If you're a fan of Westerns and have been craving something beyond the modern grit of neo-Westerns like 'Joe Pickett', a classic gem has just galloped onto Tubi. The Young Riders, a 1989 series that gave Josh Brolin one of his earliest leading roles, is now free to stream, offering a refreshingly old-school take on the Pony Express era.
Created by Ed Spielman, the show originally aired on ABC for three seasons, blending the ensemble camaraderie of The Magnificent Seven with the family-friendly ranch dynamics of Bonanza. It follows a group of young riders—teens and young adults—working for the Pony Express in the 1860s, tackling everything from outlaws to personal dramas against the backdrop of the American frontier.
Josh Brolin's Breakout Role
Long before he became Thanos' target in Avengers: Infinity War or a cowboy in No Country for Old Men, Brolin played James Butler Hickok—better known as Wild Bill Hickok—in The Young Riders. At just 21, Brolin brought a youthful swagger to the legendary gunslinger, foreshadowing the intensity he'd later bring to roles in Sicario and Dune. The series also featured a young Stephen Baldwin as William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) and Ty Miller as the lead character, The Kid.
The show's appeal lies in its mix of historical figures and fictional stories. Each episode often wove in real-life events, like the Pony Express's challenges, while giving the young cast room to develop their characters. It's a far cry from the darker, more cynical Westerns of today, like Taylor Sheridan's 'The Madison', but that's exactly what makes it a charming time capsule.
Why It's Worth a Watch Now
For Western enthusiasts, The Young Riders offers a lighter, more optimistic take on the genre. It's not about antiheroes or moral ambiguity; it's about young people finding their place in a harsh but hopeful world. The series also benefits from strong production values for its time, with authentic costumes and sweeping landscapes that capture the romance of the Old West.
Streaming on Tubi means you can binge all three seasons for free, making it an easy addition to your watchlist. If you've already devoured modern classics like 'Tombstone' or are waiting for the next season of 'Dark Winds', this series provides a nostalgic detour into a simpler era of television storytelling.
While it may not have the prestige of today's streaming giants, The Young Riders holds up as a solid ensemble drama. It's a reminder that before Brolin became a household name, he was just a young rider on a horse, learning the ropes of the Wild West—and the acting trade.
