Netflix has kicked off 2025 on a high note with the release of the highly anticipated Western thriller “American Primeval,” and it's definitely a show you won’t want to miss. My excitement for this show started back in November when I first heard about it, and at the time, I stated it had the potential to become a future No.1. And that came true, because it is indeed the new No.1 show on the streaming service (as of January 10).
I had the chance to screen “American Primeval” early and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This new Netflix show delivers everything you'd want from a thriller: intense action, emotional performances from a talented cast and a gripping storyline that makes you want to click “next episode.” It's absolutely brutal (like seriously brutal), so I wouldn’t recommend watching this show while you’re eating. I can confidently state that “American Primeval” is one of Netflix’s best offerings yet.
So, if you’re looking for something thrilling and intense to watch this week, I highly recommend adding it to your watchlist. Here’s why you need to stream “American Primeval” now that it’s available on one of the best streaming services.
What is ‘American Primeval’ about?
Set in 1857, a time of widespread chaos and unrelenting suffering, “American Primeval” follows Sara (Betty Gilpin) and her young son, Devin (Preston Mota), on a dangerous journey across the frontier to reunite with the father. Their path is fraught with danger, but a rugged and solitary man named Isaac (Taylor Kitsch) steps in as their guide, eventually forming an unexpected emotional bond with the pair.
As their journey unfolds, Sara’s secret past is revealed, one that has placed a bounty on her head. Together with Isaac, Devin, and a mute girl named Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier) who joins their trek, they must evade ruthless bounty hunters and other brutal figures in this unforgiving world.
"American Primeval" weaves a fictional tale that delves into the violent clashes of culture, faith, and community, as individuals vie for control in a world where survival is never guaranteed.
‘American Primeval’ is an easily bingeable thriller
One thing I love about “American Primeval” is how easy it is to binge in one night. With just six episodes in this limited series, it’s the perfect length — short and tightly packed with action and drama. And there are plenty of reasons I could easily watch this Western thriller all over again.
The show has characters you genuinely care about (well, at least a few). The core group, which includes Sara, Isaac, Devin, and Two Moons, is where the heart of the story lies. Their emotional bond stands out, which is a nice contrast compared to the brutal scenes you’ll witness throughout. Isaac is especially interesting. He starts off as this gruff, blunt character, hardened by his traumatic past and the brutal loss of his family. But over time, you see him evolve into someone capable of real care and attachment, especially toward Sara and her son.
Emotional stories like these make me enjoy a show even more. You can’t help but feel for Sara, a loving mother who will do anything to protect her son and keep him safe while traveling across the frontier. And sadly, she goes through a lot in the space of six episodes.
Of course, there has to be a balance, and that means there are also characters I absolutely despised throughout the show. Honestly, I found myself clicking “next episode” more than once just to see if they’d finally get what they deserved. This includes disillusioned members of the United States Army, figures from the Mormon Church and ruthless trappers who won’t hesitate to kill.
I have to give credit to another standout performance in “American Primeval.” Dane DeHaan takes on the role of Jacob Pratt, a devout Mormon man braving the treacherous wilds in search of a loved one. Jacob leads a small group of fellow Mormons, including his new wife, Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon), as they escape the brutal persecution they endured in the east. DeHaan delivers an intense and unpredictable performance, making you empathize with Jacob’s plight while leaving you uneasy about the lengths his desperation might drive him to.
If you’re planning to watch this Western thriller, keep in mind that it's not absolutely perfect. Sometimes the gore can feel a bit too cruel (I had to look away a few times out of shock). And there's a last-minute romance that feels out of place and not necessarily needed, which makes the ending feel a little off. But, I think it's still worth watching if you need something compact and effective.
Despite the show’s short run, a couple of episodes (particularly the first, which takes time to introduce the characters and communities) might feel slower than the rest. I’m normally one who prefers fast-paced TV considering I have a short attention span, but “American Primeval” delivered enough tension and genuine characters to make me keep watching.
"American Primeval" is an absolute must-watch for 2025. The visuals are impressive, the characters are interesting to watch, and the story is engaging enough to keep you hooked. That said, be prepared for some intense, gory scenes, ones that might have you glancing away from the screen. However, it’s this raw brutality that brings the gritty reality of the American West to life.
‘American Primeval’ deserves to be No.1 on Netflix
I’m not surprised that “American Primeval” went straight to the No.1 spot. It’s a relentless thriller with only six episodes, meaning viewers likely want something engaging but quick to watch this weekend. However, “American Primeval” hasn’t received the best reviews.
As of January 10, “American Primeval” holds a 55% Rotten Tomatoes score (fortunately audiences are kinder and gave it 91%). Having seen it myself, and currently on my second watch, I can confidently say its rotten rating doesn’t reflect its quality. But thankfully, some critics enjoyed it as much as I did.
Marah Eakin from TheWrap said: “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.” Meanwhile, Wall Street Journal’s John Anderson stated: “One of the lures of a creation story such as American Primeval is the promise of pretty myths being burned down like a tribal village... These promises are fulfilled; the production becomes impossible not to watch.”
Of course, not everyone agrees. Ben Travers from indieWire said: “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.”
Viewers, on the other hand, are offering “American Primeval” plenty of well-deserved praise. Some commented that they “couldn’t stop watching” while others said “this is a brilliant high quality production of life at the sharp point of the frontier.”
Stream ‘American Primeval’ on Netflix now
“American Primeval” is the must-watch show of the week if you love an unflinching thriller. Set against the untamed American frontier, its gritty, intense narrative grips you from start to finish. The limited series format also works in its favor, ensuring a tight, focused story that doesn’t overstay its welcome, even when the plot gets a bit slower.
Now that it’s streaming on Netflix, I’m already tempted to dive back in for a second watch, this time armed with the knowledge of every twist and turn. Without giving anything away, I’ll just say this: expect plenty of ruthless kills, heartwarming moments, and characters who will stir your emotions (whether they’re warming your heart or boiling your blood). It’s everything you’d want from a gripping thriller set in such a cruel landscape.
If you’re looking for more to watch in this genre, stream some of the best Westerns on Netflix right now. You can also see our guide on the best Western movies currently available on Prime Video.
Otherwise, stream all six episodes of “American Primeval” on Netflix now.
