Netflix’s latest release has captivated viewers and critics alike, quickly earning a reputation as ‘the best Western series ever.’
The six-episode drama stars Taylor Kitsch as Isaac, a man haunted by his past and struggling to find redemption in a lawless world.
Fans have been quick to share their thoughts, praising its raw portrayal of the Wild West and the compelling performances by the cast.
“Excellent and compelling series which portrays the Wild West as it would have been. Easily one of the best Western series I’ve seen. The fight scenes are realistic and brutal. See it—you won’t be disappointed!” writes one fan.
Another adds: “It’s 2025, and this show is already one of my favorites of the year. I think it’s one of the best Westerns ever. The story is gripping, and the acting is phenomenal.”
“The intensity of the imagery hooked me right away! The raw emotions, brutal realism, and authentic storytelling make this a must-watch for anyone who loves Westerns or historical dramas,” agrees a third.
Critics, too, are loving the series.
Erik Kain for forbes notes that it’s: “a bleak and bloody affair,” emphasizing that it: “pulls no punches in its six-episode limited run.”
A rotten tomataos critic adds: “Outstanding!… Grabs you right from the beginning and doesn’t let go. Wonderfully filmed with the grit and brutality of how it must have been back in the day.”
Set in 1857, the series explores the violent and tumultuous fight to claim the American West, delving into the clashes between culture and religion.
A teaser for the show hints at its intensity, stating: “Pain is everywhere, and peace is becoming a rare luxury. Survival is the only goal in these harsh lands.”
The ensemble cast includes Taylor Kitsch as Isaac, Shawnee Pourier as Two Moons, Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, and Preston Mota as Devin Rowell.
American Primeval’s trailer offers a glimpse into its raw and unflinching narrative.
It begins with Isaac proclaiming: “There is no such thing as safe in this world.”
The scenes that follow are packed with tension and violence, from settlers fighting battles in the desert to harrowing moments like a woman being shot with an arrow, a man being scalped, and others enduring horrific violence.
One of the most gripping scenes, based on the real-life Mountain Meadows Massacre, has been labeled horrifying.
Filmed in a single, uninterrupted shot, the sequence captures the brutal realities of the era, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
