'Perfect' Western series is based on books by 'best crime writer in the land'

Western fans have found the perfect series to binge-watch over the coming weeks, based on a book from the "best crime writer in the land". The crime thriller series, set against a Neo-Western backdrop, boasts six series and 78 episodes, running from 2010 until 2015. It's based on the Raylan Givens books by Elmore Leonard, who British journalist Anthony Lain hailed as "one of the best crime writers in the land".

Entitled Justified, the series follows deputy US Marshal Givens as he decides to carry out his own brand of justice on the Appalachian mountains in eastern Kentucky. It's based particularly on the short story Fire in the Hole, and stars everyone from Timothy Olyphant to White Lotus star Walton Goggins.

The series was popular enough to spark a spin-off sequel, Justified: City Primeval, which ran in 2023.

Givens is described as a "19th-century-style Old West lawman living in modern times", making him the "problem child" of the Marshals Service. He's forced to work in Harlan County where he grew up - after thinking he'd managed to escape for good.

The series has been branded "perfect viewing" by fans, with one reviewer writing: "This will certainly be one of the best series I've ever seen, this is a modern western crime drama with slick writing and crazy characters.

"The series starts off in a procedural manner in the first 4 episodes but soon indulges in the spectacular storyline once Arlo shows up. The story gets picked up quickly with the introduction of us to the world of Harlan and its terrors."

Another added: "Best show of its kind on TV [in my humble opinion]. It's more than just a TV series, it's a novel-esque film delivered in serialised segments, much like the novels of Dickens were back in his day."

While a third said: "This is a must-watch. Olyphant does his best acting in Justified compared to any other series or move I've seen him in. The way he portrays Raylan Givens and takes on the character is comparable to Johnny Depp engrossing himself in his roles. Goggins, [Nick] Searcy and [Natalie] Zea are all perfect in their roles as well."

It's currently streaming on Disney+.