Netflix series branded 'absolute masterpiece' as fans are left begging for more
Netflix has struck gold with a Western drama series that's being hailed as one of the all-time greats. The gripping show, American Primeval, which debuted on the streaming giant in 2025, takes audiences back to the tumultuous times of 1857.
Spanning six episodes, it tells the tale of a mother on the lam and a band of Latter-Day Saints fighting for survival amidst the chaos of the Utah War. Starring GLOW's Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, a mother evading a murder accusation, the series sees her character enlisting the help of Isaac Reed, played by Taylor Kitsch, to escort her and her son Devin, portrayed by Preston Mota, to the safety of Crooks Springs.
Although not directly based on a specific true event, American Primeval powerfully portrays the struggles faced by those living in that era. It draws inspiration from historical incidents like the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where Latter-Day Saint militia and Native American allies brutally killed about 120 members of the Baker-Fancher wagon train.
The Netflix series doesn't shy away from brutality, featuring relentless gunfights, axe battles, and high-stakes confrontations. Alongside Gilpin and Kitsch, the cast includes Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, and Derek Hinkey.
The show's grim and turbulent backdrop is captured in its synopsis: "Up is down, pain is everywhere, and innocence and tranquility are losing the battle to hatred and fear. Peace is the shrinking minority, and very few possess grace - even fewer know compassion. There's no safe haven in these wild lands, and only one goal matters: survival.", reports the Express.
The series currently boasts an impressive 88% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes alongside an 8 out of 10 rating on IMDB. Peter Berg's American Primeval has sparked widespread acclaim across social media platforms, with numerous viewers hailing the production as an "absolute masterpiece".
One enthusiastic fan declared: "@netflix American Primeval is a MASTERPIECE! ! ! I NEED MORE! Do they make it to California! ? ! ? ! ? What happens to Bridger! ? ! ? Does he go get the army ? ? PLEASE I NEED MORE."
Another viewer passionately recommended the series, writing: "One of the best TV shows I will find this year, a great introductory to the year 2025. Such an amazing show! Brutal and realistic conflict, believable acting, great story and drama. If you're the kind of person who enjoys fantastic action, a rigorous story that grips not only your attention but your feelings as well, then give this a try. You won't be disappointed."
A third admirer proclaimed: "American Primeval. Bravo! ! What an absolute masterpiece! ! Best thing I've watched in a very long time! ! Well done! ," whilst a fourth viewer agreed: "American Primeval gotta be one of the greatest short series I've ever seen on television had me gripped from start to finish."
One fan, clearly enamoured with the series, gushed: "Just finished American Primeval, and I have to say-this series is absolutely phenomenal. From start to finish, it's an intense, gripping, and immersive journey into the brutal and unforgiving American frontier of the 1850s. The storytelling is raw and unflinching, making you feel like you've been transported back in time, facing the same dangers, hardships, and moral dilemmas as the characters."
Another viewer concurred, praising: "By far the best historical drama show I have seen in years. This is one of those rare shows which immerses you in the midst of action and makes you feel what the main protagonist feels in the moment."
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