American Primeval might be a darker, grittier replacement for Yellowstone to help satiate Western drama fans

American Primeval might just be Netflix’s answer to Paramount Network’s Yellowstone. The Western drama offers a fresh take on the genre, which is tonally darker and more violent than shows seen before.

The series arrives on January 9, 2025, at a time when long-time fans of the genre are feeling a void created by Yellowstone’s conclusion. The Paramount Network series, created by Taylor Sheridan, has popularized the neo-Western genre across the globe.

While Yellowstone is more of a family drama set on a ranch in the modern world, American Primeval has a more ambitious premise. Delving into the American West’s history, the series does not shy away from depicting bloodshed and brutality.

American Primeval might fill the void Yellowstone left in Western drama fans

American Primeval could be the next big thing in the Western drama genre, especially for fans of Yellowstone who are searching for a new show to enjoy. While the series is not trying to copy Yellowstone, it might fill the void left by its ending.

The upcoming show is set in 1857 and traces the violent birth of the American West. It stands out due to its dark and gritty tone. Written by Mark L. Smith and directed by Peter Berg, the six-episode series showcases a harsh and dangerous world where survival is the only goal.

Unlike Yellowstone, which mixes familial plots with modern Western themes, this show depicts the brutal reality of frontier life. It focuses on violent battles, the fight for control, and the constant threat and fear of death.

The show portrays a fierce struggle between cultures, religions, and groups, who are fighting to survive in a land without rules. This can be compared to the succession war between Beth and Jamie in Yellowstone, albeit the stakes, the gore, and savagery are 10 times higher in the new series.

The show's trailer has teased intense and graphic scenes involving scalping and throat-slashing. Hence, American Primeval does not hold back from authentically portraying the cruelty of the time. Instead, the show focuses on how kindness and peace became rare traits during the struggle.

To portray Native Tribes accurately, the production team has worked with cultural consultants. The effort is not just to get the details right and make the show realistic, but also be respectful about various cultures that feature in the storyline.

Netflix has taken a risk by basing a Western drama on a mature theme, but it will likely pay off. If American Primeval lives up to the hype, it would not only satisfy Yellowstone fans but also breathe new life into the Western genre.

Meanwhile, Western fans, who are not impressed by gore and violence, also have something to look forward to as Yellowstone is reported to be returning with a sequel series that will focus on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler.

What is the plot of American Primeval?

American Primeval takes place in 1857 and showcases a world where laws do not exist. As a fights erupt between communities, cultures, and religions over control of the land, nobody is safe. The collision ultimately leads to the birth of the American West.

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The series features an impressive ensemble including Taylor Kitsch as Isaac, Kim Coates as Brigham Young, Shea Whigham as Jim Bridger, Jai Courtney as Virgil Cutter, Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt, Kyle Bradley Davis as Tilly, and Preston Mota as Devin Rowell.

All episodes of American Primeval will be dropped on Netflix on January 9, 2025.

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