A critically acclaimed drama on Paramount+ is experiencing a major resurgence, with fans and critics alike declaring it a landmark in modern television. The series 'Joe Pickett' holds a flawless 100% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, with many viewers branding it the 'best Western ever made'.
From Page to Screen: A Neo-Western Thriller
Based on the popular book series, 'Joe Pickett' premiered on Paramount+ in 2021 and ran for two seasons before its cancellation in 2023. The show stars Michael Dorman (Patriots), Julianna Guill (Friday The 13th), and Alex Breaux (Stranger Things). It follows game warden Joe Pickett, who relocates with his wife Marybeth and their daughters to the small town of Saddlestring, Wyoming.
His new role overseeing the Yellowstone National Park area is immediately thrown into chaos when he discovers the body of a local poacher, Ote Keeley. This murder investigation pulls him into a dangerous conspiracy involving a powerful local family and a close friend involved in a shady land development project. The tension escalates further with sightings of a species thought to be extinct, threatening local plans and forcing Joe to protect both his family and the wildlife he is sworn to safeguard.
Critical Acclaim and Viewer Adoration
The show's second season, released in 2023, sees Joe hunting a serial killer in the wilderness while confronting a radical group in his hometown. Despite its premature end, the series has left a lasting impression. The perfect 100% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes is backed by glowing audience reviews.
One viewer, a fan of the original novels, wrote: 'I had reservations but I was won over quickly by the actors. They brought the world of the novels to life for me.' Another hailed it as a soul-nourishing masterpiece, stating: 'It's the best neo-Western made so far.'
The show's gripping pace was a common highlight. A third reviewer noted: 'We were on the edge of our seats from the first episode until the completion and couldn't stop watching.' The praise has even driven new interest in the book series, with one admirer commenting they now felt compelled to read the source material.
A Streaming Contrast: Triumph Versus Turkey
The resurgence of 'Joe Pickett' presents a stark contrast to another recent streaming phenomenon. In a surprising twist, the 2024 Marvel film 'Madame Web', which holds a dismal 10% score on Rotten Tomatoes and was widely panned as 'one of the worst ever made', recently rocketed to the number one spot on Netflix in the UK.
This juxtaposition highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming success, where a critically adored series can find a dedicated audience years after its release, while a critically derided film can still dominate viewing charts through sheer curiosity.
'Joe Pickett', with its two tense seasons, is available to stream exclusively on Paramount+, offering viewers a chance to discover the neo-Western that has captivated so many.
