If You're Tired Of Taylor Sheridan Westerns, Netflix Has The Perfect 7-Episode Alternative

For those who have grown weary of Taylor Sheridan's Westerns, Netflix offers the perfect alternative: Godless. This seven-episode miniseries provides a gritty, character-driven Western experience that diverges significantly from Sheridan's contemporary settings in Yellowstone and Landman. Instead, Godless is set in late-1880s New Mexico, focusing on the town of La Belle, where women step into leadership roles after a mining accident claims most of the men.

The story revolves around the arrival of on-the-run outlaw Roy Goode, played by Jack O'Connell, whose presence threatens the town's stability. Roy's pursuit by his former gang leader adds tension to the narrative. Upon its release on Netflix in 2017, Godless garnered critical acclaim from both critics and audiences, who appreciated its talented cast and fresh take on classic Western elements.

The miniseries receives special praise for its exploration of complex family dynamics, with a unique twist: the women of La Belle take center stage. This approach sets Godless apart from the traditionally male-dominated Western genre. Series creator and director Scott Frank had long desired to pen a Western, and Godless became his debut.

In a 2017 interview with NPR's Fresh Air, Frank shared his approach to the genre, stating, "I love the Western so much, why not embrace every single cliche I can think of from breaking horses to train robberies to the two guys facing each other in the street—all of that stuff?" He found inspiration in real accounts of women who were left to sustain mining towns following deadly accidents, infusing the story with a fresh perspective.