Discover Netflix’s Latest Popular Western Series and Revisit Emily Blunt’s Overlooked Show on Prime Video with 84% on Rotten Tomatoes

Since debuting on January 9, 2025, American Primeval has rapidly ascended to become one of Netflix’s flagship series and is regarded as one of its finest Westerns. The show candidly explores the harsh realities and unpredictabilities of life during the westward expansion of America. Viewers are drawn in by the gripping narratives and a stellar cast that includes Taylor Kitsch from Friday Night Lights and Betty Gilpin from GLOW, portraying characters navigating the treacherous landscape of Utah in the 1850s.

Combining historical events with fictional narratives, American Primeval presents a riveting portrayal of the struggles between the U. S.Army, Mormon settlers, and Native American tribes in the expanding frontier. While the series is not short on dramatics, what enhances its allure is the grounding in true historical elements. With its vivid characters and their violent journeys, it’s no wonder that American Primeval has captured significant viewer interest. Interestingly, amid this resurgence of interest in Westerns, another contender, available on Prime Video, is actually receiving even higher acclaim.

Why Fans of American Primeval Should Check Out The English

A Shared Focus on Strong Female Protagonists

The English stars Emily Blunt as Lady Cornelia Locke, an English woman on a mission for revenge following the tragic death of her son. Throughout her journey, she crosses paths with Eli Whipp, played by Chaske Spencer, a Pawnee man and Army Sergeant seeking his owed land in Nebraska. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they are thrust into a partnership as they navigate the dangers of the frontier. Much like the duo in American Primeval, their expedition is fraught with peril.

While both series present unique narratives, they share striking similarities. At their cores, they are stories of resilience, focusing on women traversing the tumultuous American West alongside their companions, encountering various dangers. Furthermore, The English stands out with its exceptional storytelling, intricately weaving together past and present elements that culminate around Cornelia Locke’s character, arguably providing a more compelling connection than American Primeval.

Reinventing the Western Genre: American Primeval and The English

Authentic Narratives Reflecting the Era’s Brutality

Both The English and American Primeval excel in their unflinching portrayal of the American frontier, a characteristic that distinguishes them from many contemporary Westerns. Although set in different years—1857 for American Primeval and the 1890s for The English—both vividly depict the harsh realities of their respective settings. The conclusions of both series emphasize that not every tale ends on a high note, exemplifying the stark realities faced by characters of that era.

Another commendable aspect of both shows is the empowerment of female characters who exhibit traits equally as fierce and unyielding as their male counterparts. Additionally, these series also highlight narratives involving Native American characters, who emerge as pivotal figures, subverting the traditional Western trope that often centers around white male heroes and ignoring the complexities of American history.

The English: An Underrated Gem

A Delay in Recognition

Despite featuring the renowned Emily Blunt and being available on Prime Video since its 2022 release, The English hasn’t achieved the recognition it deserves. Its release timing—overlapping with holiday programming—may have contributed to its lower visibility, in stark contrast to the overwhelming success of American Primeval on Netflix. This could be seen as part of a broader trend in the resurgence of Westerns, influenced possibly by the conclusion of popular series like Yellowstone, leading audiences to seek out similar narratives.

Ultimately, the popularity of American Primeval underscores a robust audience appetite for high-quality Western narratives, with The English standing out as an exemplary alternative. Gritty and uncompromising, it offers remarkable performances from its lead actors and captures the essence that has propelled American Primeval to prominence. As American Primeval awaits confirmation of a second season, viewers seeking a similar riveting experience should undoubtedly turn to The English.

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