Fans of Western dramas are being urged to watch an "outstanding" series after it smashed a huge ratings record.

The launch of the series was the most successful of any of notorious Yellowstone director Taylor Sheridan's works, with eight million views globally in its first ten days.

The emotional drama made its debut on Paramount+ on March 14 and it is the number one original season by views among streaming originals for its first week of release.

The Madison, the Montana drama which has already been renewed for a second season, is Sheridan's most intimate work to date, with critics hailing it emotional, poignant and powerful.

Star Michelle Pfeiffer has also been highly praised for her powerhouse performance as matriarch Stacy Clyburn, who faces an unspeakable tragedy.

Fans took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts on the series, with one saying: "In my opinion this is the best of Sheridan's work.

"The pace is different and that is just what we need! This series is deep, touching, beautiful and emotional to watch."

Another shared: "I am just loving this new series. Well done Taylor Sheridan! Every emotion....crying, laughing, angry!"

A third added: "This is an excellent series. Michelle Pieffer is outstanding!! Can't wait for another season."

A final fan shared: "Three episodes in and I think this has more potential than anything TS has done.

"Michelle delivers more in these 3 eps than you could ask for; Kurt does what he does better than anyone, with restraint and authenticity; human."

Although The Madison is currently considered a limited run series made up of two seasons, cast and crew members remain hopeful for a third season.

Christina Alexandra Voros, who previously worked on Yellowstone, directed all twelve episodes of the series.

To accommodate Kurt Russell's availability, all of his scenes for both seasons were shot at the same time.

The Hollywood star spoke exclusively to Reach ahead of the show's release, admitting it was sometimes difficult to read the emotionally heavy scripts.

He said: "It was hard to get through them. Many different times during reading them, I would have to put it down to let it set in. It's an emotional experience, high and low."

The Madison is on Paramount Plus