10 Shows and Movies Similar to Deadwood (2004)

Description: This poetic Western shares Deadwood's lyrical dialogue and exploration of cultural clashes on the frontier. Both shows feature strong female characters navigating a violent masculine world and use the Western genre to explore deeper themes of identity and belonging.

Fact: Emily Blunt's first Western role. Filmed in Spain, standing in for the American plains. Created by Hugo Blick who also directed all episodes.

Description: As a prequel to Yellowstone set during the Western expansion era, 1883 directly parallels Deadwood's historical period and themes of survival, manifest destiny, and the harsh realities of frontier life. Both shows feature diverse ensembles representing different aspects of Western migration.

Fact: Sam Elliott's first major TV role in decades. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's first acting roles together. Many scenes were filmed on the same Texas ranch used for Lonesome Dove.

Description: While set in modern times, Justified shares Deadwood's sharp, literate dialogue (both were created by Elmore Leonard alumni) and features a charismatic lawman navigating a morally complex world. Both shows explore themes of justice, revenge, and the thin line between lawmen and outlaws.

Fact: Timothy Olyphant, who plays Raylan Givens, also starred as Seth Bullock in Deadwood. The character of Raylan Givens first appeared in Leonard's 1993 novel Pronto. Walton Goggins' performance as Boyd Crowder was so compelling the writers expanded his role from a one-episode character.

Description: Similar to Deadwood, Hell on Wheels is a gritty, character-driven Western that explores the lawlessness and moral ambiguity of frontier life. Both shows feature complex antiheroes, rich dialogue, and a focus on the construction of infrastructure (railroads in Hell on Wheels, the town in Deadwood) as a backdrop for human drama.

Fact: The show's protagonist, Cullen Bohannon, is loosely based on a real-life Confederate soldier who worked on the railroad. The series was filmed in Alberta, Canada, standing in for the American West. Actor Colm Meaney, who plays Thomas 'Doc' Durant, also appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Description: This Yellowstone prequel continues the Dutton family saga into the Prohibition era, sharing Deadwood's focus on how communities evolve and how power structures form in developing territories. Both shows blend historical events with family drama.

Fact: Harrison Ford's first regular TV role. Explores the impact of sheep vs. cattle wars on ranching families. Features the same Montana filming locations as Yellowstone.

Description: Though a modern Western, Longmire shares Deadwood's exploration of justice in remote frontier communities and features a stoic, morally upright lawman reminiscent of Seth Bullock. Both shows blend procedural elements with deeper character studies.

Fact: Based on the Walt Longmire mystery novels by Craig Johnson. The show was canceled by A&E after season 3 but revived by Netflix due to fan demand. Many Native American roles were played by actual tribal members.

Description: This multi-generational Western epic shares Deadwood's unflinching portrayal of violence and its exploration of how civilizations are built through both noble and brutal means. Both shows feature strong patriarchs shaping their environments through force of will.

Fact: Based on Philipp Meyer's novel which was partially inspired by his own family history. Pierce Brosnan learned to speak Comanche for his role. The show spans from 1849 to 1915, showing the transformation of the American West.

Description: Taylor Sheridan's modern Western shares Deadwood's themes of land ownership, power struggles, and the violent birth of communities. Both feature strong ensemble casts and explore how civilization encroaches on wilderness.

Fact: Kevin Costner's first major TV role since the 1990s. The Dutton ranch scenes are filmed at a real Montana ranch. Has spawned multiple prequel series (1883, 1923).

Description: This classic Western miniseries shares Deadwood's epic scope and nuanced characterizations. Both feature ensembles of flawed, memorable characters and explore the myth vs. reality of the Old West with equal parts humor and pathos.

Fact: Based on Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer-winning novel. Robert Duvall's favorite role of his career. Initially rejected by all major networks before becoming a critical and ratings success.

Description: This historical miniseries shares Deadwood's authentic period detail and exploration of how personal conflicts escalate into larger violence. Both shows depict the blurred lines between law and vengeance in frontier communities.

Fact: History Channel's first scripted miniseries. Kevin Costner and Bill Paxton had never worked together before. The feud actually lasted nearly 30 years with dozens killed.