You’d be hard pressed to find many Western fans who aren’t familiar with Blanche Hanalis’ “Little House on the Prairie.” The original series ran for nine seasons in the ’70s and ’80s, providing family-friendly drama while chronicling the trials and tribulations of the Ingalls family as they survive on a farm in Minnesota. Make no mistake about it, “Little House on the Prairie” is a great show, but is it the best Western series out there? Heck no.
Mind you, we aren’t here to throw shade at “Little House on the Prairie” — it should be celebrated until the end of time. The goal is merely to highlight Westerns that explore similar storylines, themes, and ideals in a more compelling way. You are likely familiar with some of the shows on this list, as the majority are far from obscure. But why should fans of Hanalis’ series check them out, and what makes them better than the ’70s classic? Let’s find out.
Bonanza
There was a time when “Bonanza” was one of the longest-running shows in television history, with the series airing hundred of episodes from 1959 to 1973. The fact it stuck around for so long is a testament to its popularity, but why should “Little House on the Prairie” fans check it out? For a start, both shows star the great Michael Landon, and “Bonanza” just so happens to be one of the best small-screen Westerns ever made.
“Bonanza” follows the Cartwright family as they protect their land from the crooks and scoundrels who roam the Old West. Cowboys protecting their land sounds like every other Western show out there, but “Bonanza” is more of a family drama than a shoot ’em up.
“Little House on the Prairie” and “Bonanza” are similar in that they both promote family values and pro-community themes. Neither show is particularly violent, but they address some weighty social issues from their respective time periods, such as racism and prejudice. “Bonanza” also influenced “Little House on the Prairie” in a less complimentary way, as Landon was accused of repurposing storylines for the latter. If you’re going to borrow ideas, take them from the greats, right?
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman
Some pundits have described “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” as a more grown-up version of “Little House on the Prairie.” Both shows take place in close-knit frontier communities and center around characters raising children, so the family values are strong. However, Dr. Quinn (Jane Seymour) must also save lives in a town where sexism and other ills raise their ugly heads. Still, her refusal to back down to prejudice makes her a great heroine to root for.
“Little House on the Prairie” didn’t shy away from exploring difficult subject matter at times, albeit in a way that was suitable for younger viewers. “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” came out in the ’90s, and it explores these ideas with more nuance and sophistication. Following its release, the series was credited for breathing new life into family dramas, while providing an alternative to more macho-flavored series like “Walker, Texas Ranger.” But not enough people talk about it these days.
Seymour is fantastic as the eponymous doctor who’s always standing up for what she believes in. She experiences struggles throughout the series’ six seasons, sure, but Dr. Quinn is the type of competent protagonist audiences just can’t get enough of. Who doesn’t love shows about skilled pros being good at their jobs?
Few shows deal with the harshness of frontier life more bleakly than Taylor Sheridan’s “Yellowstone” spin-off “1883.” This one tells the story of a grueling cross-country trek across the Old West that exposes the travelers to bandits, rattlesnakes, tornadoes, heartache, and more. The bulk of the story follows Elsa Dutton (Isabel May) and her family as they look for their slice of the American Dream, but they soon learn that it comes at a cost.
Every “Yellowstone” show has its pros and cons, but “1883” is considered a highlight of the franchise, as evidenced by its 89% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes. Like “Little House on the Prairie,” Sheridan’s series uses the frontier as the backdrop for a story boasting strong family values and coming-of-age themes. However, without going into spoiler territory, Elsa Dutton deals with tougher obstacles than the Ingalls kids. “1883” is full of emotional gut punches, but Sheridan is a romantic at heart, so there’s beauty in the chaos.
The cast of “1883” also features Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and the almighty Sam Elliott, so its Western credentials are undeniable. If you like it, check out these other must-see period Westerns that are reminiscent of “1883.”
Heartland
Shows about rural family life don’t get much better than “Heartland.” Based on Lauren Brookes’ book series of the same name, this long-running neo-Western follows a family who live on a ranch in Canada. A lot of the story revolves around Amy (Amber Marshall), a teenager who cares for troubled horses after recovering from a car accident.
“Heartland” offers low-stakes, sentimental storytelling and wholesome family entertainment, but the characters still experience their fair share of grief. You’ll definitely cry at times, but the show’s worldview isn’t pessimistic. The story explores healing qualities associated with family, communities, and having a purpose, making it the perfect watch for fans of “Little House on the Prairie.”
Granted, “Heartland” is quite hokey and cheesy, but that isn’t a bad thing. We all need comforting, soul-soothing entertainment from time to time, and “Heartland” delivers it in spades. The drama has also been on the air since 2007, so there are no shortage of episodes for your viewing pleasure.
Dutton Ranch
We have another “Yellowstone” offshoot on this list — and for good reason. “Dutton Ranch” is an exquisite family drama about the struggles of life on a ranch, but it goes harder than “Little House on the Prairie.” The Ingalls face difficult obstacles and encounter bad people, sure, but Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) can’t escape them.
“Dutton Ranch” isn’t all darkness and despair, mind you. The “Yellowstone” franchise has always embraced family values and romance, but “Dutton Ranch” is more wholesome in its approach. Rip and Beth have fully accepted Carter (Finn Little) as their kid after adopting him as a young rapscallion on “Yellowstone,” and parenting really suits them. However, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as Carter soon finds himself on the wrong side of some bad people. The Duttons are long overdue for some peace and happiness, but “Dutton Ranch” is a powerful reminder that life isn’t easy for anyone.
There are Western shows that are even better than “Dutton Ranch,” so add those to your watch list as well. But the “Yellowstone” spin-off deserves its flowers for bringing quality back to the franchise following the original show’s polarizing final season. It’s genuinely great, and proof that there’s life left in this seemingly neverending saga after all.
