Five Shows To Watch If You Like Yellowstone

Alright, settle in, grab your metaphorical (or actual, I don't judge) cowboy coffee, and let's talk about that show that makes us all dream of wide-open spaces, questionable family decisions, and horses that probably cost more than my rent. Yep, I'm talking about Yellowstone. That glorious, gritty, surprisingly dramatic soap opera set against a backdrop so stunning it makes your eyeballs do a happy dance. If you’ve finished the latest season (and let’s be honest, you’ve probably rewatched the best bits) and are experiencing serious Dutton withdrawal, fear not! Your friendly neighborhood TV guru has compiled a list of five shows that might just fill that dusty, hat-shaped hole in your heart. Think of this as your curated guide to your next binge-watching obsession. Consider yourselves warned: side effects may include an inexplicable urge to buy a ranch and a newfound appreciation for plaid.

Now, I’m not saying these are exact replicas. No show is going to have Kevin Costner’s steely gaze and that chef’s kiss Montana scenery. But they’ve got that certain je ne sais quoi, that blend of family drama, high stakes, and characters who are as complex as a Jackson Pollock painting (and sometimes just as messy). So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. Deadwood

Okay, so Deadwood isn't exactly sunshine and rainbows. It's more like grit, grime, and language that would make a sailor blush. But hear me out! If you love the territorial disputes and the sheer wildness of Yellowstone, you’re going to eat this one up. Set in the actual Wild West, this show dives deep into the messy, lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota. Think saloons, brothels, and a whole lot of power plays. The characters are phenomenal. Ian McShane as Al Swearengen is a masterclass in villainy you can’t help but root for (don’t ask me why, it’s a curse of good acting). Timothy Olyphant, who you might know from another little show called Justified (we’ll get to that!), plays Seth Bullock, a sheriff trying to bring some semblance of order to the chaos. The dialogue is so sharp, it’s practically a weapon. And the history? It’s surprisingly accurate, which is a fun fact to casually drop at your next dinner party. Just, uh, maybe don’t watch this with your grandma unless she’s seen a few things in her day. And by a few things, I mean a lot of things.

The stakes here are life and death, just like on the Dutton ranch, but the methods are a little more… direct. Less elaborate legal battles, more bare-knuckle brawls. It’s the original frontier drama, and it paved the way for shows like Yellowstone to explore the darker, more complicated side of building something from nothing. Plus, the costumes are fantastic. Lots of dark wool and leather, perfect for brooding.

2. Longmire

Now, if Yellowstone is a big ol’ grizzly bear, Longmire is more like a stoic, wise old wolf. This show also takes place in Wyoming (getting warmer!), following Walt Longmire, a sheriff in Absaroka County who’s trying to solve crimes and keep his corner of the world in check. Walt is the antithesis of John Dutton’s dramatic pronouncements. He’s quiet, contemplative, and incredibly competent. He’s got a worn-out hat, a trusty dog named Dog (seriously, that’s his name), and a deeply moral compass. While Yellowstone deals with ranching empires and political machinations, Longmire is more about the local issues, the Native American community, and the everyday struggles of law enforcement in a vast, beautiful, and often unforgiving landscape.

You’ll find yourself drawn to Walt’s unwavering sense of justice. He’s the kind of guy you’d want on your side if things went south. The supporting cast is equally brilliant, with characters like Henry Standing Bear, a wise tribal elder, and Vic Moretti, a tough-as-nails deputy. It’s got that same sense of place, that feeling of being truly immersed in the West. It’s a little slower-paced than Yellowstone, perhaps, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Think of it as a perfectly aged whiskey – smooth, potent, and something you savor. And if you’re a fan of Chief Joseph’s philosophy on leadership, you’ll find a kindred spirit in Walt. Fun fact: Lou Diamond Phillips, who plays Henry Standing Bear, is a real-life expert on Native American history and culture. Pretty neat, huh?

3. Justified

Ah, Justified. This is where Timothy Olyphant really shines as Raylan Givens, a U.S. Marshal with a knack for dispensing justice – his own brand of justice, that is. If you love the swagger and the moral ambiguity of the Duttons, you'll adore Raylan. He’s a cowboy marshal who’s been sent back to his hometown in Kentucky, a place he’d rather forget, to clean up a mess. And boy, does he make a mess while cleaning up messes.

