In the year 2020, a variety of new television series featuring cowboys premiered on different networks and streaming platforms. These shows portrayed the classic cowboy image in diverse settings, each with their own unique storylines and characters.
One of the most popular cowboy TV shows currently airing is Yellowstone. Its third season aired in 2020 and is set on a Montana ranch, where the Dutton family struggles to defend their land against various threats. Kevin Costner plays the lead role, and the show is known for its captivating narrative and stunning visuals.
The Mandalorian is a science-fiction show that also draws heavily from the Western genre. Although it takes place in a distant galaxy, it follows the journey of a lone bounty hunter played by Pedro Pascal, who travels with a cute and charming alien companion. The show has been a massive hit for Disney+ and is praised for its fast-paced action and outstanding performances.
Godless premiered on Netflix in 2017 but regained popularity in 2020. It takes place in a New Mexico mining town in the 1880s and tells the story of an outlaw who seeks refuge there, leading to a series of events that threaten the townspeople’s safety. Jeff Daniels and Jack O’Connell star in the show, which is praised for its authentic Western ambiance and excellent performances.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond, a spinoff of the popular horror series, The Walking Dead, also has a Western influence. The show follows a group of teenagers as they embark on a dangerous journey across the country to find their father in a post-apocalyptic world. The series blends horror and Western elements to create a unique atmosphere, while its young cast delivers strong performances.
Longmire premiered on A&E in 2012 and concluded its final three seasons on Netflix in 2015, 2016, and 2017. It revolves around Walt Longmire, a sheriff in rural Wyoming, and his personal struggles as he solves crimes. The show is noted for its well-drawn characters and realistic portrayal of small-town life in the West.
Deadwood: The Movie deserves special mention, even though it is not a TV show. This highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed HBO series, Deadwood, which ran from 2004 to 2006, takes place several years after the original events. It follows the residents of the town as they prepare for statehood in South Dakota. The movie is known for its exceptional acting and fulfilling conclusion to the series’ storylines.
In conclusion, 2020 witnessed the debut of several noteworthy cowboy-themed television shows, ranging from the well-regarded Yellowstone to the inventive The Mandalorian. These series are united in their celebration of the rugged, individualistic nature of the cowboy, portrayed in various locales and with a diversity of narrative approaches.