3 Shows to Watch After Netflix’s American Primeval

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In the early days of television series, it seems that almost every second show featured a western theme, with hit titles like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Lone Ranger leading the way. Although western TV shows may not have held the same enduring appeal as medical dramas or police procedurals, they’ve consistently been present throughout the years. Interestingly, there has been a resurgence of western-themed shows on TV recently, garnering significant popularity. The latest notable western series is Netflix’s American Primeval, which has rapidly climbed to the top of their trending TV shows and movies list.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve been captivated by the recent premiere of “American Primeval” on January 9th. Despite some underwhelming reviews from critics, with a critic score of 59% on Rotten Tomatoes, the gritty frontier drama has quickly gained an audience that can’t seem to get enough. The series follows a mother and son as they strive to build a family amidst the harsh realities and brutal beauty of the American West, a land teeming with both freedom and cruelty. Created by Mark A. Smith, “American Primeval” boasts an impressive cast including Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, and Dane DeHaan.

If watching “American Primeval” has sparked your interest for additional gritty dramas filled with the raw beauty of America’s frontier, then you’re in for a treat! You’ll find several shows that not only capture the essence of “American Primeval”, but also weave captivating stories that will make it hard to tear yourself away from the screen.

Deadwood

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In a league of its own among HBO’s esteemed TV series, Deadwood is a brilliant production that maintains a timeless appeal. Crafted by David Milch, the show is set in the historically gritty town of Deadwood, South Dakota during the 1870s. The narrative delves into the town’s systemic corruption and rampant criminal activities, tracking an eclectic group of characters as they navigate life amidst these challenges while striving to succeed. Among the town’s most indelible residents is Al Swearengen (Ian McShane), a notoriously foul-mouthed pimp and ambitious businessman who never fails to deliver a thought-provoking quip or two. He shares the stage with Madam Joanie Stubbs (Kim Dickens), astute business owner Seth Bullock (Timothy Olyphant), and the legendary gunfighter “Wild Bill” Hickox (Keith Carradine).

As a dedicated movie enthusiast who can’t get enough of the Wild West genre, I’ve always been captivated by “Deadwood.” The series ran for three seasons from 2004 to 2006, but unfortunately, it was cut short before it could fully resolve some long-standing storylines. After a hiatus of more than a decade, fans were treated to “Deadwood: The Movie” in 2019 as a farewell gift. Just like “American Primeval,” the raw, unflinching portrayal of life in the Wild West and its brutal realities is one of the show’s defining features. If you appreciate an abundance of colorful language, striking visuals, and the occasional pulse-pounding gunfight, then “Deadwood” should definitely be on your watchlist.

Godless

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In the creative work penned by Scott Frank, titled “Godless”, the narrative revolves around Jack O’Connell’s character, Roy Goode, a former outlaw who finds himself pursued by his vindictive mentor and gang leader, Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). To escape, Roy heads to the peculiar town of La Belle, where most of its male residents perished in a mining disaster. The resilient spirit of La Belle’s leader, Alice Fletcher (Michelle Dockery), inspires the remaining citizens to stand up and aid Roy while also protecting their town from Griffin’s gang, who are seeking retribution for Roy’s betrayal.

Similar to many contemporary westerns, the series “Godless” doesn’t hesitate to showcase its rugged backdrop and unsparingly depicts its violence. The show is dark and often packs a heavy emotional punch, but its captivating narrative makes it worth enduring the melancholy. Initially conceived as a standalone full-length film, “Godless” thrived with the opportunity to delve into its extensive and talented cast. Each major character possesses a riveting tale, making it hard to tear your eyes away as the story hurtles towards its climactic finish.

Hell on Wheels

In 2011, the television series “Hell on Wheels” debuted on AMC as an attempt to broaden their collection of programs beyond the dominance of “Breaking Bad”, “Mad Men”, and “The Walking Dead”. Although “Hell on Wheels” didn’t quite reach the same level of success as those shows, it provided a unique perspective within its genre and presented an engaging storyline. This captivating western drama follows the tumultuous process of constructing the first transcontinental railroad in the U.S., exploring themes like ambition, revenge, and the struggle to keep one’s clothes clean amidst all the mud. Created by Joe Gayton and Tony Gayton, “Hell on Wheels” may not have been the best show on television, but it’s a series that you can easily spend an entire day watching multiple seasons of.

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In the star-studded series titled “Hell on Wheels,” actors like Anson Mount, Common, Dominique McElligott, and Colm Meaney bring to life a diverse array of characters, allowing viewers to delve deep into their personalities and grasp their roles within the narrative. This show never fails to convey a palpable sense of desperation that was characteristic of the era.

By consistently probing into the moral complexities of its characters, “Hell on Wheels” offers an unflinchingly truthful portrayal of life in the 1800s. Much like the series “American Primeval,” these characters are shaped by their tumultuous pasts, yet they remain focused on building their own futures.

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2025-01-13 17:39