desert landscape.
