Westerns may have declined on the big screen within the past few decades, but they’re back in full force on television thanks to the overwhelming popularity of shows likeWestworld, That Dirty Black Bag, Billy the Kid, and the many series within the extendedTaylor Sheridanuniverse. Although there have been many attempts at taking a “dark and gritty” approach to the genre,American Primevalhas proven to be a fascinating history lesson about one of the mostunder-discussed tragedies in American history.The thrilling six-part series fromPeter Bergexamines the tragic Mountain Meadows Massacre, in which volatile members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead a violent siege on wagons that were traveling west to new homes.
American Primeval’s debut on Netflix meant that it got significantly more exposure than it would have received on any other streaming platform, but it was frustratingly released with barely any marketing.Despite being a major ratings successwithin its initial week of release,American Primevalhas not quite penetrated the larger popular culture conversation in the same way that it could have under a different rollout strategy. Although Netflix has notoriously been opposed to anything other than the traditional binge method,American Primevalwould’ve gained more attention had it been released on a weekly basis.
‘American Primeval’ Didn’t Benefit From a Binge Drop
The binge model is a perfect strategy to release shows that are easily digestible, allowing audiences to view a program in its entirety. Binging a show likeA Man on the Insidemakes sense because it is so light-hearted and humorous, butAmerican Primevalis a very disturbing show that viewers may have struggled to finish quickly.The series’ dark subject material meant that it was always going to be violent, but some scenes go above and beyond with the level of gore that is featured; the first episodeincludes an immersive raid sequencein which Mormons disguised as Native American warriors attack a group of settlers, and brutally execute many of them. Although a weekly release may have given viewers time to adjust to the show’s style, they may not have been inclined to complete the series if the initial episode had proven too overwhelming.
American Primevalis also a very complex show with many characters, which may make it difficult for audiences to keep track of everyone that they are supposed to be paying attention to. While the story primarily focuses on the settler Sara Holloway (Betty Gilpin) as she seeks assistance from the mountain man Isaac Reed (Taylor Kitsch) while transporting her son Devin (Preston Mota) to their new home, their paths end up intersecting with the young Indigenous woman Two Moons (Shawnee Pourier), who is fleeing from the attack on her village. There’s also time dedicated to the political intrigue between the villainous LDS president Brigham Young (Kim Coates) and the Fort Bridger training post founder Jim Bridger (Shea Whigham), as well as a storyline centered on the Mormon Jacob Pratt (Dane DeHaan)trying to achieve revengeafter he assumes that his new wife Abish (Saura Lightfoot-Leon) has been killed. Viewers of shows likeSeveranceorHouse of the Dragonbenefited from having time each week to remember where each character stood in relation to one another, but that opportunity has not been afforded to audiences watchingAmerican Primeval.
“You’re Coming With Me Whether You’re Ready or Not”: ‘American Primeval’s Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch on Matching Each Other’s Energy
Between broken bones and icy on-location shoots, Netflix’s Western series pushed its cast and crew to the limit.
‘American Primeval’ Needed Time To Find an Audience
American Primevaldoes not rely on many plot twists and revelationsin the same way that successful Netflix shows likeThe DiplomatandSquid Gamedo, so there is less incentive for viewers to complete viewing the entire series if it is made entirely available to them at once. While more time in between each episode could have allowed viewers to take note of the incredible craftsmanship and attention-to-detail that differentiatesAmerican Primevalfrom other historical epics, some may passively watch through the entire show in order to discover what happens to each of the characters. This may have skewed reactions to the show, as is the case with many western stories, the journey is far more interesting than the destination. Narratively,American Primevalbears a lot in common to other western stories about “found families,” but those willing to look at the show’s subtle messages about religion, power, andrecovering from serious traumamay have found more to appreciate.
American Primevalneededtime to sustain its buzz, as there is a distinct possibility that it could have attracted more viewers if it remained in conversation for many weeks at a time. It’s likely that those that appreciated the more mature western storytelling of1923or the rich historical detail ofShogunmay have come around to watchingAmerican Primevalhad there been time for anticipation to grow about each impending episode. Shows likeBreaking BadandYellowstonewere not successes overnight, as they had to steadily build an audience overtime. Releasing hotly anticipated shows likeStranger ThingsorThe Witcherall at once makes sense given the awareness they have, but shows likeAmerican Primevalthat are targeted at a more niche audience need time to cultivate a fanbase.
Netflix needs to reconsider its streaming strategies when it comes to individual programs, as there is not a “one-size-fits-all” method thatwill be successful for all of their programming.What’s most notable is that Berg is clearly a showrunner who has shown the merits of releasing a series on a weekly basis, asFriday Night Lightstransformed from a cult sensation to a mainstream hit after several seasons. Beyond the fact that audiences may appreciate getting a small dose of theAmerican Primevalworld on a weekly basis, Netflix would benefit from having a sustained hit, which could curb churn from viewers that terminate their subscriptions after completing a series that they are interested in. IfAmerican Primevalcontinues with a second season or spin-off, Netflix should take the itme to consider the best way to make it available to their audience.
American Primevalis streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
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American Primeval
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.
