American Primeval Is a Big Netflix Hit – Here Are 3 More Western Shows With Over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes to Follow It
Western genre dramas are making a major comeback on Netflix, with American Primeval currently leading the charge as one of the platform’s most-watched shows. Since its release, it’s been drawing in audiences with its brutal, gory portrayal of life in 1857 and the challenges people face while trying to survive in the American wilderness. Featuring gritty performances from Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, the show has sparked considerable attention. While critics have been lukewarm about American Primeval with a 66% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has received high praise from its audience, boasting a solid 88% audience score.
If you’ve already devoured every episode of American Primeval and are itching for more, don’t fret. There are plenty of other Western shows available on Netflix that not only capture the same rough and rugged themes but also hold impressive ratings from both critics and audiences alike. In this article, we’ll take a look at three fantastic Western dramas that you should add to your watchlist next. From supernatural demons to a gritty revenge tale and even a Korean twist on the genre, these shows promise to keep you hooked.
3 Must-Watch Western Shows on Netflix With Over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes After American Primeval
1. Wynonna Earp – A Fun Western Adventure With A Supernatural Twist
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Seasons: 4
Starring: Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Shamier Anderson
If you’re looking for something that offers a bit of a break from the intensity and grim atmosphere of American Primeval, Wynonna Earp is a breath of fresh air. This series blends the Western genre with supernatural elements, creating a wild, action-packed ride that’s as fun as it is thrilling.
The series centers on Wynonna Earp, the granddaughter of the infamous lawman Wyatt Earp. Following in her grandfather’s footsteps, Wynonna must return to the town of Purgatory and battle demons, with the help of the immortal Doc Holliday, who plays a crucial role in her fight against evil. It’s an entertaining series that combines Western motifs with elements of fantasy and horror, offering a refreshing twist on the genre.
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, Wynonna Earp has garnered a dedicated fanbase over its four-season run. The series explores themes of family, duty, and redemption while also delivering plenty of action, humor, and suspense. The dynamic between Wynonna and Doc is both humorous and touching, and the series doesn’t shy away from making bold creative choices. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a mix of supernatural mystery and Western action that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
2. Godless – A Gritty Western Tale of Vengeance and Survival
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
Seasons: 1
Starring: Jeff Daniels, Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy
For viewers who prefer a darker, more traditional Western, Godless is a must-watch. This miniseries brings a raw, uncompromising look at life in the Old West, focusing on themes of vengeance, loyalty, and survival. With a storyline centered around revenge, Godless offers a perfect follow-up for fans of American Primeval looking for a similarly gritty and intense experience.
Set in a town populated almost entirely by women after a mining accident leaves most of the men dead, Godless is the story of a fugitive named Roy Goode (played by Jack O’Connell) who seeks refuge in this isolated town. Roy is being hunted by Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels), the leader of a ruthless outlaw gang. Frank’s pursuit of Roy is motivated by a sense of betrayal, as Roy was once a member of the gang before turning on them due to their increasingly violent tendencies. As Frank closes in on Roy, the town must decide where their loyalties lie as they prepare for a bloody showdown.
The show’s pacing is deliberate, building tension in every episode as Frank’s gang closes in on the town. Godless is a deep dive into moral ambiguity, with characters constantly grappling with the consequences of their actions. The themes of revenge and survival are complemented by stunning cinematography and impeccable performances from the cast. If you’re into violent, suspenseful Westerns with a focus on character-driven storytelling, Godless will not disappoint.
3. Song of the Bandits – A Korean Twist on the Western Genre
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Seasons: 1
Starring: Kim Nam-gil, Seohyun, Yoo Jae-myung
While Westerns have traditionally been an American genre, the world of Westerns is expanding globally, and Song of the Bandits is a perfect example of this cultural crossover. Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1920s, this historical drama brings a unique twist to the Western genre by transporting its themes of lawlessness, survival, and rebellion to the Korean peninsula.
The series follows a group of Korean outlaws who escape to the border regions of China, seeking a new life of freedom in a lawless land. However, as with all frontier towns in Westerns, the region is filled with violence, danger, and moral complexity. The show centers around these bandits as they try to navigate the perilous world they inhabit, all while trying to reclaim their homeland from the occupying Japanese forces.
What makes Song of the Bandits stand out is its blending of Western tropes with the unique historical context of Korean resistance during Japanese colonial rule. The outlaws are not just criminals but symbols of the broader resistance movement, making the series a powerful story of rebellion and identity. The narrative is based on a real historical massacre, which adds weight and depth to the otherwise fictional tale.
Visually stunning and culturally rich, Song of the Bandits offers a fresh take on the Western genre and provides an opportunity to explore themes of resistance, identity, and freedom in a different cultural context. If you’re interested in historical dramas that explore themes of colonization and rebellion with a Western edge, this show is a standout option on Netflix.
Why You Should Watch These Western Shows
The Western genre has always captivated audiences with its tales of survival, morality, and human endurance. In recent years, these themes have expanded beyond traditional settings, and we’re seeing a resurgence of Western-style dramas on streaming platforms like Netflix. American Primeval has proven that there’s a modern appetite for these kinds of stories, but the shows we’ve discussed today bring something unique to the table.
Whether you’re in the mood for a supernatural spin on Westerns like Wynonna Earp, a gritty and realistic tale of vengeance in Godless, or a historical drama like Song of the Bandits that reimagines the genre in a Korean context, there’s no shortage of compelling stories waiting to be discovered. Each of these shows has been well-received by critics and audiences alike, proving that Westerns are more versatile than ever before.
As you venture into the world of Westerns, these shows will keep you entertained with their exciting storylines, unforgettable characters, and unique perspectives on the Old West and beyond. If you’re a fan of American Primeval or just love a good Western, these three shows are the perfect next steps on your journey into the untamed frontier of television.
Conclusion
Netflix’s American Primeval has solidified its place as one of the top Western series to watch right now, drawing in fans with its gritty, brutal depiction of the American frontier. But if you’re looking to dive deeper into the world of Westerns, there’s no shortage of exceptional shows to explore. From the supernatural adventures of Wynonna Earp to the intense revenge-driven drama of Godless, and the global twist on the genre in Song of the Bandits, these shows offer something for everyone.
These shows are proof that the Western genre is alive and well, continuing to evolve with fresh takes, compelling stories, and strong characters. So whether you’re a long-time fan of Westerns or just starting to explore the genre, these Netflix series are bound to leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting the next episode.