American Primevalis one of the most exciting series in the modern Western genre revival, featuring brutality, mysterious characters, and Betty Gilpin in her best role sinceGLOW. The Golden Age of Westerns was from the 1940s to 1960s, and while the genre gave us some iconic stars like John Wayne, the movies were often very similar. Some old-school Westerns still hold up today, but many have not aged well at all.The best modern Western TV showshave taken typical Western characters and plotlines, but added some extra creativity, resulting in shows likeAmerican Primeval.
American Primevalis a series far removed from the typical sharp-shooting cowboys and optimistic exploration of the Wild West that usually appears in the Western genre. Thecharacters inAmerican Primevalhave lost their optimism, with the main character, Sara Rowell, fleeing her past by trying to cross the frontier.The most brutal moments inAmerican Primevalare realistic, which is a creative decision shared by many modern Westerns. Some of the best Western TV shows of all time are on Netflix, but many, likeAmerican Primeval, only last for a season, though we hope there is more to come.
3Godless (2017)
A Rare Female-Led Western With 85% On Rotten Tomatoes
One of the criticisms of old-school Westerns is often the one-dimensional female characters.Godlessmade a refreshing change from this dynamic, being set in a town mostly populated by women, who were all well-developed and interesting characters in their own right. The show still features popular Western archetypes, like the gun-toting outlaw, but brings something entirely new to the genre.Godlesswas filmed in New Mexicoand is visually stunning, making the most of the landscapes while not neglecting the character development or story. The series has an 85% positive audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and won several Emmy awards.
10 Best Neo-Westerns Ever Made
Neo-Westerns take the style and conventions of the Western genre and recontextualize them for modern viewers with often dark and existential themes.
Godlessis full of well-written and tough female characters, like Sara Rowell in AmericanPrimeval, making it a great Western TV show to watch while hoping to see more fromAmerican Primeval. Netflix often has a habit of abruptly canceling excellent shows, but potential viewers may be pleased to know that this is not the case withGodless. The show reached a satisfying conclusion and was always intended to be a short series, which means that watchingGodlessis a much less frustrating experience than watching other Western series canceled before their time.
2Territory (2024)
The Show Follows An Australian Family As They Fight Several Factions For Their Land
American Primevalwas an extremely bleak show, with very few characters getting a happy ending. If you liked the Western setting and storytelling, but prefer a show with less violence,Territoryis a great option. LikeAmerican Primeval, the show followed a family on a journey to take control of their future. WhileAmerican Primeval’s Sara Rowell fiercely protects her son, Emily Lawson (played byMindhunter’s Anna Torv) fights to protect her family’s legacy. The show might have a more uplifting tone thanAmerican Primeval, butTerritorypacks its share of gut punches and shocking deathstoo.
Territorywas less popular with audiences than with critics.
Territory’s cliffhanger ending implied that there would be several more seasons of the show, which has an 86% critical score on Rotten Tomatoes, but this was not the case.Netflix canceledTerritoryafter just one seasonbut did not give a reason why. This could have been due to many factors, including production and scheduling, but the audience reception could have played a part.Territorywas less popular with audiences than with critics, with Rotten Tomatoes viewers giving the series a 53% rating. That said, the show was extremely well-acted and is well worth a watch.
1Song Of The Bandits (2023)
A Western Action K-Drama Which May Not Be Over Yet
Some ofthe best Western shows in recent yearshave played with the Western genre, combining it with other, very different themes.Song of the Banditsmerges Western tropes into a K-drama, producing an exciting and unpredictable neo-Western. Netflix has a great track record with K-dramas, airing some fantastic ones, but it is the Western twist inSong of the Banditsthat makes it stand out. The show is set during the period of Japanese colonial rule over Korea, and follows a group of outlaws in the lawless land of Gando, as they fight oppression.
2017
83%
85%
Song of the Bandits
2023
86%
88%
2024
53%
2025
71%
87%
WhileSong of the BanditsandAmerican Primevalappear very different, they have a major theme in common, centering on wars and massacres as people flee over the border to start a new life. Both have extremely positive critical and audience reviews, and fans of the Western genre who are looking for a different take on it should check outSong of the Bandits. There has been great demand for a second season ofAmerican Primevalas well asSong of the Bandits, so there may be more of both Westerns yet to come, which would be very good news.
American Primeval
Cast
American Primeval is a Netflix limited series that follows the lives of several men and women in the middle of the expansion of the American West. Social dynamics clash as men and women battle for a piece of the new world against rivals and each other.