The dialogue in Justified is legendary. It’s quick, witty, and filled with Southern charm and menace. The characters are larger than life, particularly the villains, who are often as charismatic as they are terrifying. Think Boyd Crowder, Raylan’s childhood friend turned criminal mastermind. Their dynamic is electric. This show has the same blend of crime, family loyalty (or lack thereof), and a deep-seated understanding of the land and the people who inhabit it. It’s got shootouts, double-crosses, and enough one-liners to fill a rodeo clown’s joke book. And here’s a surprising fact: the show is based on an Elmore Leonard short story, and Leonard himself was involved in its development. Talk about a pedigree!

If you like seeing a flawed hero navigate a dangerous world with style and a healthy dose of sass, Justified is your jam. It’s got that gritty, authentic feel that Yellowstone fans crave, with characters you’ll love to hate and hate to love. And Olyphant, as I mentioned before, has a way of looking both intimidating and utterly charming simultaneously. It’s a gift, really.

4. Succession

Okay, stay with me here. I know, I know, Succession is all about a wealthy, dysfunctional family fighting over a media empire in New York City, not sprawling ranches in Montana. But hear me out! If the core of what you love about Yellowstone is the intense family drama, the backstabbing, the power plays, and the sheer, unadulterated messiness of it all, then Succession is your holy grail. These people are the ultimate dysfunctional family, and watching them tear each other apart for the approval of their tyrannical patriarch, Logan Roy, is both horrifying and utterly captivating.

The dialogue is razor-sharp, the characters are incredibly complex (even the ones you despise), and the stakes are incredibly high, even if they’re not involving cattle rustlers. It’s about wealth, power, and the corrosive effect it has on relationships. You’ll find yourself yelling at the TV, gasping at shocking revelations, and maybe even feeling a little bit of pity for these incredibly privileged, utterly miserable people. Brian Cox as Logan Roy is a force of nature, a man who commands fear and respect in equal measure. And the supporting cast? Pure gold. Jeremy Strong as Kendall Roy’s constant quest for his father’s approval is a masterclass in character deterioration. It’s like watching a train wreck in slow motion, but it’s a really well-dressed, incredibly witty train wreck.

The sheer level of pettiness and manipulation is astounding. It’s a different kind of war than the one waged on the Yellowstone, but the emotional battles are just as brutal. Plus, you get to see some of the most outrageously wealthy and out-of-touch behavior imaginable. It’s a fascinating, albeit depressing, look at the ultra-rich. Fun fact: The show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong, is British, and the specific brand of British satire often seeps into the show’s DNA, even though it’s set in America. Pretty cool cultural crossover!

5. The Sinner

This one might seem a little out of left field, but if you appreciate the mystery and the darker psychological elements of Yellowstone, then The Sinner is worth a look. Each season of this anthology series focuses on a different individual who commits a seemingly inexplicable act of violence. Detective Harry Ambrose, a brilliant but troubled investigator, is tasked with uncovering the why behind these shocking crimes. Think of it as the slow burn of a Dutton conspiracy, but focused on individual motivations.

What makes The Sinner so compelling is that it doesn't focus on who committed the crime, but why. It delves deep into the psyches of ordinary people who snap, exploring the buried traumas and the hidden darkness that can lurk beneath a seemingly normal surface. It’s not about grand ambitions or political power plays; it's about the intensely personal and often devastating reasons behind human actions. Bill Pullman as Detective Ambrose is fantastic, a weary but determined man who sees the ugliness in the world but still seeks the truth.

The atmosphere is incredibly tense and immersive. You’re constantly trying to piece together the puzzle alongside Ambrose, and the reveals are often shocking and deeply unsettling. It’s a show that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoy the moments in Yellowstone where you’re trying to figure out who’s double-crossing whom and what their true motivations are, you’ll find a similar thrill in The Sinner. Plus, it’s a great way to remind yourself that sometimes, the most dangerous monsters are the ones we create ourselves. Surprising fact: The first season was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Limited Series, and it put Jessica Biel, who plays the initial perpetrator, firmly back in the spotlight for her incredibly brave performance. So there you have it, folks! Five shows to keep you company until the next season of Yellowstone graces our screens. Happy watching!