American Primeval’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Sees Dramatic 19% Improvement Following Initial Negative Reviews

Recently, American Primeval has seen a notable improvement in its ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, following a less-than-stellar initial reception. The Netflix original series, crafted by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg, delves into the tumultuous lives of characters navigating the perilous and often violent American West. Despite its star-studded cast, including Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, and Saura Lightfoot Leon, the series debuted with a disappointing critics’ score of just 43% based on seven reviews earlier this month.

Fortunately, as more reviews have been submitted, American Primeval now boasts a considerably improved 62% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, captivating audiences with 39 evaluations. This revival in scores marks a significant shift, moving the show away from the “Rotten”label it initially carried. Interestingly, the audience score has notably outpaced the critics, currently standing at an impressive 87%.

Implications of American Primeval’s New Rotten Tomatoes Score

A Surge in Viewership for the Netflix Western Series

Smith, known for his work on the acclaimed film The Revenant (2015), set high expectations for American Primeval. The Revenant achieved critical acclaim and earned Leonardo DiCaprio his first Academy Award. While early critiques suggested that American Primeval failed to match its cinematic predecessor, portraying a story heavy with brutality and despair, the addition of new reviews has introduced a more nuanced perspective.

Regardless of critical reception, it is evident that American Primeval has struck a chord with viewers. After its release on January 9, the series quickly climbed the Netflix charts, even securing the number two position within its first week. This combination of high viewership and a shifting critical landscape indicates a favorable outlook for a possible second season of American Primeval, despite its current status as a limited series without official renewal confirmation.

Recently, Berg expressed interest in continuing the narrative, hinting at potential developments for the surviving characters in a hypothetical season 2.

Insights on American Primeval’s Improved Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Netflix Series Deserves Recognition and Continuation

Saura Lightfoot Leon with tears in her eyes as Abish in American Primeval — Image via Netflix

Given the impressive performances and quality filmmaking, it seems unwarranted for American Primeval to have initially received a “Rotten”label. The updated score, while still debatable, reflects the show’s diverse reception and how opinions on titles can vary widely. This variance in criticism enriches the discussions surrounding films and television series, highlighting how subjective tastes influence viewership experiences.

Although there is no official announcement regarding American Primeval season 2, the favorable viewer responses hint at a potential continuation. With the success of titles like Yellowstone and its numerous spinoffs, it would be advantageous for Netflix to explore a similar trajectory within the Western genre, as there is a clear demand for such content.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

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