(Photo courtesy of Paramount+)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
As we step into 2025, it is clear that Westerns are making a major comeback, and I for one couldn’t be happier. From epic landscapes to stories of survival, grit, and determination, the genre seems to be thriving again. I credit Taylor Sheridan and “Yellowstone” for inspiring me to watch Westerns again. It had been too long since I immersed myself in the landscape of Western-themed TV shows. As a kid of the 60s and 70s, I grew up watching “Gunsmoke,” “The Big Valley,” and John Wayne movies galore. The theme fell out of favor with me over the years, but the charm is appealing to me again. There are two standout shows leading the way so far this year: “American Primeval” on Netflix and “1923” on Paramount+. Here’s why both are deserving of your attention.
American Primeval
Set in the harsh year of 1857, “American Primeval” explores a brutal and unforgiving frontier where survival is the only thing that matters. This series offers a stark portrayal of the violent clash between different cultures, religions, and communities as men and women battle for control and dominance over the land. With violence at every turn and rough living conditions, “American Primeval” shows us this reflection of a time when life was defined by suffering and survival.Y es, it’s really that tough, but it is worth a watch.
Created by Pete Berg (director/executive producer) and Mark L. Smith (writer/creator/executive producer), the series has a good cast that includes Taylor Kitsch, Betty Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Jai Courtney, and Shea Whigham. I noticed a commitment to authenticity, especially in its portrayal of Indigenous cultures. The production has enlisted cultural consultants like Julie O’Keefe (Indigenous Cultural Consultant and Project Advisor), along with a team of artisans of Indigenous descent, such as Hovia Edwards-Yellowjohn (Shoshone Bannock-Navajo) and Kugee Supernaw (Quapaw and Osage). Their involvement ensured the show made me appreciate a cultural integrity that is not always depicted.
1923
Meanwhile, over at Paramount+, another Western epic is unfolding with the highly anticipated second season of “1923.” This continuation of Taylor Sheridan’s vast “Yellowstone” universe stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as the fierce and resilient couple, Jacob and Cara Dutton. The series continues to explore the challenges faced by the Dutton family in the early 20th century. It blends the personal and the historical, giving viewers a nuanced portrayal of life on the Dutton ranch during a time of change and danger.
The second season will premiere on Feb. 23, 2025, and it promises even more intense drama as the Duttons face a cruel winter that brings not only difficult weather but also new threats to their family legacy. The season will follow Spencer Dutton (played by Brandon Sklenar) as he embarks on a perilous journey home, racing against time to save his family in Montana. Meanwhile, his love interest, Alexandra (played by Julia Schlaepfer), will set off on her own dangerous adventure across the Atlantic to reunite with Spencer.
The series has become synonymous with drama, stunning cinematography, and amazing stories. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren are incredible in their roles. Much like its predecessor, “1883,” “1923” isn’t just a Western; it’s an exploration of human survival, the pursuit of power, and the bonds that hold families together in the face of adversity. “Yellowstone” fans are loving learning more about the Dutton family through these spin-offs, and “1923” is a must-watch.
Both “American Primeval” and “1923” reflect the growing interest in Westerns as a genre that can explore not only historical events but also timeless themes of survival. In a world where modern TV dramas often feel the same ol’, same ol’, the Western genre offers something refreshingly raw and real. So, saddle up and make sure “American Primeval” and “1923” are on your must-watch list. You won’t want to miss these powerful, thought-provoking, and fun to watch dramas that capture the essence of the Old West.
Side note, Western fans: If you get the chance, watch Brian Presley’s movie “Hostile Territory.”
And be sure to subscribe to Paramount+. If you’re not already signed up, try Paramount+ for FREE and see what the network has to offer!
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