TV westerns ruled American living rooms in the 1950s and 1960s. At one point, some of the most-watched shows in the country were westerns. Today they're back — and you can watch hundreds of episodes without paying anything.
Channel lineups and app libraries change regularly. Use your TV's search to check where a specific series is playing today.
Free antenna channels for westerns
With a simple HD antenna you can pick up free sub-channels that love westerns:
- Grit — westerns and action, around the clock
- Heroes & Icons (H&I) — westerns mixed with other classic adventure series
- MeTV — classic westerns in its daytime and weekend schedule
Not sure how sub-channels work? Read our guide to classic TV antenna networks.
Free streaming apps for westerns
- Pluto TV — has live western channels you can leave on all day, plus on-demand episodes
- Tubi — large on-demand library of western series and movies
- The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus and LG Channels — look for western channels in the live guide
- Plex — free western movies and series
See our full ranking of the best free apps for classic TV.
Classic westerns to look for
- Gunsmoke — Marshal Matt Dillon keeps the peace in Dodge City. One of the longest-running dramas in TV history.
- Bonanza — the Cartwright family and their Nevada ranch, the Ponderosa.
- The Rifleman — a widowed rancher and his son; a great pick for families.
- Rawhide — cattle drives and a young Clint Eastwood.
- The Big Valley — a strong family drama on a California ranch.
- Have Gun – Will Travel — a smart, stylish gun-for-hire series.
- Wagon Train — new stories every week along the trail west.
- The Virginian — 90-minute episodes that feel like little movies.
New to westerns? Start with our beginner's guide to TV westerns.
Tips for western fans
- Make a favorites list of your western channels so you can switch fast.
- Record with an antenna DVR to build your own western marathon.
- Fix the picture: most westerns were made in 4:3, so set your TV to "Original" picture size — see our settings guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which channel shows the most westerns?
Grit is the channel most focused on westerns, and Pluto TV has dedicated western channels.
Can I watch Gunsmoke for free?
It often appears on antenna networks and free apps, but availability changes. Search the title on your TV to see where it's on now.
Do I need cable to watch westerns?
No. An HD antenna and free streaming apps are enough.
What is the best western for beginners?
The Rifleman and Bonanza are easy to start with: clear stories, likeable characters and episodes that stand alone.
