WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.
Peter Berg’s gritty portrayal of the brutish Old West landscape in American Primeval has become one of the most popular new streaming series of 2025. After becoming a global streaming hit on Netflix, the show – which was intended to be a limited series – has now sparked a conversation about potentially returning for American Primeval season 2. While some of the best American Primeval characters would not be able to return in a theoretical second season, an American Primeval spinoff series could introduce a whole new cast of characters and extend the narrative to a different gruesome period of American expansionism.
Within all the gory violence and chaotic warfare on display in American Primeval lives a timeless tale of survival set along the lawless American frontier. Rarely does a Western series blend so seamlessly into a horror hybrid, with haunting frights and terrifying acts of violence that are impossible to unsee. American Primeval avoids falling into the trappings of classic Westerns that typically glorify the rogue lifestyles of cowboys and lawmen alike. The series delivers a visceral and authentic recreation of its period, offering a more bleak portrayal over a romanticized one, which has certainly struck a chord with audiences.
Audiences Responded Far Better To American Primeval Than Critics Did
Some Critics Claimed American Primeval Lacked Strong Character Development
With an above-average Rotten Tomatoes score of 68%, which drops to 58% among Top Critics, American Primeval isn’t necessarily a critical success. Its much higher 88% audience score, however, more accurately depicts the general viewer consensus around the series and explains its massive streaming numbers on Netflix, which have kept it in the Top 10 TV Shows since it was released on January 9, 2025. American Primeval peaked at #1 upon its release, a position it held for quite a while before more recent series such as The Night Agent and American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson rose to the top.
Several “Rotten” reviews of American Primeval critiqued the series’ lack of well-rounded characters despite strong performances from its ensemble cast. Tim Lowery of AV Club writes, “When that brutality is this heavyhanded, you can’t help but wish as much thought and energy was put into fleshing out these people as the pain they endured.” A handful of critics felt that the characters were underdeveloped, reduced to being vehicles for demonstrating violence, which some critics found to be too extreme. On the other hand, many 5-star audience reviewers applaud American Primeval for its captivating story, thrilling action scenes, and authentic grit.
American Primeval Continues The Western Genre’s Small Screen Success
Yellowstone & Taylor Sheridan Series Have Inspired A New Western Golden Age
The modern Western genre has seen a notable uptick in popularity on streaming and television platforms, fueled by the enormously popular Yellowstone and other Taylor Sheridan series like the recent Landman. While there aren’t nearly as many Western hits in theaters nowadays, despite Kevin Costner’s best efforts with his Horizon franchise, American Primeval’s popularity proves that a vast at-home audience wants to watch Westerns on streaming. Series like Yellowstone and American Primeval seemingly tap into a slightly older demographic, which is partly why Horizon became a streaming success after underperforming in theaters. Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel 1923 is also another example.
Similar to how independent horror movies have evolved and expanded through outlets like Neon and A24, Westerns have matured and refined through platforms such as Paramount and Netflix.
American Primeval has joined Yellowstone, 1923, and other notable Western series as part of a new Golden Age for the genre. Similar to how independent horror movies have evolved and expanded through outlets like Neon and A24, Westerns have matured and refined through platforms such as Paramount and Netflix. While there may not be a direct sequel or spinoff for American Primeval, its success on Netflix will certainly inspire other gritty Western projects like it. With straight-to-streaming releases, critical reception may not be as significant as theatrical releases, allowing more viewers to watch new releases with virtually no financial risk.
Will American Primeval’s Success Lead To More Of The Show?
The Success Of The Miniseries Should Spark A Netflix Western Franchise
Image via Netflix
American Primeval has the makings of a lasting Western franchise for Netflix. Even if Betty Gilpin’s Sara and other surviving characters don’t return for a direct continuation, American Primeval could still expand as a spinoff, anthology, or even a prequel series. American Primeval season 2 may follow a similar format to American Horror Story, following a new slate of characters in a different setting each season. Each season of American Primeval could depict specific periods of American history – such as the Fetterman Massacre on the Great Plains – while matching the bleak tone, whipping cinematography, and gory violence of the original.
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
