The Rifleman is currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime Video and fuboTV, and in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, and it uses the format for more than just a visual hook. The 5-season run is exactly the right length for what it is doing. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

The Rifleman is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The Rifleman has the visual identity that makes it immediately recognisable, and the writing to back it up. The Rifleman is an American Western television program starring Chuck Connors as rancher Lucas McCain and Johnny Crawford as his son, Mark McCain. It was set in the 1880s in the town of North Fork, New Mexico Territory. The show was filmed in black-and-white, half-hour episodes. Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. 5 seasons (1958–1963) gave the story room most shows never get. What makes The Rifleman more than a curiosity is writing that would hold up in any format. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but The Rifleman works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. The tonal similarities to Bonanza are real, though The Rifleman carves out its own identity quickly. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch if your schedule allows. Chuck Connors brings more to the role than the format usually demands. A harder one to justify skipping than to start.

The Rifleman wrapped up in 1963, created by Sam Peckinpah — and 5 seasons are available to watch from start to finish. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.