A new Netflix Western drama has taken the trend of violent shows to another level, with viewers labeling the series as ‘very graphic and disturbing’ after its premiere.
The six-part program followed a mother on the run during the brutal Utah War of 1857, in which Mormons, the U.S. Army and Native Americans fought for the American West.
Subscribers can’t stop watching American Primeval, even though some scenes are so gory that fans often have to watch them from behind the couch.
The premise itself promised violence, with the entire drama unfolding around a grim ten-month conflict that left 120 people dead in one massacre alone, as the war proved inconclusive.
It starred GLOW breakout star Betty Gilpin as mother-on-the-run Sara and True Detective actor Taylor Kitsch as lone wolf Isaac.
There were shootings, ax fights and gruesome battles around every corner and viewers have taken to social media to express their shock at the extent of the violence.
A new Western drama on Netflix has taken the trend of violent shows to a new level, with viewers calling the series “very graphic and disturbing” (pictured L-R: Preston Mota as Devin Rowell; Taylor Kitsch as Isaac; and Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell)
Subscribers can’t stop watching American Primeval, even though some scenes are so gory that fans are often forced to watch them from behind the couch
The premise itself promised violence, with the entire drama unfolding around a grim ten-month conflict that left 120 people dead in one massacre alone, as the war proved inconclusive.
One It’s not for the faint of heart, but delivers a compelling, if grim, story.’
Another added: ‘AMERICAN PRIMEVAL hits Netflix today and while I liked the performances – Shea Whigham in particular – the miniseries feels gross to watch due to the sheer amount of seemingly gratuitous violence and the sludge brown color with which the series has been reviewed. Real mixed bag.’
A third wrote: ‘American Primeval is a brutal ride from start to finish.’
One viewer said: ‘American Primeval is a visceral journey into America’s brutal past, capturing the raw essence of survival and conflict with ruthless intensity.’
Another joked: ‘American Primeval makes me appreciate life in the 21st century. lol’
A sixth user added: ‘AMERICAN PRIMEVAL has managed to shock me with its BRUTALITY and VIOLENCE (I don’t necessarily mean bloodshed). It’s been a long time since anything has done that. It’s grim and chilling.’
Another wrote: ‘An episode and a half of American Primeval on Netflix. All I can say at this point is: graphic and brutal. Eye-opening if it is true to the times.’
Meanwhile, one shocked viewer on Reddit said: ‘Based on the first two episodes, highly recommended, but I’ve seen a lot of violent media in my time and this show is very graphic and disturbing.’
There were shootings, ax fights and gruesome battles around every corner and viewers have taken to social media to express their shock at the levels of violence
American Primeval follows in the footsteps of the Western drama Yellowstone, set in the 1880s and starring Kevin Costner, and continues the trend of increasingly violent award-winning TV shows.
The series included increasingly graphic gunfights, lynchings and poisonings, with many commenting on the brutal nature of some of the killings.
Meanwhile, the 59-time Emmy-winning fantasy drama Game Of Thrones was known for its violence, including grim infant mortality and violence against women.
On this side of the Atlantic, Gangs of London has raised the flag for ultra-violence, with scenes such as one character’s eye exploding and another’s arteries spewing blood, dividing opinion among critics and viewers alike.
American Primeval turns the dial up a notch, with some moments depicting American history at its most miserable and brutal.
American Primeval is currently streaming on Netflix.