
American Primeval is making waves, and critics can’t seem to stop talking about it. With its gripping storyline and stunning visuals, the series has already caught the attention of many. Directed by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and written by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), the six-part series takes us on a gritty journey through the harsh realities of the American West in 1857. As soon as I started watching, I knew it was something different—raw, brutal, and impossible to look away from.
Starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, American Primeval brings the untold story of survival, power struggles, and religion to the forefront. It’s a show that doesn’t hold back, showing how tough and unforgiving life was back then. I felt every moment of tension and violence, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it even after the episodes ended.
Whether you’re already a fan or still trying to catch up on the hype, here’s what the experts are saying. Get ready to dive into the buzz surrounding this exciting new show!
What Critics Are Saying About American Primeval?

After watching American Primeval, I couldn’t help but wonder what the critics thought about it. Turns out, their opinions are as intense as the show itself. Some admire its raw take on history, while others think it tries to juggle too much.
Here’s a mix of what they’re saying:
“For all its power to compel – and it is a gripping yarn – there isn’t quite the heft such a carefully attended drama should have, or even appears to think it has. The message seems to be the same as all modern westerns: pioneer life was nasty, brutish and short. American Primeval wants to transcend the myths and find some additional, deeper truth to the country’s origin story. But it is still, at heart, in thrall to them and unable to escape the lure of essentially repeating them, albeit with added dirt and Mormons.”
by Lucy Mangan, The Guardian
The show’s gritty portrayal of pioneer life has left viewers feeling both impressed and exhausted. Critics appreciate its boldness but wonder if it does anything new.
If you like your westerns harsh, hyper-realistic and brimming with unrelenting, eye-watering violence, then American Primeval is for you. Good Lord, it’s bleak. But it’s well made, I’ll give it that. It deserves respect for refusing to airbrush or glamorise anything about this era of history. There is no romanticising, no prettifying. There is barely even any colour, the palette set to a dour greyish hue so we are in no doubt about the hardness of the surroundings and the perishing cold.
by Carol Midgley, The Times
The violence and bleakness of the show are recurring themes in the reviews. But many admit that the unrelenting approach feels authentic and purposeful.
The violence is unrelenting, thanks to director Peter Berg. Yet the series feels pacy and the brutality of what we’re seeing doesn’t make for an unbearably bleak viewing experience, because it is tempered by placing two female characters at the heart of the drama.
by Anita Singh, The Telegraph
While the harshness of the story is undeniable, some critics found solace in the depth added by key female characters.
American Primeval soon becomes suffocatingly overpacked, with at least six major storylines and 17 main characters demanding attention. That’s far too many. I ended up gravitating towards one or two stories, and got annoyed when the action kept yoyo-ing between the others. American Primeval could have had better legs as an anthology with loose connective threads. But if you hitch yourself on this bandwagon, this is a wild ride that captures a historical turning point in a relentlessly unflinching watch.
by Tilly Pearce, The i
A few critics found the plot overcrowded, making it hard to follow every storyline. Despite this, they acknowledged its ambitious nature and gripping moments.
I don’t mean this as a personal slight against Toksvig, who is a jovial presence in Sandi’s Great British Woodland Restoration as she pads around like an industrious little Womble. But why does every celebrity endeavour have to be filmed? Can’t they just happily get on with things without a camera crew present?.
by Anita Singh, The Telegraph
I’m full of admiration for her willingness to roll up the sleeves of her woolly Nordic jumper and get stuck in to conservation work. But when it comes to sharp cutting tools, I don’t want to see her handling anything bigger than a cake slice.
by Christopher Stevens, Daily Mail
In the end, American Primeval has stirred up plenty of reactions. Whether it’s the violence, the storytelling, or the ambitious plot, it’s clear the show has left a strong impression. What do you think about it?
Is American Primeval Good?

According to American Primeval reviews, there are definitely some good parts of this series. The performances from this cast are on another level compared to what we’ve seen in some recent Westerns or even the recent neo-Westerns released following the success of Yellowstone.
These actors are incredibly talented, and that’s on display throughout the series. Obviously, that’s a testament to Smith’s writing and Berg’s direction, as well. Along with them, Kitch, Gilpin, and the rest of this cast are great. And, that’s not a knock against Taylor Sheridan’s shows, either. It’s more of an apples-to-oranges comparison because the shows are so different.
Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin Steal the Show

The cast is a major highlight of the series. Taylor Kitsch delivers one of his best performances yet. He brings a mix of toughness and vulnerability to his role that’s hard to ignore. Betty Gilpin is just as phenomenal. She plays a strong, layered character who adds depth to the story.
Critics have been raving about the cast, and I have to agree.
Kitsch and Gilpin have phenomenal chemistry, and watching how they navigate around their characters’ strengths and flaws, and ultimately make each other whole, is truly a masterclass in performance, direction, and writing.
by By Maggie Lovitt
American Primeval Reviews IMDb Rating and Audience Reviews

