Netflix Releases Yellowstone Prequel 1923, Debuts Western Thrillers

Netflix is actively seeking to capture the spirit of the hit series Yellowstone with its expanding slate of Western-themed shows in 2025, including the successful Ransom Canyon, which has been renewed for a second season after garnering significant viewership and is based on a popular book series that could support a long-term run. However, its newer series Untamed, a six-episode crime thriller set against the backdrop of Yosemite National Park and starring Eric Bana as a National Parks Service agent investigating a murder, has received mixed reviews; some critics find it slow and boring despite its intriguing premise and stunning setting, while others praise it as a compelling summer thriller suitable for binge-watching. Untamed explores dark secrets within the wilderness and the protagonist's troubled past, with a well-regarded supporting cast including Sam Neill, and blends thriller and crime elements that may appeal to Yellowstone fans. Meanwhile, Yellowstone's own continuation, 1923, focuses on the turbulent early 20th century, highlighting the Dutton family’s struggles against industrial forces and addressing themes such as racial injustice, war trauma, and social change. This multi-series approach reflects Netflix’s strategy to both emulate and diversify from Yellowstone’s formula, aiming to satisfy fans of Western dramas and mystery thrillers alike.