In the ever-competitive world of streaming, Netflix has a new king of the hill. Move over, Virgin River – the cozy small-town romance that has captivated audiences with its heartfelt drama and scenic charm has officially been dethroned. Taking its place at the top of Netflix’s global charts is UNTAMED, a gripping limited series that has viewers absolutely obsessed, binge-watching through the night and flooding social media with reactions. Released on July 17, 2025, this six-episode thriller has skyrocketed to #1, leaving fans of Virgin River‘s wholesome vibes in the dust as they dive into a world of dark secrets, unexpected twists, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. From the very first episode, UNTAMED hooks you in and doesn’t let go, making many forget the quaint Northern California town of Virgin River even existed.

UNTAMED is set against the breathtaking yet unforgiving backdrop of Yosemite National Park, one of America’s most iconic natural wonders. The story follows Kyle Turner, played masterfully by Eric Bana, a special agent for the National Parks Service’s Investigative Services Branch. Turner is a brooding, haunted figure – a man grappling with personal demons from his past, including alcoholism and family tragedies. When a young woman plummets to her death from the sheer face of El Capitan, what initially seems like a tragic climbing accident unravels into something far more sinister. A gunshot wound on her leg and mysterious blood trails deep in the wilderness point to foul play, drawing Turner into a web of poachers, drug dealers, and corrupt insiders operating within the park’s vast, untamed expanses.

The series masterfully blends procedural crime investigation with psychological thriller elements, reminiscent of classics like True Detective or Twin Peaks. As Turner delves deeper, he uncovers not just the park’s hidden dangers – from illegal hunting rings to shadowy figures exploiting the remote terrain – but also confronts ghosts from his own history. His estranged ex-wife, portrayed by Rosemarie DeWitt, adds emotional layers, while veteran actor Sam Neill shines as a grizzled park ranger with secrets of his own. Supporting cast members like Lily Santiago as a determined young ranger and Wilson Bethel as a suspicious local bring depth and tension, making every interaction feel charged with potential betrayal.

What sets UNTAMED apart and has propelled it to Netflix’s #1 spot is its relentless pacing and masterful twists. Viewers are raving about how the show starts with a literal cliffhanger – the woman’s fatal fall – and builds from there, layering revelation upon revelation. Social media is abuzz with posts like, “Plot twist after plot twist! Netflix is cooking with UNTAMED 🤯,” and “Eric Bana’s performance is next-level – this show has me hooked more than Virgin River ever did!” According to Netflix’s Tudum, the series has already amassed millions of viewing hours in its first week, surpassing Virgin River‘s recent season metrics. Fans praise the stunning cinematography that captures Yosemite’s majestic landscapes – towering cliffs, dense forests, and rushing rivers – turning the park itself into a character that’s both beautiful and menacing.

The obsession isn’t just about the visuals; it’s the emotional rollercoaster. Turner’s internal struggles mirror the external chaos, creating a narrative that’s as much about human frailty as it is about solving a murder. One X post summed it up: “Untamed is the number 1 show on Netflix now – we have to indoctrinate as many people as possible!” The show’s creator, Mark L. Smith (known for The Revenant), crafts a story that’s tightly woven, with each episode clocking in at around 50 minutes, perfect for a weekend binge. Unlike Virgin River‘s focus on romance and community healing, UNTAMED thrives on paranoia and unpredictability, constantly shifting viewer opinions as alliances break and truths emerge.

Critics are equally enamored. Roger Ebert’s site calls it a “terrifying sequence from the start,” while Variety hails it as “engrossing” with “shockingly unexpected twists.” The New York Times notes its procedural flair set against real-world issues like national park crimes, adding a layer of authenticity. Even Reddit threads debate whether the script feels AI-generated due to its precise plotting, but most agree it’s a “competent if slightly predictable summer mystery” elevated by Bana’s commanding presence.

Why has UNTAMED dethroned Virgin River so swiftly? Timing plays a role – Virgin River Season 7 wrapped production in June 2025, with its release slated for later this year or early 2026, leaving fans in a lull. But more than that, UNTAMED taps into a craving for high-stakes thrillers amid a sea of feel-good content. Viewers are praising it as “one of the greatest TV blockbusters,” with comments like “Immediately binge-worthy – True Detective fans, run to this!” echoing across platforms. The series’ limited format ensures no filler, delivering a complete, satisfying arc that leaves you pondering the ending long after the credits roll.

If you’re a Virgin River devotee missing the small-town intrigue, UNTAMED offers a darker alternative with similar themes of personal redemption amid stunning nature. But beware: once you start, you won’t stop. As one fan tweeted, “Untamed yötter from the first scene 😰.” With its mix of mystery, stellar acting, and jaw-dropping revelations, this is the show that’s redefining Netflix summers. Don’t miss out – stream UNTAMED now and join the obsession.