It follows the gritty and adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West, the violent collisions of cults, religion, and men and women fighting for control of the new world.It follows the gritty and adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West, the violent collisions of cults, religion, and men and women fighting for control of the new world.It follows the gritty and adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West, the violent collisions of cults, religion, and men and women fighting for control of the new world.
- Nominated for 2 Primetime Emmys
- 2 nominations total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'American Primeval' is visually stunning with strong performances by Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin. It captures the raw frontier spirit but faces criticism for erratic pacing and underdeveloped characters. The brutal violence and historical accuracy are debated, with mixed opinions on its portrayal of cultures and conflicts. Themes of survival and cultural clashes are noted, though some feel they are underexplored. The series is seen as bold yet flawed.
Featured reviews
Captivating show although the story line is not too deep, but yet riveting and explanatory enough as clues are revealed throughout the mini-series. Bloody, action packed, beautiful terrain, and reminiscent of "the revenant" and "hostiles".
Great cast overall with Taylor Kistch who is perfect for his character, not too much time is spent diving into his backstory, but he is made for the mysterious and dangerous vibe.
The gloomy environment is in line with the times, 1800s wasn't exactly the "happiest" of times in America. It is interesting how it paints a different perspective of some of the sacrifices folks from different cultures and views had to make in order to coexist.
Great cast overall with Taylor Kistch who is perfect for his character, not too much time is spent diving into his backstory, but he is made for the mysterious and dangerous vibe.
The gloomy environment is in line with the times, 1800s wasn't exactly the "happiest" of times in America. It is interesting how it paints a different perspective of some of the sacrifices folks from different cultures and views had to make in order to coexist.
American Primeval is one of the better shows I've seen in the last year and I've seen some terrific shows so that's saying something. This miniseries shows how shockingly cruel and violent the West really was. I have to warn you that there are some really violent and gory scenes so if that bothers you then this show might not be for you. It has several different plots to follow but all of them are captivating. It doesn't shy away from how ugly and savage people were for their desire to get land. I know the year just started but this is still going to end up being on most peoples best of the year list. I was entertained from the very first episode to the last and can't recommend this show enough.
This series was awesome. Raw, violent and good character development. It's how the West was developed and involves many parties; Indians included.
I have a newborn at home and was up 1am till now and watched the entire series. Very well done. I assume it's a limited series and don't have additional seasons which is said.
The ensemble cast is ridiculous and awesome. Some big names only are in one episode but make the series what it is.
Costners American Boring Saga was painfully slow and I still am scratching my head trying to figure a plot if there is one.
This series gets you right into a plot of families expanding west and the trials and tribulations they experienced getting West.
Very appropriate name for series - epsisoeds 47 mins long and move fast. I am a huge fan.
I have a newborn at home and was up 1am till now and watched the entire series. Very well done. I assume it's a limited series and don't have additional seasons which is said.
The ensemble cast is ridiculous and awesome. Some big names only are in one episode but make the series what it is.
Costners American Boring Saga was painfully slow and I still am scratching my head trying to figure a plot if there is one.
This series gets you right into a plot of families expanding west and the trials and tribulations they experienced getting West.
Very appropriate name for series - epsisoeds 47 mins long and move fast. I am a huge fan.
At a time when streaming platforms are inundated with content that often feels formulaic, it's rare to encounter a series that grips you with such immediacy and authenticity. This miniseries, which I stumbled upon purely by chance on its premiere day, turned out to be a remarkable discovery-an unassuming masterpiece that exceeded my expectations in every way.
What sets this series apart is its unflinchingly unsentimental approach to storytelling. By eschewing overly contrived emotional cues, it allows moments of genuine emotional depth to emerge organically, packing an understated yet profound impact. It's a raw, fast-paced, and intense experience that remains grounded and purposeful, never slipping into excess or artifice.
Visually, the series is a triumph. The meticulous attention to detail-whether in the period-accurate costumes, evocative set designs, or the dynamic and immersive camerawork-creates an unparalleled sense of presence. You're not merely observing events unfold from a distance; you're drawn into the action, experiencing the urgency and stakes alongside the characters.
While I often find action-heavy narratives reliant on spectacle at the expense of substance, this series defies that trend. Here, the brisk pacing and raw, visceral moments of violence serve as an extension of the story's thematic core, amplifying its authenticity rather than detracting from it.
From the first episode, the series establishes a gripping rhythm that's impossible to resist.
If this miniseries isn't recognized during awards season, it would be nothing short of an oversight. The precision of its costume design, the evocative score, the sharp direction, and the captivating performance by its lead actress deserve every accolade.
In many ways, this is more than just one of the best Netflix offerings in recent memory; it's a reminder of what storytelling can achieve when ambition meets artistry. For an industry that often prioritizes marketability over originality THIS is why I still am a subscriber.
What sets this series apart is its unflinchingly unsentimental approach to storytelling. By eschewing overly contrived emotional cues, it allows moments of genuine emotional depth to emerge organically, packing an understated yet profound impact. It's a raw, fast-paced, and intense experience that remains grounded and purposeful, never slipping into excess or artifice.
Visually, the series is a triumph. The meticulous attention to detail-whether in the period-accurate costumes, evocative set designs, or the dynamic and immersive camerawork-creates an unparalleled sense of presence. You're not merely observing events unfold from a distance; you're drawn into the action, experiencing the urgency and stakes alongside the characters.
While I often find action-heavy narratives reliant on spectacle at the expense of substance, this series defies that trend. Here, the brisk pacing and raw, visceral moments of violence serve as an extension of the story's thematic core, amplifying its authenticity rather than detracting from it.
From the first episode, the series establishes a gripping rhythm that's impossible to resist.
If this miniseries isn't recognized during awards season, it would be nothing short of an oversight. The precision of its costume design, the evocative score, the sharp direction, and the captivating performance by its lead actress deserve every accolade.
In many ways, this is more than just one of the best Netflix offerings in recent memory; it's a reminder of what storytelling can achieve when ambition meets artistry. For an industry that often prioritizes marketability over originality THIS is why I still am a subscriber.
Although I am not a huge american western fan, I binge-watched this series over two evenings and enjoyed every minute. It is refreshing to watch a series that does not require much introduction and engages straight away.
The plot is easy to follow and did not involve interminable switches to other characters at key moments or flip back and forth in time.
The acting overall is good and consistent throughout the series and there is good character development.
I looked forward to every episode and was reduced to tears at the end of the series.
I was left looking forwar to season 2 (which I hope will be coming soon).
Highly recommend this series to folk who don't mind a bit of violence in their viewing and want an evening of action and adventure.
The plot is easy to follow and did not involve interminable switches to other characters at key moments or flip back and forth in time.
The acting overall is good and consistent throughout the series and there is good character development.
I looked forward to every episode and was reduced to tears at the end of the series.
I was left looking forwar to season 2 (which I hope will be coming soon).
Highly recommend this series to folk who don't mind a bit of violence in their viewing and want an evening of action and adventure.
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Did you know
- TriviaWriter Mark L. Smith's second Western screenplay after The Revenant (2015).
- GoofsBy 1850, St. Louis had become the largest U.S. city west of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the second-largest port in the country, with a commercial tonnage exceeded only by New York City.
- ConnectionsReferenced in The Matt Walsh Show: The Real Crisis Young Men Are Facing Today (2025)
- How many seasons does American Primeval have?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official site
- Language
- Also known as
- American Primeval
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime50 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD
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