Continuing the best Westerns on Netflix seem to stick. The platform has several one-offs, like Godless, without appearing to consider the genre's staying power.
American Primeval's ending, and I feel it's something Netflix should capitalize on, especially after recently canceling another Western.
Netflix Needs More Westerns After Just Canceling One Of Its Best Series In The Genre
American Primeval Was A Refreshing Change For The Genre (& There Is Room For Similar Shows)
Territory featured a strong ensemble cast and while it might not have been as creative or exciting as other Western genre shows on Netflix, it was a strong addition to the platform. The show follows the Australian Lawson family and their struggle to hold onto their cattle station. Netflix rarely reveals the reason for canceling its shows, but it has been suggested that there were production timing and scheduling issues that led to the decision for Netflix to cancel Territory. With the Western genre undergoing such a revival, there is space for more Western series on Netflix.
The Western genre has undergone criticism in the past for its unoriginality.
Older Westerns have often undergone criticism for not having an original concept, not to mention stereotypical portrayals of groups like women and Native Americans. Even the best Western TV shows of all time tend to feature similar character archetypes, with villainous outlaws, vigilante antiheroes, and moralistic cowboys at the center of the action. However, American Primeval was extremely dark and violent, blending aspects of horror into the Western genre, leaving me unsure who would survive in the end. This was a breath of fresh air for the genre, and there is plenty of room for more genre-blending Western shows on Netflix.
I'm Convinced An American Primeval Prequel Would Be Great
Territory Was Good, But It Lacked American Primeval's Mystery
American Primeval mostly focused on Sara and her escape from her abusive husband, but one the best characters in the show was Isaac Reed, played by Taylor Kitsch. Isaac's death is one of the most brutal moments in American Primeval, but a prequel could explore the fan-favorite character's history. The show gave the impression that there was more to Isaac's mysterious past than was shown, and even American Primeval's director, Peter Berg, told The Hollywood Reporter that "We’re talking about it right now... That’s the way we’d go if we do it."
This Streaming Western Series With 5 Seasons Works As An American Primeval Sequel For One Key Character
Following the success of American Primeval, fans of the series should check out another streaming Western show that features a familiar character.
Despite both American Primeval and Territory featuring some incredible sweeping wilderness shots and people who may or may not be trusted, Territory always felt safer than the world of the Wild West. Territory contained a surprise twist ending and revealed that the Lawson family were keeping some secrets from each other, but the show was still more of a family drama than an epic tale of survival. On the other hand, American Primeval contained enough mystery in its background to add another layer of interest, even with so much action happening in the main timeline.
American Primeval Is Netflix's Best Chance At A Western Franchise
Mixing Genres May Be Key To The Modern Western Revival
It appears to be confirmed that there will not be a season 2 of American Primeval, but the show left many possibilities open for exploring the brutal Wild West. American Primeval has been one of Netflix's most popular Westerns, and is the platform's best chance at a Western franchise, which could be comprised of several one-season shows telling different stories.
American Primeval and Territory |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Title |
Date |
Seasons |
Episodes |
Rotten Tomatoes Critical Score |
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score |
Territory |
2024 |
1 |
6 |
86% |
53% |
American Primeval |
2025 |
1 |
6 |
70% |
87% |
There were many reasons that people wanted to cross the frontier, and an American Primeval franchise could tell some of these stories next, with the possibility of other characters like Isaac and Sara making cameo appearances. The most memorable modern Western movies and TV shows tend to bring elements of other genres into the story, making them less predictable and more creative.
Firefly was essentially a Western set in space, while Bone Tomahawk was a Western which suddenly turned into a horror. American Primeval mixed real historical events with elements of gritty survival horror, which created a more compelling show. Territory was a solid show, but it was not different enough to make it stand out, so if Netflix wants to ride the Western revival, its best bet is to revisit American Primeval.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
American Primeval
- Release Date
- 2025 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- Netflix
- Directors
- Peter Berg
Cast
Taylor KitschIsaac
Jai CourtneySara Rowell
WHERE TO WATCH
American Primeval is a Netflix limited series that follows the lives of several men and women in the middle of the expansion of the American West. Social dynamics clash as men and women battle for a piece of the new world against rivals and each other.
Your comment has not been saved