5 TV Shows like American Primeval that you cannot miss

Despite receiving a lukewarm audience reception, American Primeval has secured rave reviews from critics. Created by Peter Berg and Mark L. Smith, American Primeval is a limited series on Netflix that highlights the gruesome violence and conflicts that once upon a time riddled the Old West.

American Primeval has been particularly noted for its relentless and gory portrayal of the disastrous Utah war and the clash between the pioneers and the Mormons. In case you've finished watching American Primeval on the streaming platform giant and are wondering what similar title to binge-watch next, here are our recommendations for five television shows similar to American Primeval in tone and style.

The below is strictly the writer's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.

What are five TV shows like American Primeval?

Keep reading to learn more about the five television shows similar to American Primeval.

1) 1883

Taylor Sheridan's famous spin-off and Yellowstone prequel 1883 is another excellent series to get into after watching American Primeval. The show takes place in the eponymous year and follows an early Dutton family as they journey from Texas to Oregon before settling in Montana.

With an exceptional ensemble led by Tim McGraw, Sam Elliot, Faith Hill, and Isabel May, 1883 is a must-see for Western lovers, particularly those who enjoy Old West storylines. While Yellowstone aficionados will benefit from seeing Sheridan's breakthrough contemporary Western series before watching 1883, the Dutton family's genesis story may be understood without doing so.

2) Billy the Kid

Billy the Kid details the events leading up to the Lincoln County War, as well as Billy's participation with his gang known as The Regulators. The series is not as vicious or horrific as American Primeval, but it does show another significant historical struggle that created the current terrain of the American West. MGM+ has all twenty-four episodes from Billy the Kid's two seasons available for streaming.

3) Deadwood

The events of Deadwood take place in the 1800s in a fictitious town in South Dakota that is ravaged by corruption and violence. Timothy Olyphant, who also appears in the legacy Western series Justified, co-stars with Ian McShane and Molly Parker.

Deadwood excels in almost every department, including outstanding acting, a gripping tale, and an immersive epic Western atmosphere. HBO and MAX provide all thirty-six episodes from three seasons, as well as the 2019 film for streaming.

4) Under the Banner of Heaven

Under the Banner of Heaven is an often-overlooked Western crime series featuring Andrew Garfield. It is based on John Krakauer's novel of the same title. Released in 2022, Under the Banner of Heaven follows Andrew Garfield's Detective Jeb Pyre. His faith is tested when he investigates a horrible murder involving a well-known Utah family with strong ties to the Church of the Latter-day Saints.

Fans of the Netflix show who were drawn in by the character of Brigham Young and his involvement in the Latter Day Saints church are likely to be interested in these similar themes set in a more modern environment.

5) Godless

Godless, set against the backdrop of the 1880s American West, had 12 Emmy nominations to its credit and ended up winning three, two for Supporting Actor (Jeff Daniels) and Supporting Actress (Merritt Wever).

Godless, like the Netflix show, involves tremendous violence and gore that is both scary and realistic. The graphic violence might be tough to watch at times and gives the Netflix show a serious run for its money.