WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.
American Primeval, Netflix’s adventurous period Western, has sparked discussions about the feasibility of a second season following its premiere. Directed by the acclaimed Peter Berg, known for his work on Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor, the series provides a gritty blend of historical Western themes with elements of horror. The cast features Taylor Kitsch as Isaac Reed alongside a talented ensemble including Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Shea Whigham, Lucas Neff, and Kim Coates portraying Brigham Young. This series notably diverges from historical accuracy, adding drama by altering real events and figures.
Despite receiving a mixed 59% score on Rotten Tomatoes, audience reception has been more favorable, with an impressive 86% approval rating. Since its release on January 9, 2025, the show has maintained a steady spot within Netflix’s Top 10 TV Shows in the United States. This contrast in critical versus audience reception reflects a growing trend in contemporary entertainment where viewer enjoyment can differ significantly from critical assessments.
Is Season 2 of American Primeval on the Horizon? Key Insights
The Director Hints at Possibilities, Yet Netflix Remains Silent
Peter Berg, the director and executive producer of the series, has provided fans hope regarding Season 2. He remarked, “After we wrapped, I felt a strong affection for all the actors — especially the ones who survived. There’s a lot we could explore if we could return to lower ground and warmer settings.” While Berg appears optimistic about future possibilities, Netflix has yet to make an official announcement regarding a second season.
Should Season 2 materialize, the narrative will face a significant challenge as the lead character, Isaac Reed, played by Kitsch, meets a tragic end while sacrificing himself for others in the finale. This leaves Sara with new challenges ahead on her journey to California, likely weaving in the historical backdrop of the 1857 Utah War and highlighting the decline of Brigham Young’s power in the region. However, Kitsch’s absence would be felt, and the dynamic may shift significantly without his character’s leadership.
Reasons Why Season 2 of American Primeval May Not Be Worth Pursuing
The Loss of Key Characters
Image via Netflix
The potential for a second season is complicated by Isaac Reed’s death, which creates a significant gap in the narrative. Many viewers felt a strong emotional connection to characters like Pratt and Abish, whose absence would hinder the series’ capacity to provide a compelling storyline. While American Primeval could explore further historical truths and conflicts, the lack of beloved characters diminishes its immediate appeal, posing a challenge for writers to develop engaging material based solely on remaining characters.
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