'Intense' Western series is so good Netflix viewers dub it one of best ever made

Western programmes and films are experiencing a massive surge in popularity at the moment, with telly enthusiasts going mad for various Westerns that are being hailed as amongst the finest ever made. But, if you're after something fresh to binge, television fanatics are going absolutely wild over another Netflix series that's been branded so "intense" it's being called one of the greatest around.

Viewers have been chatting about the gripping programme on Reddit, after one fan was eager to discover what others thought following their viewing experience. It's obvious that countless people have become completely hooked on the show, with some even declaring it the finest Western ever produced.

American Primeval is a fairly recent addition that landed on the streaming platform earlier this year. Since its arrival, it's clearly left audiences absolutely mesmerised, and it's not the only Netflix Western that's been grabbing people's attention recently.

• BBC Breakfast's live broadcast interrupted as Naga Munchetty announces devastating news
• Prince William breaks silence on Prince Harry - 'George won't grow up the same'

The viewer posted: "American Primeval on Netflix is damn good. It is frankly surprising that I found out the show existed randomly yesterday night when I came upon the IMDB most anticipated shows of 2025.

"I wanted to watch one episode a day to pace myself, but i just caved and binged the whole show, and it is the BEST Western I've seen in YEARS. Highly recommend."

For those unfamiliar with the programme, it's an American Western miniseries crafted and penned by Mark L. Smith and helmed by Peter Berg. The show features Taylor Kitschand Betty Gilpin, and takes place in 1857 during the Utah War. Launched in January this year, the series has since enthralled a multitude of viewers.

In essence, the show dramatises the struggle for control over the American West, with a particular focus on the violent conflict between the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and various cultures in the Utah Territory.

Primarily, it centres around the events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. While it does touch upon historical events, the series is largely fictional.

Since its debut, numerous Netflix viewers have tuned in and have been swift to laud American Primeval. They've described it as brimming with "intense scenes" and hailed it as "beautifully written."

Some viewers were so moved by the show that they were nearly brought to tears. It appears to have plenty to offer those on the hunt for a new Western series to binge-watch.

One viewer commented: "This series is intense, gory and unflinchingly honest, capturing every angle of what happened back then between the Indigenous people, the Mormons and the intermediaries. Packed into just six episodes, it delivers an unforgettable experience.

"I loved every minute from the stellar performances to the gripping storyline. The action, cinematic quality and immersive storytelling truly make you feel like you're right there in the moment.

"It's a lot to take in and, while I wish I hadn't binged it all at once, I simply couldn't stop myself. This is a modern Western masterpiece, a 10/10 that stands far apart from the old-school Westerns."

Another viewer chimed in with: "One of the best Western shows I have ever seen." A third fan was equally impressed, stating: "Yeah, the show kind of has me blown away.

"I literally just started the last episode at 5am. I knew it would be good when I saw that Shea Whigham was in it. Disappointed that there's only six episodes."

Meanwhile, a fourth fan couldn't contain their excitement, adding: "It's not just the best Western I've seen in a long time, but the best show I've seen in a long time. It is just SO well done."