The CW Network Goes Country With New Docuseries 'The Wranglers'

Move over One Tree Hill, the CW Network is going country. In a bold move that reflects America's ongoing fascination with Western culture, the network has announced its latest venture: an eight-part docuseries titled The Wranglers. This series will take viewers deep into the heart of Montana, showcasing the real lives of the dedicated staff at the Circle Bar Dude Ranch.

At the Circle Bar Dude Ranch, guests are invited to step into a world where they can experience the rugged beauty and lifestyle of a real-life ranch. The ranch offers riding grounds that were once home to the cowboys glorified on popular shows like Yellowstone and 1923. As the excitement builds for the show's debut, fans are eager to see how the drama unfolds in a real-world setting.

Heather Olander, the Head of Programming for the CW Network, shared her thoughts on the new series, admitting that fans have a penchant for drama. "Fans love the drama of the bunkhouse on the scripted hit Yellowstone, and now we're bringing it to life in this series," she explains. This statement underscores the network's understanding of its audience and their love for compelling storytelling set against the backdrop of the American West.

America's romance with the Western lifestyle dates back to the 1890s when Annie Oakley first captured hearts on screen. Iconic figures like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood dominated the box office in the 1960s and 1970s with their spaghetti Westerns, a genre that Quentin Tarantino later revived with immense success in films like Django and The Hateful Eight.

In today's television landscape, shows like Yellowstone have played a pivotal role in making country culture trendy again. Lainey Wilson, a prominent figure in the country music scene, noted that Yellowstone made country "cool" once more. The brainchild of Taylor Sheridan, this show has garnered numerous accolades, including nominations for Golden Globes and Emmys, and has inspired several spinoffs, such as 1923 and the Taste of Country podcast, Dutton Rules.

As the premiere date for The Wranglers approaches—set for October 24th—viewers are left to wonder if this unscripted cowboy genre will resonate as strongly as its scripted predecessors. With the anticipation building, fans of country culture and drama alike are ready to saddle up for this new adventure!

Wood is the host of Taste of Country Mornings with Wood and Nicole, which can be heard every morning from 6-10 AM CT on the Taste of Country app, local affiliates, and online at tasteofcountry.com.