Netflix has just unveiled a new historical miniseries that could be the perfect fit for Yellowstone enthusiasts – but be warned.
This could be one of the most graphically violent and shockingly brutal shows ever released by the streaming giant, featuring savage murders, gunfights and cruelty from the very start.
Starring GLOW’s breakout star Betty Gilpin and True Detective’s Taylor Kitsch, American Primeval tells the harrowing tale of a mother on the run for murder set against the backdrop of the 1957 Utah War, a savage conflict involving Mormons, the US Army and Native Americans vying for control over the American West.
The drama, created by Mark L Smith (The Revenant) and directed by Peter Berg (Patriots Day), certainly boasts pedigree, but is the six-part series worth your time?
Since its premiere this Thursday (January 9), American Primeval has received mixed reviews, though with one recurring theme, reports .
Netflix drops ‘brutal’ new series that’s even more violent than Yellowstone (Image: NETFLIX)
Almost every viewer who tuned in has cautioned about the relentless violence in the series, making it a release not suitable for the faint-hearted.
One overwhelmed user started their review with: “American Primeval is…Something.
“So far it is absolutely gripping and while the trailers prepared me for it to be violent, I don’t think I was fully prepared just for how graphic and brutal it is,” they added.
“We know from accounts of that time that it could be like this show portrays. But seeing it recreated before your eyes in the most brutal fashion possible is a whole new level of driving that home.”
The reviewer ended with a warning: “Anyway, based off the first two episodes, highly recommended but I have seen lots of violent media in my day and this show is very graphic and disturbing.”
The series offers a brutal look at American history (Image: NETFLIX)
On X, another fan raved: “American Primeval premieres tomorrow on ! This mini series has been one of my fav shows that I’ve screened so far!!”
They described it as “Yellowstone 1923 meets Costner’s Horizon with a mix of Indiana Jones! Def emotional, gritty, and filled with the history of how violent American colonization was in the West.”
A user commented: “The first 2 eps were insanely good, but then it slowed down, still a rly good show with some brutal kills, solid story and good acting.”
The Telegraph stated: “‘s brutal Western makes Yellowstone look like Escape to the Country.”
While The Daily Beast gave a scathing review, saying American Primeval will “turn your stomach”.
American Primeval could be Netflix’s most violent show yet (Image: NETFLIX)
They added: “American Primeval isn’t a disaster so much as a wasted opportunity, less because it has something interesting to say about Manifest Destiny, Mormonism, or human nature (it doesn’t) than because its roster is stacked with capable actors it infrequently utilizes properly.
“Berg and Smith have plenty of talent on hand to make something gripping and unique, but the best they come up with is passably watchable slop.”
Are you prepared with nerves of steel for this intense portrayal of American history? Or are you planning to skip this exhilarating yet savage drama?
American Primeval is available to stream on .