Lookout Paramount, Netflix is looking to eat Yellowstone’s prairie dog and beans with a Western series of its own design. Alright, maybe that’s not one hundred percent true, but isn’t everything in the streaming space a competition these days? Either way, Netflix is giving a straight-to-series order for American Primeval, a six-episode limited drama starring Taylor Kitsch (Speed Racer, Friday Night Lights, The Terminal List).
Netflix says the limited series executive produced by Peter Berg (Friday Night Lights) and Eric Newman (Narcos) is a “raw, adventurous exploration of the birth of the American West. The violent collisions of cultures, religions and communities as men and women fight and die for control of this new world — for a land they truly believe is their destiny. The [series] tells a story of the sacrifice all must pay when they choose to enter a lawless and untamed wilderness.”
Kitsch plays Isaac, a traumatized man struggling to overcome his demons and find a reason to live in this brutal and punishing world. Mark L. Smith (The Revenant) is writing all six episodes alongside Berg and Newman, with Berg directing all episodes.
Speaking about American Primeval, Peter Friedlander, VP of Scripted Series U.S. and Canada at Netflix, said, “American Primeval is a portrait of the American West unlike any other — raw, thrilling, action-driven and brought to life by a tapestry of emotionally compelling characters led by the talented Taylor Kitsch. We’re excited to explore new depths of this genre as we grow our creative partnership with the extraordinary Pete Berg at the helm backed by the deft storytelling vision from Eric Newman and Mark L. Smith.”
Berg expressed his excitement for the series by adding, “We are very appreciative that Netflix is trusting us to take a big swing with American Primeval. I’m looking forward to taking viewers into the most dynamic, intense, and heart pounding survival tale humanly possible. We are going into the belly of the beast. Cheers to Ted [Sarandos], Bela [Bajaria], Peter and the entire Netflix team for the support!”
What do you think about Kitsch, Berg, Newman, and Netflix venturing into the West in search of answers to a tortured man’s questions? To quote Jacobim Mugatu, “Westerns are so hot right now.” Does Netflix have what it takes to compete with the popularity of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone Universe? Feel free to let us know what you think.