FX’s 10/10 Western With Near-Perfect RT Score Will Age Better Than Yellowstone

As a huge film and TV fan, I’ve noticed something really exciting: the 2020s are turning out to be a fantastic time for Westerns on TV. We’re seeing these really high-quality dramas bring back all the epic storytelling and complicated characters that made the genre so great in the first place. And leading the charge is Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone. It’s become a massive hit, bringing modern ranch life to the screen in a way that’s totally captivating, and honestly, it’s changed what viewers expect from a Western. It’s not your typical cowboy show anymore!

The popularity of Yellowstone is clear, leading to several spinoffs and demonstrating that traditional Western themes can still be incredibly successful. However, Yellowstone didn’t become a hit out of nowhere. Before Taylor Sheridan’s show captured the public’s attention, another series had already paved the way for this renewed interest in the genre.

Even years after it ended, Justified remains a standout TV Western, earning high praise (97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a dedicated following. It’s a classic FX show that has held up incredibly well over time, and many now consider it to be more consistently strong and satisfying than Yellowstone.

What Is Justified About

A Modern Western That Thrives On Character, Wit, And Moral Tension

Justified centers around Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), a quiet and principled Deputy U.S. Marshal. He believes in a traditional sense of justice, which often puts him at odds with both the criminals he pursues and his fellow law enforcement officers. Following a problematic shooting incident in Miami, Raylan is sent back to his rural hometown in eastern Kentucky – a place he left behind but now must confront.

Though set in the mountains of Harlan County, Kentucky, the TV show Justified feels like a classic Western. It focuses on confrontations, long-held resentments, and personal honor, all brought to life with witty writing and self-contained episodes that gradually build into larger season-long stories.

At the center of the show Justified is the complex and often explosive relationship between Raylan and Boyd Crowder (Walton Goggins). Boyd isn’t a simple bad guy – he’s smart, charming, and willing to bend the rules, making him a truly compelling character. Because of their past, every encounter between them carries a lot of weight and adds emotional depth to the series.

If you enjoy shows like Yellowstone, you’ll likely appreciate Justified because it also explores themes of power, family history, and a strong connection to the land. Similar to the Dutton family, the characters in Harlan County are defined by where they live, their customs, and long-held grudges. The violence in the show isn’t senseless; it stems from deep-seated, personal conflicts and past hurts, rather than being simply for shock value.

Unlike typical Westerns that focus on cops and criminals, Justified skillfully combines self-contained episodes with a larger, ongoing story, letting its characters develop naturally. Episodes like “Fire in the Hole” quickly set the show’s distinctive mood and ideas, and later seasons build on that foundation without slowing down.

The show feels assured and focused on its characters. Justified recognizes that great Westerns aren’t just about grand scope; they succeed through clever writing, complex characters, and people who follow codes they don’t fully grasp.

Justified And Yellowstone Redefined Westerns On TV

Prestige Westerns Became Character Studies Rather Than Trope Showreels

Before shows like Justified and Yellowstone became popular, TV Westerns often relied on either looking back to the past or offering new takes on old stories without a clear reason. Deadwood broke that pattern, demonstrating that the Western genre could handle complex, Shakespearean-style language, flawed characters, and harsh realism—all without glorifying the past or sticking to simple, self-contained episodes.

Inspired by Deadwood, Justified updated the classic Western for a modern audience. It proved that the core ideas of the genre – like law versus chaos and struggles for power – aren’t tied to the Old West. The show demonstrated that you don’t need cowboys and horses to tell a compelling Western story, just clear moral boundaries and believable repercussions for actions.

Yellowstone took the idea of Westerns to a new level. Taylor Sheridan’s popular series turned the story of land ownership into a huge, dramatic family feud, blending classic Western themes with the style of a high-quality soap opera. It successfully brought Westerns back to mainstream television in a way that very few shows have managed to do.

Both Justified and Yellowstone changed Westerns by focusing on complex characters and their motivations, moving away from simple historical settings. Violence wasn’t just for show; it served a purpose, and conflicts arose from deeper issues like beliefs, family history, and who people are – not just from clear-cut heroes and villains.

Modern TV shows are clearly influenced by classic Westerns. Series like Godless, Dark Winds, and Longmire all use similar techniques, focusing on creating a strong mood, exploring complex moral questions, and telling stories like movies. Even shows that aren’t technically Westerns, like Outer Range, show this renewed interest in the genre.

What makes Justified stand out among recent Westerns is its focus on detail and careful storytelling. While Yellowstone emphasizes grand, sweeping scenes, Justified excels at building tension through smart dialogue and controlled confrontations. These conversations often feel more impactful than any big action sequences, highlighting the importance of strong writing in the revival of this genre.

Why Justified Will Age Better Than Yellowstone

Strong Writing And A Clean Ending Matter More Than Cultural Dominance

Although Yellowstone is a fantastic show, Justified is arguably even better. Justified stands out because of its consistent and focused approach. Throughout its six seasons, the show maintains a clear tone, a well-structured storyline, and believable characters. The plotlines develop realistically, build tension effectively, and reach satisfying conclusions without contradicting earlier events.

However, Yellowstone began to suffer as it became more popular. The show’s complex storylines, changing character reasons, and issues with production eventually made the plot feel less clear. Kevin Costner leaving the show also impacted the ending, making it feel rushed instead of naturally concluding the story.

Unlike some shows, Justified didn’t stumble at the finish line. Its last season, especially the finale ‘The Promise,’ provides a satisfying conclusion for both Raylan and Boyd. The series doesn’t end with flashy action, but with a heartfelt resolution that feels earned after seasons of building tension.

One strength of Justified is its tone. The show’s realistic dialogue and believable problems steer clear of the over-the-top qualities that can make other serious dramas feel outdated. Its humor, subtlety, and complex characters feel relevant at any time, unlike Yellowstone, which relies heavily on a dramatic style that might feel very specific to this current moment in time.

Despite everything, the impact of Yellowstone is undeniable. It’s likely to have a broader and more lasting influence than Justified, thanks to its popularity and potential for spin-offs. Taylor Sheridan’s world will continue to be visible in popular culture for a long time to come.

What makes something endure isn’t grand spectacle, but consistency, how well it holds up on repeated viewings, and respect for the audience. The show Justified does all of these things exceptionally well, remaining a strong, self-aware modern Western that understands its strengths.

While TV Westerns keep changing, Justified doesn’t feel like something that simply paved the way for others – it stands out as a high standard. Over time, its impact has become more and more clear. Yellowstone is excellent, but Justified feels like a classic that will endure.

2025-12-15 02:00