The miniseries currently holds an IMDb rating of 8.0/10, reflecting a mix of audience opinions. While many viewers praised the show for its raw and gritty storytelling, character development, and authentic portrayal of the era’s harshness, others noted some aspects they found less favourable.
Positive Feedback
- The performances by Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin were highly lauded.
- Viewers appreciated the immersive set design and period-accurate costumes.
- The coherent storyline, which avoids major plot holes, drew significant praise.
Criticism
- Some found the violence excessive and unsettling, with concerns about desensitization to graphic depictions of brutality.
- A few reviews criticised the pacing, describing the show as a “slow burn” that struggled to maintain momentum in later episodes.
If you enjoy historical dramas with an edge, American Primeval might be worth exploring. Keep in mind the mixed reviews—it’s a gritty, violent tale that may not be for everyone. Stream all six episodes now, exclusively on Netflix.
What Critics Are Saying on American Primeval Rotten Tomatoes

I checked Rotten Tomatoes to see how American Primeval reviews was being received, and wow, there’s a lot of debate. Some critics love the gritty storytelling, while others feel it’s just too much to handle. Here’s a glimpse of what they’re saying:
American Primeval is a dirty but delicate web of intrigue and brutality sparked by a mother and child’s quest to find safety and escape a bounty.
by Marah Eakin – TheWrap
Critics are acknowledging the show’s raw, intense nature, but there’s a clear divide between those who appreciate it and those who think it goes a bit too far.
When that brutality is this heavyhanded, you can’t help but wish as much thought and energy was put into fleshing out these people as the pain they endured.
by Tim Lowery – AV Club
Blessed with the vast emotional palette of human existence, Smith and Berg fill their canvas primarily with “brutality,” working with a bloody, intense precision that makes American Primeval effective for a while, but ultimately monotonous.
by Daniel Fienberg – The Hollywood Reporter

Critics are acknowledging the show’s raw, intense nature. But there’s a clear divide between those who appreciate it and those who think it goes a bit too far.
For genre purists, American Primeval will satiate your need for a handsomely mounted western, but for everyone else, it’s unlikely to be worth the journey.
by Ben Travers – indieWire
It’s important to desanitize the Hollywood fantasy of the Wild West and confront our own history. But this Netflix series is grim to the point of cruelty.
by Dylan Roth – Observer
Some critics believe the show pushes too far in its effort to present the Wild West as it truly was, making it hard to watch for some viewers.
You’ve seen this tale many times before, albeit rarely with this much excessive embellishment—not to mention distaste for the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
by Nick Schager – The Daily Beast
Personally, I think that’s what makes it so compelling. It’s not supposed to be comfortable. It’s supposed to make you feel the desperation and chaos of the time.
What Audiences Are Saying About American Primeval Reviews

Here is a closer look at audience reactions to American Primeval reviews:
10/10
This a true masterpiece! First review here just to express my enthusiasm about this series. Everything checks out. From the actors to the storyline. Absolute recommendation! Yes, it is hard and raw but this contributes to the series and it fits the timeline. All actors deliver just like the director. Recently many series and movies with a Western-theme come up, but this one stands out because it’s made so different. After some dissapointing productions Netflix delivers once again. Where series sometimes tend to start slow this series is action packed from start to finish without being too much.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
I loved it! This western is shot in a very direct, hard and raw way. It felt different than most other westerns and made me feel as if I was in the middle of the cruelties at that horrifying time. The way that bull ran to the mother and son in one of the first episodes, was tremendous. And at the moment this kid broke his leg and was set tight was so shocking and at other times this serie gave me goosebumps. I also loved the acting in this western. Especially the cripple boy was very believable and the freaky Mormon who was looking for his wife. Every episode his madness freaked out a little bit more. Can’t wait for the next season to start.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10
What a great start of the new year
I’m on the third episode and thus far it’s excellent. Felt I had to leave a review as I’m 3 episodes in and loving it. 100% does not deserve so many low reviews. If I went by reviews I would never watch anything. IGNORE REVIEWS, PEOPLE LIKE A WINGE, DEFO WORTH A WATCH. Atmospheric, gritty and right up my street. Cheers If the premise is appealing to you, do not be dissuaded from giving the show a chance. It’s certainly violent but I do believe it’s an accurate portrayal of what the time would have been for many. Great characters, beautiful cinema photography, with a complex, yet unconvoluted story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
If you ever need a realistic portrayal of a western look no further then this. The gritty/gory/violent limited series lives up to its name. The amount of effort that has gone in to making this series is admirable. It feels like a passion project. Quite a number of veteran actors are involved in this project including Taylor Kitsch, Jay Courtney and Shea Whigham and as usual in typical Peter Berg fashion he is also in it playing a part.
In recent years making westerns have been reduced drastically. However, for a director with good story and a vision can bring a western to life in an extraordinary way.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10
Wow just wow a treat for 2025!!!!
This movie is a real power house treat for the action western genre & lovers alike. Gilpin was amazing in HUNTED she just has this natural persona that what ever she is in you just cant keep your eyes off screen. This was such a mega mega suprise start to finish it just got better & better. A forrest gump of the western genre. Well written well scripted good production value. And above super well acted from main lead to supporting cast. Kevin kostners horizon should have this good if not better. This movie even has a beautiful love angle which was well executed. The action and violence is gory and well made. I personallly cant praise this movie enough loved every minute of it. And truly hope they make another season would love to see how california panned out ….
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
Similar vibe to The English (2022). Very well made. Great to have a quality production that’s a Netflix original series amongst the mass of mediocre content they pour out so generously. It’s violent but that period would have been I imagine, therefore, there’s rape, hangings, children killed etc so if that bothers you, then I’d avoid. The tone is immediately bleak as is the prospect of any character being killed at any second. Judging by the lengths people go to with such effort just to stay alive another day, it’s a wonder whether they’ll have enough cast to fill the six episodes. Needless to say, I like it. 4.5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10
One of the Best Series from Netflix
When you watch the original Netflix series, most of the time, they are below average. Still we can say there are a decent amount of them that are entertaining, watchable. And then you have a handfull of these that are true gems like American Primeval. It has all the elements a series needs to be a hit: a compelling story, believable, emotional, raw. The narrative is perfectly laid out, no fillers. Get ready for a fantastic ride watching this. If you don’t like violence, don’t watch it. This is hands down probably in the top 5 best mini series on Netflix, a must watch. I am surprised some ratings are bad.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
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.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

