You could say that media inspired by the American West was at its height before full color TV broadcasts were regular. That said, it's making a comeback. So, let's take a look at some of the popular Western-inspired movies, TV shows, and slots, and how recent adaptations are transforming the genre.
Cowboy Culture
When we think of the Wild West, perhaps the most classic theme of all is, of course, cowboys. Cowboys have been a mainstay of Western-themed entertainment for decades, harking back to the cult classic Clint Eastwood movies from the 1960s and 70s. Today, cowboys are still piquing popular interest, especially when it comes to online casino games with games like Mega Fire Blaze: Wild Pistolero, The Wild Gang, and Wilds of the West. These slot games hold all the iconic motifs of cowboy-themed media, from the hats right down to the spurs, and even music inspired by those classic Western movies from decades ago.
Whilst slot games give a modern twist to the theme through their technological elements and complex digital mechanics, other modern Western entertainment add to the genre through their unique narratives. In TV, Westworld (2016-2022) in particular used cowboy moralistic themes to highlight the ruthlessness of modern society. Looking to the big screen, The Old Way (2023) tells the tale from the perspective of a retired gunslinger, and his motivations for returning. A retelling of Calamity Jane (2024) is set to provide a fresh take on a classic tale.
Subverting the Genre
As modern Western TV and films are putting new innovative twists on classic tales and themes, others are using the opportunity to subvert the genre. A select few are introducing diversity and modern themes into these shows and films. Perhaps none have gone so viral or attracted a cult following than Wynonna Earp (2016-2021). Imagine Wyatt Earp's gun had powers, and was passed down through generations.
Now add in a resurrected Doc Holliday and LGBTQIA+ representation and there's no wonder that it has won Canadian Screen Awards, People's Choice Awards, and more. When the show was canceled, fans campaigned for renewal - and it has recently been announced it will return for a one-off special in 2024. This popularity has inspired a need to highlight previously untold stories of marginalized groups. This can be seen in the show Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023), and films like Killers of the Flower Moon (2023).
Changing Audience Perceptions
Another theme that is popular in Western entertainment is the depiction of animals, particularly bulls and buffalo. This theme is so intrinsically connected to the Wild West that it has inspired countless Western-themed online slot games like Buffalo Blitz, Black Bull, and Wild Bison Charge. Though you might not see any cowboys or other tropes, they are recognizably Western just from the depiction and stylization of these working animals.
It is unlikely that you'll see these animals in live modern adaptations, though. This is likely due to an increased awareness of animal conservation and their importance to the culture of Native Americans. With this in mind, this shift towards conservation can be seen in the documentary The American Buffalo (2023) by Ken Burns, which explores Native American culture, the importance of conservation, and the significance of living with bison for today's and future Native Americans.
From cowboys to buffalo, digitization to diversity, modern Western-inspired media is putting a fresh spin on well-worn themes. Thanks to this, one thing is for sure - media inspired by the American West is making a comeback, and not a moment too soon.