If you want animation that is not just for kids, Wagon Train is available in the US on Philo and Starz Roku Premium Channel right now. 8 seasons in, and the quality has not slipped. With 30 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Watch it in order — the character development is cumulative. Available now on Philo — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Wagon Train keeps coming up in conversation. Visually distinctive and narratively ambitious, Wagon Train operates well above the genre average. The series initially starred veteran movie supporting actor Ward Bond as the wagon master, later replaced upon his death by John McIntire, and Robert Horton as the scout, subsequently replaced by lookalike Robert Fuller a year after Horton had decided to leave the series. The series was inspired by the 1950 film Wagon Master directed by John Ford and starring Ben Johnson, Harry Carey Jr. And Ward Bond, and harkens back to the early widescreen wagon train epic The Big Trail starring John Wayne and featuring Bond in his first major screen appearance playing a supporting role. John McIntire and Robert Fuller bring more to it than the format typically demands. The series ran for 8 seasons (1957–1965), building a story that gave its audience time to invest properly. Wagon Train uses the freedom of animation to tell stories live-action could not attempt. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but Wagon Train works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. Viewers who responded to The Big Valley will find a lot to like here too. 8 seasons in, there is no shortage of material once you get started. The writing operates at a level the format's reputation does not fully prepare you for. Adult animation that actually works for adults.

Wagon Train wrapped up in 1965 — and 8 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.