Last Updated on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by zapier

The American West, New Gold Mountain, That Dirty Black Bag, and Hell on Wheels: Best Western TV Shows on Showtime

Western TV shows have a timeless appeal, and Showtime offers some of the best in the genre right now. Whether you’re into gritty outlaws, gold rush conflicts, or the construction of the railroad that changed America, there’s a Western series waiting for you. Today, we’ll explore four standout titles currently streaming: The American West, New Gold Mountain, That Dirty Black Bag, and Hell on Wheels. Saddle up for tales of justice, revenge, and survival on the wild frontier.

1. The American West

IMDb Score: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

Produced by none other than Robert Redford, The American West is a powerful docuseries that captures the raw transformation of America between 1865 and 1890. Through reenactments and interviews with legends like Ed Harris and Tom Selleck, it tells the lesser-known personal stories of iconic figures like Jesse James and Wyatt Earp. The combination of dramatic storytelling and historical depth makes this series a must-watch for Western fans looking for a richer perspective.

2. New Gold Mountain

IMDb Score: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

New Gold Mountain explores a rarely told chapter of Western history—the role of the Chinese community in Australia’s 1855 gold rush. Intrigue kicks off when a murdered European woman is linked to the Chinese camp, shaking the already fragile peace. The show’s visual storytelling and complex characters make it more than just a murder mystery—it’s a thoughtful commentary on race, identity, and power in a lawless land. Trust us, it’s worth panning for this gold.

3. That Dirty Black Bag

IMDb Score: 6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 77%

That Dirty Black Bag instantly grabs your attention with its gritty tone and morally gray characters. Sheriff Arthur McCoy and bounty hunter Red Bill are locked in an eight-day standoff filled with action, bloodshed, and, yes, decapitated heads. It’s as gnarly as it sounds—in the best way possible. With stylized visuals and a slow-burning narrative, it’s a modern Western that pays tribute to the genre’s roots while carving out something uniquely twisted.

4. Hell on Wheels

IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

Set during the building of the first transcontinental railroad, Hell on Wheels follows former Confederate soldier Cullen Bohannon as he seeks vengeance—and maybe redemption. The moving “town” of Hell on Wheels is full of outlaws, opportunists, and dreamers trying to survive in a time of massive change. It’s dark, gritty, beautifully acted, and often surprisingly emotional. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re missing one of the most gripping Westerns in recent memory.