Netflix’s newest release has taken audiences and critics by storm, swiftly being hailed as “the greatest Western series of all time.”
The six-episode drama features Taylor Kitsch as Isaac, a man tormented by his past and seeking redemption in a rugged, lawless frontier.
Viewers have wasted no time sharing their enthusiasm, applauding the series for its gritty depiction of the Wild West and the powerful performances delivered by the cast.
One fan raves, “An excellent and compelling series that portrays the Wild West as it truly might have been. Easily one of the best Western series I’ve ever seen. The fight scenes are realistic and brutal. See it—you won’t be disappointed!”
Another enthusiast shares, “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.”
A third viewer praises the series, saying, “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.”
Critics are equally impressed with the series.
Erik Kain of Forbes describes it as “a bleak and bloody affair,” highlighting that it “pulls no punches in its six-episode limited run.”
A critic on Rotten Tomatoes raves, “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 delves into the violent and chaotic struggle to claim the American West, shedding light on the intense clashes between culture and religion.
A teaser hints at the show’s unrelenting intensity, declaring: “Pain is everywhere, and peace is becoming a rare luxury. Survival is the only goal in these harsh lands.”
The ensemble cast features Taylor Kitsch as Isaac, Shawnee Pourier as Two Moons, Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, and Preston Mota as Devin Rowell.
American Primeval’s trailer gives viewers a taste of its raw and unflinching narrative, beginning with Isaac’s chilling declaration: “There is no such thing as safe in this world.”
The scenes that follow are filled with relentless tension and violence, depicting settlers battling in the harsh desert, along with harrowing moments such as a woman being struck by an arrow, a man being scalped, and others enduring brutal acts of violence.
One of the most intense scenes, inspired by the real-life Mountain Meadows Massacre, has been described as horrifying.
Filmed in a single, uninterrupted shot, the sequence vividly portrays the brutal realities of the era, creating a lasting and powerful impact on viewers.
Director and executive producer Peter Berg shared his excitement for the project, stating that his goal was to deliver “the most dynamic, intense, and heart-pounding survival story possible.”
