The Old West was a time known for its lawlessness and brutality, but also the resourcefulness and resilience of those brave enough to face them. Still, that kind of violence and tragedy is what shaped people of the Western expansion, many of whom were hoping to find their fortune, to leave an old life behind and start a new one. It’s these gritty stories that spark Netflix’s new frontier drama series American Primeval, from the duo of Peter Berg and Mark L. Smith.
The six-episode American Primeval takes an unsparing view of the American Old West circa 1857. Berg, best known for Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor, will direct the series from a script by Smith, writer of The Revenant. Berg’s penchant for action combined with Smith’s rugged portrayals of 19th-century America seems like a perfect combination.
The large ensemble consists of Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Saura Lightfoot-Leon, Derek Hinkey, Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier, and Shea Whigham, with guest stars Kim Coates, Lucas Neff, Kyle Davis, Tokala Black Elk, Nick Hargrove, Irene Bedard, Nanabah Grace, Alex Breaux, Dominic Bogart, Alex Fine, Kip Weeks, and Jeremiah Bitsui.
Here’s the synopsis: This is America…1857. Up is down, pain is everywhere, and innocence and tranquility are losing the battle to hatred and fear. Peace is the shrinking minority, and very few possess grace — even fewer know compassion. There is no safe haven in these brutal lands, and only one goal matters: survival. AMERICAN PRIMEVAL is a fictionalized dramatization and examination of the violent collision of culture, religion, and community as men and women fight and die to keep or control this land.
Berg had this to say about his new show: “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.”
American Primeval hits Netflix on January 9th 2025.
