8 Years Ago, Netflix Quietly Released One Of The Best Western TV Shows Of All Time

by

Westerns have become incredibly popular on television in recent decades, giving us some of the most visually stunning shows we’ve seen. From big successes like Yellowstone and Justified to critically acclaimed shows that didn’t get enough attention, such as The English and Hell on Wheels, the genre is thriving with a new level of creativity and quality it hasn’t shown in years.

While many great Westerns from this century eventually find their audience, some exceptional shows still don’t get the attention they deserve. A particularly overlooked example is a fantastic Netflix series from 2017 that truly delivered for Western fans – and exceeded expectations.

Eight years ago, Netflix released Godless, a limited series that offered a fresh take on the Western genre. Despite a fantastic cast, a compelling story, and strong reviews, it’s somewhat surprising that Godless isn’t discussed more often when people talk about the best Western TV shows of recent years.

What Makes Godless So Good

Godless Remains A Deeply Crafted And Uniquely Engaging Western Experience

The series Godless follows Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels), a dangerous outlaw determined to track down his former apprentice, Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell). Their chase brings them to La Belle, a remote town almost entirely populated by women after a devastating mine accident. This unique setting lets the show combine classic Western themes with compelling characters and a story that highlights what makes the Western genre so powerful.

This show beautifully combines grand, sweeping landscapes with quietly building suspense, offering a unique mix of epic scope and subtle detail. Western fans will quickly recognize and enjoy its confident use of classic elements like gunfights, frontier law, and complex characters, all presented with a modern sensibility that still respects the genre’s roots.

The show truly shines thanks to its actors. Jeffrey Daniels delivers a terrifyingly good performance as the villain, Frank Griffin – he’s a complex character who feels disturbingly human. Jack O’Connell plays the troubled hero, Roy Goode, with a subtle power that makes the story feel real. And Michelle Dockery is exceptional as Alice Fletcher, portraying a strong and resourceful frontier woman in a way that feels fresh yet true to the classic Western spirit.

The show Godless excels at creating a believable world. Creator Scott Frank develops the town of La Belle into a fully realized community, giving depth to supporting characters like Mary Agnes (Merritt Wever) and Whitey Winn (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). Their stories add emotional weight to the show, and the detailed setting makes the themes of survival, starting over, and seeking justice feel even more impactful.

“Godless” takes its time, building tension and focusing on the characters and their difficult choices before reaching a powerful and visually stunning conclusion. The final fight is a standout scene in recent Westerns, effectively blending heartfelt emotion with expertly crafted action.

I was completely captivated by Godless, and I think the limited series format really helped. Every scene felt important and contributed to the story – there wasn’t an ounce of wasted time. It’s a beautifully made, emotionally complex Western, and honestly, it’s one of the best I’ve seen in years. It really pays off if you give it your full attention.

Godless Is Still An Underrated Western

The 2017 Miniseries Deserves Far More Recognition As A Modern Western Classic

Despite being available on Netflix, a hugely popular streaming platform, the series Godless doesn’t get talked about as much as you might expect. It received very positive reviews – earning an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise from critics – but it hasn’t become as culturally prominent as other Westerns released around the same time.

One reason Godless didn’t get as much attention is when it was released. In 2017, Netflix was putting out a huge amount of new content, and smaller shows often got lost amidst the premieres of big, popular franchises. Because Godless was a limited series – meaning it only had one season and no plans for continuation – it didn’t have the staying power to keep viewers talking about it for a long time.

Because Godless told its complete story in just one season, it didn’t have the same chance to build a loyal fanbase as shows like Yellowstone or Longmire, which ran for multiple seasons. Given how carefully made Godless was, it really deserved a longer run to gain the attention it merited, something the way people now watch shows online didn’t provide.

Many high-profile limited series receive a lot of initial praise but are quickly forgotten. However, Godless remains remarkably strong over time. Its messages about strength and the importance of community still resonate deeply, and the show’s cast has become even more well-known, making it especially enjoyable to watch again.

Even after eight years, Godless remains a surprisingly well-kept secret, constantly being rediscovered and praised by Western fans. Its beautiful production, grand scope, and emotionally resonant storytelling place it among the best modern Westerns. Though it didn’t get the widespread attention it deserved, it’s still a remarkable achievement in television.

Read More

2025-12-09 21:59