Here are ten must-watch Western TV series to keep you entertained during the holiday season. With a plethora of high-quality shows released by major streaming platforms this year, many of which have garnered Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, staying in and binge-watching might just be the perfect way to spend your Christmas break.
Top Western TV Series to Binge-Watch This Holiday
1. The Last of Us
Adapted from the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, HBO’s “The Last of Us” stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Set in a post-apocalyptic 2013 United States, the series follows Joel, a single father living in Texas with his 12-year-old daughter. When a mutated fungus sweeps across the nation, turning humans into aggressive, bloodthirsty zombies, Joel and his daughter are forced to flee. Tragedy strikes when his daughter dies during their escape. To survive, Joel must make impossible choices. The series captivates audiences with its profound emotional depth and gripping storyline.
2. The Bear
“The Bear” tells the story of Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), a renowned chef who returns to his hometown of Chicago to take over his deceased brother’s Italian beef sandwich shop. The show has received widespread acclaim, earning a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, and White won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series. The series’ rapid pace and the initial chaos of the restaurant may seem disorienting, but viewers gradually realize that the writers use these chaotic and verbose scenes to depict the immense, unavoidable pain of life, ultimately leading to an indescribable sense of healing.
3. Only Murders in the Building
Starring Selena Gomez, Martin Short, and Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building” garnered high praise after its first season. This series masterfully blends mystery and comedy. The story revolves around a bizarre murder in the Upper West Side apartment building where the three main characters reside. They discover their shared obsession with true crime podcasts and embark on their own investigation, turning the entire process into an exclusive podcast. With its unpredictable plot twists and well-developed characters, the show immerses viewers in the investigation, making it a must-watch of 2023.
4. Vikings: Valhalla
The first season of this show broke records by surpassing one hundred million viewing hours within a week. Set over a century after the events of the “Vikings” series, “Vikings: Valhalla” focuses on the adventures of some of the most legendary Vikings in history: Leif Eriksson, his sister Freydis Eriksdotter, and the Nordic prince Harald Sigurdsson. The series depicts the escalating conflicts between Vikings and royalty, as well as the clash between Christianity and traditional beliefs. The three protagonists cross the ocean to England, embarking on an epic war. The show skillfully combines historical events with intense scenes of conflict between various factions, creating a visually stunning and captivating experience.
5. Succession
“Succession” explores the power struggles within a media mogul’s family. As the family patriarch, Logan’s health deteriorates, his four children vie for his position. However, it remains unclear whether Logan is truly choosing a successor or plotting to regain control. The series, possibly inspired by the Murdoch family, who control one of the world’s largest media and entertainment empires, delves into themes of power, politics, money, media, and family. With its intricate plot and constant infighting among family members, “Succession” is a must-watch for those who enjoy dramas centered around power struggles.