ContinuingAmerican Primevalis now Netflix’s best chance at a Western success, something the streamer should look to achieve. The modern Western revival has given us some creative twists on a formulaic genre across networks and streaming services, led by Taylor Sheridan’s TV empire, starting withYellowstone. Most of those have turned into multi-season series, some with multiple spinoffs. In contrast, few ofthe best Westerns on Netflixseem to stick. The platform has several one-offs, likeGodless, without appearing to consider the genre’s staying power.
American Primeval’s castincludes Betty Gilpin as the secretive Sara Rowell, who is escaping across the frontier with her son and looking for a guide. The survivalist, Isaac, agrees to help them, but he has secrets of his own. The show is fast-paced and brutal, with some truly harrowing scenes, and I loved the raw and gritty take on a genre that is often much more simplistic. There’s scope for more even afterAmerican 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)
Territoryfeatured 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 wereproduction timing and scheduling issues that led to thedecision for Netflix to cancelTerritory. 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. Eventhe best Western TV shows of all timetend to feature similar character archetypes, with villainous outlaws, vigilante antiheroes, and moralistic cowboys at the center of the action. However,American Primevalwas 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 Primevalmostly 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 ofthe most brutal moments inAmerican 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 evenAmerican Primeval’s director, Peter Berg, toldThe Hollywood Reporterthat “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 bothAmerican PrimevalandTerritoryfeaturing some incredible sweeping wilderness shots and people who may or may not be trusted,Territoryalways felt safer than the world of the Wild West.Territorycontained a surprise twist endingand 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 Primevalcontained 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 aseason 2 ofAmerican Primeval, but the show left many possibilities open for exploring the brutal Wild West.American Primevalhas 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
2024
1
6
86%
53%
2025
70%
87%
There were many reasons that people wanted to cross the frontier, and anAmerican Primevalfranchise 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.
Fireflywas essentially a Western set in space, whileBone Tomahawkwas a Western which suddenly turned into a horror.American Primevalmixed real historical events with elements of gritty survival horror, which created a more compelling show.Territorywas 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 revisitAmerican Primeval.
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.