10/10
Amazing,good action and story line
Oh my God this is one of the best TV series I’ve watched even though it was only six episodes the way they made it the scenery the action the storyline absolutely amazing. I recommend this to anyone who’s into this sort of thing even the people that aren’t it’s definitely a watch You will get addicted to it and binge watch it at 100%. I really hope they make a mini series artist because it’s absolutely fantastic the way the scene we lose the graphics you know the action everything really really good. Please watch it. You’ll never regret it. Actors are fantastic in it also I could deficit and watch this again.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
9/10
Only 3 Episodes in ….very Good so far.
Only 3 episodes in but really good. Very gritty and somewhat dark but honestly I’ve read alot of history and this time period was gritty and dark. The actors are great and it felt realistic in what it must’ve felt like heading into the great unknown (American West). The scenery is absolutely beautiful, when featuring the Tetons, Snake River- made me want to go back there again for a vacation. Love the young Native American girl. An Shea Winnigham/ Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin are good in anything. Can’t wait to watch the next 3 episodes and refreshing to have something new and different on Netflix. Would love to have another Season!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Does American Primeval Have a PG Rating?
Netflix has given American Primeval an age rating TV-MA for gore, language, sexual violence, smoking, suicide, and violence. This is a show for mature audiences only and isn’t appropriate for younger viewers. Even mature audiences should proceed with caution and consider the topics highlighted in its rating.
Stream American Primeval on Netflix: Subscription Plans and Prices

Netflix is your top choice to stream American Primeval season 1 online. However, its availability varies by region. You can access it from anywhere using ExpressVPN or Surfshark VPN. These VPNs allow you to connect to Netflix and watch the shows quickly. You can also stream titles like Bridgerton Season 3, Elite Season 8, Star Trek: Prodig, That ’90s Show’ Season 2, Thelma the Unicorn, The 8 Show Season 1, Wild Wild Punjab, and more.
Streaming Service | Pricing Starts At | Available Locations |
Netflix | $6.99 per month (standard with Ads)$15.49 per month (Standard)$22.99 per month (Premium) | US, UK, Australia, and over 190 countries in the world. |
FAQs
Yes, it’s a gritty, intense Netflix series that’s perfect for fans of raw Western dramas.
The series has six episodes.
It was filmed across New Mexico, including Cochiti Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Santa Fe sound stages, Pajarito Ski Mountain, Bonanza Creek Ranch, and Charles R Ranch.
American Primeval is Netflix’s Western miniseries that explores violent conflicts in the 1857 Utah Territory, blending history with drama.
Final Thoughts
After diving into the American Primeval reviews and watching the series myself, I can say it’s not your average Western. It’s raw, emotional, and unapologetically harsh. The show doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of the Old West, which might not be for everyone.
Still, I found myself hooked by the performances, especially Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin. Whether you agree with the American Primeval reviews or not, it’s a show that leaves a lasting impression. If you’re ready for a gritty ride, give it a try!