Netflix’s New Western Series: A Global Success and a Reminder to Discover the Streamer’s 8-Year-Old Show with a Higher Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Western Genre Renaissance

In recent years, Westerns have emerged as a dominant and beloved genre on various streaming platforms. Despite their rich history, marked by iconic figures like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, creating successful modern iterations of Western content presents unique challenges. Classic Western films harmoniously complemented revered series such as Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Lone Ranger. However, the last decade has witnessed a notable resurgence in the genre’s popularity, prompting platforms like Netflix and Paramount+ to eagerly introduce new titles that capture the essence of Western storytelling.

American Primeval: Netflix’s Bold New Western Offering

Audience Reception and Popularity

Since its highly anticipated debut in January 2025, American Primeval has quickly established itself as one of Netflix’s most popular shows, particularly within the Western genre. The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous Utah War of the 1850s, focusing on competing factions vying for land and power. While the series incorporates fictional elements, it intriguingly intertwines factual historical events and real-life figures who played significant roles in Utah’s early history, enriching the viewing experience.

American Primeval’s success can be attributed to its skillful integration of authentic American history with compelling fictional characters that resonate with viewers. Furthermore, the series does not shy away from depicting the darker aspects of the era, painting a vivid picture of a contentious and violent landscape. Although critic ratings on Rotten Tomatoes sit at a moderate 67%, audience response has been overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its impressive 88% approval rating and strong presence on Netflix’s trending charts. This success may signal Netflix’s potential commitment to producing more Western content in the near future.

Godless: Netflix’s Preeminent Western Drama

Unveiling Godless: A Showcase of Quality

Despite the rise of American Primeval, one cannot overlook the profound impact of Godless, which remains Netflix’s most critically acclaimed Western series nearly eight years after its November 2017 premiere. Garnering accolades and critical acclaim, Godless boasts an impressive 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside 12 Emmy nominations and three wins. While American Primeval makes its mark, Godless continues to stand out with stellar character development and storytelling.

Set in 1884 New Mexico, the plot revolves around an outlaw named Roy who turns against his violent former employer. Unique to its genre, the town of La Belle, where the story unfolds, features an almost entirely female population. The series shines through its multidimensional female characters, marking a significant deviation from typical Western narratives that often relegated women to secondary roles. Furthermore, Godless excels in its pacing and self-contained storytelling, cementing its status as a must-watch.

Challenges Ahead: The Quest For Long-Term Success in Westerns

The Need for Sustained Narratives

Despite the successful reception of Godless and the popularity of American Primeval, Netflix faces a notable hurdle in creating enduring Western series that mirror the success of Paramount+’s offerings, particularly those produced by Taylor Sheridan. Currently, Netflix’s Western initiatives lack long-term series and show potential for sequels or spin-offs, which can be challenging to establish.

While American Primeval is positioned for possible renewal due to its popularity, its first season culminated in significant character deaths, complicating any potential continuation. Going forward, it seems imperative for Netflix to learn from audience desires for richer, multi-season narratives and develop Western series that maintain momentum and avoid feeling truncated after a single run. Such an approach would undoubtedly delight fans of the genre and invigorate the landscape of streaming Westerns.

Series	RT Critics	RT Audiences
American Primeval	67%	88%
Godless	83%	85%
Yellowstone	83%	76%

With American Primeval concluding its story arc and many key characters facing unexpected fates, Netflix has an evolving challenge ahead. The potential to assemble new narratives around remaining characters is present, yet the series appears to have been crafted with a singular season in mind. It may be more beneficial for the platform to harness the evident demand from viewers for more enriching Western dramas, thus guiding the development of future series that tap into expansive plots and character arcs.

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