WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.
American Primeval: A New Streaming Sensation
Peter Berg’s intense depiction of the rugged Old West in American Primeval has quickly emerged as one of the standout streaming series of 2025. Following its unexpected success on Netflix, a conversation has ignited regarding the potential for an American Primeval season 2. While it seems unlikely that returning characters will make a comeback, the prospect of a spinoff offers an exciting opportunity to explore fresh narratives and introduce new characters against a backdrop of America’s expansionist history.
At its core, American Primeval tells a gripping survival story situated in the lawless expanse of the American frontier. Unlike traditional Westerns that often glorify the lives of cowboys and lawmen, this series presents an unvarnished and stark portrayal of the period. Its raw representation resonates well with viewers, distancing itself from the romanticized notions typically associated with the genre.
Audience Reception vs. Critical Reviews
Mixed Critical Reception
Despite garnering an impressive Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%, which falls to 58% among top critics, the audience score stands at a significantly higher 88%.This discrepancy highlights the show’s popularity, evidenced by its Top 10 position on Netflix since its January 9, 2025 release. Initially peaking at #1, it was eventually surpassed by series like The Night Agent and American Manhunt: O. J.Simpson.
Critics have raised concerns about the depth of character development within the show, often describing characters as less nuanced and more as instruments of violence. Tim Lowery of AV Club, for instance, expressed a desire for the same careful attention to character as is given to the portrayal of brutality. Despite these critiques, many audience members celebrate American Primeval for its gripping narrative, thrilling action sequences, and a genuinely gritty atmosphere.
The Resurgence of Westerns on Screen
Inspiration from Yellowstone and Taylor Sheridan
Modern Westerns have experienced a remarkable resurgence on platforms like Netflix and Paramount, driven in part by the success of Yellowstone and other Taylor Sheridan series, including the recent Landman. While traditional Western cinema has dwindled, American Primeval’s triumph signals a robust appetite for the genre among home viewers. Notably, older demographics are increasingly drawn to these narratives, contributing to the successful transition of franchises like Horizon from underperforming theaters to streaming triumphs.
Much like the evolution of independent horror films under labels like Neon and A24, Westerns are also undergoing refinement and maturation through contemporary streaming venues.American Primeval now stands alongside Yellowstone and 1923 as part of a modern Golden Age for Western television, paving the way for other bold, gritty stories within the genre.
The Future of American Primeval
Potential for an Expanding Franchise
Image via Netflix
With its captivating narrative and strong viewer engagement, American Primeval has all the elements needed to establish a lasting franchise on Netflix. Even without the return of key characters like Betty Gilpin’s Sara, the series holds potential for spinoffs, anthologies, or prequels. Future seasons might adopt an anthology format similar to American Horror Story, allowing each installment to explore different periods in American history, such as the Fetterman Massacre, while maintaining the stark tone, dynamic cinematography, and visceral intensity of the original series.
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