As Taylor Sheridan continues to dominate with his gritty, character-driven dramas on Paramount+, it’s no surprise that other streaming platforms are trying to capture similar success. Netflix may have finally cracked the code with its newest crime thriller, Untamed — a series that plunges viewers into a remote, neo-Western landscape where one man must solve a chilling mystery.
Created by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant, American Primeval) and Elle Smith (The Marsh King’s Daughter), Untamed centers on Kyle Turner, played by Eric Bana. Turner is a special agent with the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB), a real-life agency tasked with enforcing federal laws in the vast wilderness of U.S. national parks. The series follows him as a gruesome death leads to a tangled web of secrets — both buried in the land and within himself.
The ensemble cast is packed with star power, including Sam Neill (Jurassic Park), Rosemarie DeWitt (The Staircase), Wilson Bethel (Daredevil), and Lily Santiago (La Brea). Since its release, Untamed has soared to the #1 spot on both Netflix’s U.S. and global Top 10 lists. It’s joined by other chart-toppers like the gripping documentary Amy Bradley Is Missing, the romantic drama Sullivan’s Crossing, and fan-favorite series like Squid Game and The Waterfront — another title that could appeal to Sheridan’s fans.
Does Untamed Live Up to the Sheridan Standard?
Many viewers and critics have drawn parallels between Untamed and Taylor Sheridan’s work, as well as standout shows like True Detective and Ozark. Fortunately, Untamed has held its own, earning a “Certified Fresh” 79% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and a respectable 72% audience score.
Though it was originally conceived as a limited series, the show’s strong reception has sparked talks of a possible continuation. Eric Bana has remained noncommittal, recently telling TV Insider that while the idea of a second season hadn’t been heavily discussed during production, the character’s transient role — moving between parks for different investigations — leaves the door wide open.
“I haven’t thought about it too much,” Bana said. “It was such an immersive experience, but because of the nature of Turner’s job, moving from park to park is very plausible. That’s why the ending is structured the way it is — it leaves possibilities open.”
Meanwhile, co-creator Elle Smith is far more enthusiastic about the future:
“We’d love to keep going if given the chance,” Smith shared. “The idea of exploring different national parks, each with its own case and atmosphere, is what really excites us. There are so many stories left to tell.”
With its compelling premise, striking visuals, and a tone that echoes Sheridan’s signature blend of moral ambiguity and rugged landscapes, Untamed is quickly establishing itself as Netflix’s answer to the modern American crime saga.
