New Epic Series on Netflix Challenges Taylor Sheridan’s Shows in the Western Genre

Netflix has launched an ambitious new period Western series titled American Primeval, marking its inaugural substantial attempt to rival the popular Western series created by Taylor Sheridan. Following the groundbreaking success of Yellowstone, which wrapped up its run in December 2024, Sheridan has broadened his franchise with multiple spin-offs and prequels. He has also produced other original series infused with Western themes, such as the recent hit, Landman, starring Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Hamm.

While Sheridan’s hallmark show, Yellowstone, is a modern take on the Western genre, his various series span an extensive timeline, taking viewers back to the post-Civil War era. The show Lawmen: Bass Reeves, which Sheridan executive produced without writing or directing, is set in the 1860s. Additionally, the prequels, 1883 and 1923, further emphasize the wide-ranging historical contexts Sheridan has explored. This diverse focus illustrates the considerable influence Sheridan holds over the Western television genre in recent times, a dominance that Netflix appears to finally be challenging.

American Primeval: A Game-Changer for Netflix’s Western Genre

A Dark, Chaotic Depiction of the American Frontier

Characters looking solemn in American Primeval

Character looking stoically in American Primeval

Character aiming a gun in American Primeval

Characters driving a wagon in American Primeval

Native Americans preparing for battle in American Primeval

Character looking intensely with a rifle in American Primeval

American Primeval presents a starkly different narrative from Yellowstone, set against the backdrop of the American frontier in 1857, specifically in the tumultuous region of Utah. The series paints a vivid picture of early American settlers, cult groups, and indigenous tribes embroiled in brutal conflicts for dominance over this newly recognized territory. With its grim and violent storytelling, American Primeval embodies a more chaotic and unforgiving tone than its contemporary counterpart.

Interestingly, Taylor Sheridan was not involved in the creation of American Primeval. However, the show shares stylistic similarities with the Oscar-nominated film, The Revenant, in terms of narrative structure and visual storytelling. Directed by Peter Berg, known for Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor, all six episodes feature an ensemble cast led by Taylor Kitsch, alongside talents like Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Shea Whigham, Lucas Neff, and Kim Coates.

Netflix’s Journey Towards Dominating the Western Landscape

A Promising Beginning for Quality Westerns on Netflix

Taylor Kitsch's Isaac looking up at someone on a horse in American Primeval

While American Primeval represents a promising step towards establishing high-quality Westerns on Netflix, the platform still has considerable ground to cover to fully eclipse the longstanding legacy of Taylor Sheridan’s creations.

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