Warning: this article contains slight spoilers for American Primeval.Though it is not Netflix’s first Western series,American Primevalhas certainly become its most famous in the short time since it has been released.American Primevalhas become a global hit, and, almost a month after its initial release, it remains in Netflix’s top 10 shows globally. The series captures a new, gory take on historical semi-fiction, combining real people and events with fictional characters who are the emotional heart of the story. In short,American Primevalhas all the features of a successful Western series.
American Primevalhas a gripping story surrounding a mother and son traveling across the country under dangerous circumstances while thereal-life Utah Waris waged around them. While the series continuously builds tension,American Primeval’s shocking endingand the possibility for more stories about the characters, have left audiences wondering what to watch next. While there are several otherWesterns on Netflixnow, the streamer still has yet to match the success that Taylor Sheridan has found in his Yellowstone Western franchise.
American Primeval Doesn’t Match Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone Franchise
One Miniseries Cannot Compete With A Franchise
American Primevalhas proven itself successful, but Netflix having one hit show is no match for the batch of Westerns that Taylor Sheridan has built for Paramount+.Sheridan currently has 10 shows and movies on Paramount+, which certainly generate more interest than Netflix’sAmerican Primevalcan do on its own. After airing in 2018,Yellowstonegained a massive level of popularity that has proved how valuable the Western genre can truly be. During its time on air,Yellowstonewas also joined by the prequel series 1883 and 1923, andat least three more sequels are rumored to be in development.
2018-2024
1883
2021
1923
2022-2025
Filming, likely to air late 2025
1944
The prequel has been announced
6666
AYellowstonespinoff
Along with the shows directly in theYellowstonefranchise, Sheridan’s name has also been attached to the new Western seriesLandmanand to 2023’sLawmen: Bass Reeves. The sheer number of shows along with the success that they have found has made Taylor Sheridan the king of the modern Western series, andNetflix is simply unable to match that level of popularity. WhileAmerican Primevalarguably even has some advantages overYellowstone, Netflix has a long way to go before it can truly compete with one of the biggest shows of the past decade.
Could American Primeval Have More Seasons & Spinoffs?
Its Popularity Means Another Season Or Spinoff Could Be Possible
Though nothing has been confirmed yet, audiences have already begun speculating over whetherAmerican Primevalwill get another season. Based on the first season’s popularity,it would certainly make sense for Netflix to capitalize on the show’s success and green light another season. However, becauseAmerican Primeval’s ending saw many of the best characters killed off, making a direct sequel could be quite difficult. The only main characters left alive at the end were Sara, Devin, and Two Moons' group, Jim Bridger, and Brigham Young, and the latter two have a set history.
American Primeval Created A Surprising Western Cameo Trend, Following On From A Taylor Sheridan TV Show
Two of the most popular new Western series on streaming feature surprising and nearly random cameos from two separate longtime NFL franchise owners.
Instead, the more popular idea that has been proposed is aprequel starring Taylor Kitsch’s character Isaac Reed.American Primeval’s creator, Peter Berg, has even stated that if the show were to continue, he would choose to focus on other stories in Reed’s life.An Isaac Reed prequel would certainly be the best way to go,as it would bring back a fan favorite character and allow Netflix to build onAmerican Primeval’s success. However, it is also possible that the streamer could still choose to go in a different direction.
Why Netflix Aiming For Its Own Yellowstone Would Make Sense
A Western Franchise Would Be A Smart Move For Netflix
Netflix catching on to the popularity of Western TV and attempting to create its own version ofYellowstonemakes perfect sense because of how massive the show was.Yellowstonewas the perfect sort of “Dad TV” that has proven successful for streaming services in the past, and would certainly work for Netflix in the future. Prime Video has done this as well with series likeReacher, proving thatit is not only the Western genre but also the target audience and character appeal that matters.
Part of what madeYellowstoneso successful in the long term was the combination of action and tense moments with family drama.
From this perspective, as much asAmerican Primevalwas an entertaining and well-acted show, it may not be the series that will compete with Taylor Sheridan’s Western empire. Part of what madeYellowstoneso successful in the long term was the combination of action and tense moments with family drama. Even if an Isaac Reed prequel does happen,American Primevalwas far more about the gory, difficult moments of life in the West during the 1850s than it was about the characters' emotions, meaning Netflix may have to adjust the series or start anew to find long-term success.
American Primeval
Cast
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.
