Some of thebest Western TV shows of all timewere based on pre-existing novels or literary characters.

With plenty of wit and high-stakes emotional drama,Longmireshowcased the continued popularity of Westerns on television.

One episode ofThe Virginianeven served as a backdoor pilot for the spin-off seriesLaredo, which ran for two seasons.

Imagery from Pearl and Annabelle: Creation

As a contemporary Western story,Ransom Canyonmixed classic themes and old-school cowboy stories with soap opera-style drama.

With just three episodes, the script wasadapted by McMurtry along with the futureBrokeback Mountainscreenwriter Diana Ossana.

With stunning visuals and a great performance from Brosnan,The Sonwas a worthy adaptation of Meyers book.

Imagery from Flow and Spider-man: Into the Spider-Verse

With just four episodes,Lonesome Dovecaptured the power of the novel with an epic and inspired depiction.

Lonesome Dovereceived overwhelming critical acclaim, with Duvalls performance being particularly praised.

Sylvester Stallone as Rocky and Sigourney Weaver as Ripely in Alien.

8-Great-Western-TV-Shows-Based-On-Books

Custom image by Yeider Chacon.

Longmire TV Show Poster

Headshot Of Katee Sackhoff In The Los Angeles Premiere Of Lionsgate’s ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

Headshot Of Bailey Chase In The Summer Nights Evening Bash

03147341_poster_w780.jpg

Headshot Of Burt Reynolds

Cast Placeholder Image

The Virginian

03212759_poster_w780.jpg

Headshot Of Minka Kelly In The Nomis World Premiere

054530_poster_w780.jpg

Headshot Of David Arquette In the 31st Annual Race To Erase MS Gala 2024

The Son 2017 TV Show Poster

Headshot Of Pierce Brosnan

Headshot Of Jacob Lofland

Headshot Of Zahn McClarnon

Lonesome Dove

Headshot Of Robert Duvall In The 40th Anniversary and World Premiere of Apocalypse

Shot Of Tommy Lee Jones In The Los Angeles premiere of ‘Finestkind’

Justified TV Poster

Headshot Of Jere Burns In The Turner TBS TNT 2016 Upfront

Headshot Of Erica Tazel