Netflix's Violent New Series 'American Primeval' Might Be Hard to Watch

Alexandra Hurtado

9 January 2025 at 3:54 pm·3-min read

From the lights of Friday nights to the frontier. Taylor Kitsch reunited with Pete Berg, creator of the Friday Night Lights series, for Netflix's new gritty drama American Primeval—and this one is not exactly for the faint of heart.

"I’m looking forward to taking viewers into the most dynamic, intense, and heart-pounding survival tale humanly possible," Berg, who directed the mature-rated series, told Netflix. "We are going into the belly of the beast."

The project was admittedly "the hardest thing" Berg has ever filmed. Discussing the series with Netflix, Kitsch remarked, "It's very raw and beautifully tragic."

Before we head to the frontier, here is everything to know about American Primeval, including cast and release date.

When does American Primeval premiere?

The limited series will be released on Jan. 9.

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How to watch American Primeval?

The American Primeval will be available only on Netflix.

How many episodes of American Primeval will there be?

There will be six one-hour episodes.

How will episodes of American Primeval be released?

All episodes of American Primeval will drop on Jan. 9.

What is American Primeval rated?

The series has a TV-MA rating. Speaking to Netflix, Julie O'Keefe, Indigenous Cultural Consultant and Project Advisor, noted: "The level of violence in American Primeval is probably tame to the actual violence that happened."

Who is in the cast of American Primeval?

The Netflix series stars:

Taylor Kitsch as Isaac Reed

Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell

Dane DeHaan as Jacob Pratt

Saura Lightfoot-Leon as Abish Pratt

Derek Hinkey as Red Feather

Joe Tippett as James Wolsey

Jai Courtney as Virgil Cutter

Preston Mota as Devin Rowell

Shawnee Pourier as Two Moons

Shea Whigham as Jim Bridger

American Primeval is set when?

The show is set in 1857 America when "up is down, pain is everywhere, innocence and tranquility are losing the battle to hatred and fear," according to Netflix. "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."

What is American Primeval about?

Director Berg has described the series as being about "one of the most violent and isolated parts of America in 1857, and a woman and her son trying to get through that land." The character Isaac Reed, who was raised Shoshone, "reluctantly" agrees to guide them through the territory.

Is American Primeval based on a true story?

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," per Netflix.

While the series is a "fictionalized dramatization," Mark L. Smith, executive producer and writer, told Netflix that they wanted to be "very accurate." Smith said, "We explore the characters that were in this world," which includes "the Indigenous, the Mormons, the pioneers and the bounty hunters in Fort Bridger."

Is there a trailer for American Primeval?

Yes, but warning, it is a mature-rated trailer. Watch the official trailer below: