Return of the Western? A Look Back at Forgotten '80s TV Shows
With the buzz surrounding Young Guns 3 and the hope that it’ll bring back the raw, untamed spirit of the old West, Western fans have reason to sit up and pay attention. Could this next chapter in the Billy the Kid saga spark the resurgence of cowboy stories we’ve been missing? If it does, it’ll be a good day for all of us who still remember the days when Westerns ruled the screen. But while we wait for Young Guns 3 to come galloping in, let’s take a little stroll through the '80s, a time when the West made a brief but bold comeback on the small screen.
The '80s weren’t exactly a golden era for the Western. We were in the midst of action-packed blockbusters and new kinds of storytelling, and yet, for a short while, there was a wave of Westerns trying to make their mark on TV. Some of them stuck around for a while, while others came and went like tumbleweeds in a desert breeze. But for those who caught them in their short runs, these shows still hold a little place in the heart. So, let’s take a look at a few of those forgotten Westerns of the '80s. They didn’t all last, but they sure had their moments—and those moments are still worth remembering.
The Yellow Rose (1983)
The story goes like this: a beautiful woman named Colleen Champion (played by Cybill Shepherd) runs a Texas ranch with her brother and a former outlaw. Set against the backdrop of a post-Civil War Texas, The Yellow Rose mixes family drama with a fair share of shootouts and cattle rustlers. It was short-lived, only lasting one season, but it still managed to leave a mark with its bold blend of Old West grit and the kind of romance you’d expect in a Southern drama. Sure, it didn’t make it past 13 episodes, but for those who tuned in, it was a ride worth remembering. Check out a clip on YouTube here to get a feel for this 80s western attempt.
Texas Rangers (1983)
Now, when you think of Texas Rangers, you might picture Chuck Norris kicking butt and taking names, and you’d be right—kind of. This show had all the action-packed elements you’d expect from a Western with a modern twist. Norris plays a tough-as-nails Texas Ranger, who takes on crime and corruption in the Wild West. But here’s the twist: it was set in 1980s Texas, with a modern-day setting and all the action you could handle. Sadly, it didn’t last long, only running for a single season. But for fans of Norris' tough-guy persona, this show was a quick fix for those craving some cowboy action. Here’s a clip of the series on YouTube.
Wildside (1985)
Wildside tried to mix the ol’ West with a dash of mystery and suspense. It followed a Chicago detective, played by D.W. Moffett, who is sent undercover to a town that looks like it was plucked right out of the 1800s. Set against a backdrop of small-town Western drama, Wildside tried to blend crime-solving with the cowboy lifestyle. Unfortunately, it couldn’t wrangle enough of an audience to last more than a handful of episodes, but it still gave us a glimpse of how a modern detective might mix it up with cowboys. Watch a clip of Wildside here.
Outlaws (1986)
Outlaws had an intriguing premise: five outlaws from the Old West, who get struck by lightning and are transported into the future. These cowboys from 1899 are thrust into 1980s Houston, where they try to make their way in a world they can’t quite understand. They end up using their cowboy skills to solve modern-day crimes. It’s a wild blend of Western and sci-fi, and it’s as strange as it sounds. Unfortunately, it didn’t catch on and was canceled after just one season. But it’s worth watching just to see how these outlaws handle the future. You can find a clip of Outlaws on YouTube here.
Guns of Paradise (1989-1990)
Set in the rugged California countryside, Guns of Paradise followed a man named Frank and his son as they made a fresh start in the Old West after tragedy struck. Lee Horsley played Frank, and though the series had strong performances and some solid Western moments, it couldn’t hold onto the audience for more than two seasons. It had that family drama feel mixed with cowboy grit, and it’s still a solid watch for any fans of the genre. Check out a clip from Guns of Paradise on YouTube here.
Zorro and Son (1983)
Ah, Zorro. The masked man who fought for justice in 19th-century California. But this time, he’s got a son, and it’s more of a comedic take than the usual sword-swinging action. This version of Zorro—played by Stewart Granger—teams up with his son to continue the family tradition of fighting for the underdog. Unfortunately, the lighthearted tone didn’t sit well with everyone, and the show lasted only a single season. Still, it’s a fun, forgotten take on the classic hero. Watch a clip from Zorro and Son here.
So, there you have it—a handful of forgotten Westerns from the '80s, each with its own unique twist on cowboy life. These shows may not have lasted long, but they sure left their mark on anyone who caught them during their brief runs. And who knows? With Young Guns 3 on the horizon, maybe we’re on the verge of seeing a new wave of Westerns, bringing back that cowboy spirit in a way we haven’t seen in decades. Until then, if you’re craving that Old West feel, give one of these shows a watch and see what the 1980s tried to do with the Western genre.
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