Netflix’s gripping crime thriller Untamed has officially been greenlit for a second season, slated for a late 2026 release, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement. After its explosive debut on July 17, 2025, which saw the series rocket to the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s global Top 10 English TV list with 24.6 million views, producers have confirmed that the saga of National Park Service special agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) will continue. Season 2 promises a heart-pounding adventure filled with secrets, betrayals, and unexpected plot twists, with the tantalizing tagline, “It’s Just Beginning,” hinting at a deeper dive into the untamed wilderness and the dark corners of human nature.

A Breakout Hit in Yosemite’s Wilds

Untamed, created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, captivated audiences with its moody blend of murder mystery and character-driven drama, set against the breathtaking yet menacing backdrop of Yosemite National Park. The six-episode first season followed Kyle Turner, a grieving agent haunted by the loss of his son, as he unraveled the brutal death of Lucy Cook, a woman who fell from El Capitan. What initially seemed like a tragic accident spiraled into a complex web of deceit, exposing a drug ring in Yosemite’s abandoned mining tunnels and shattering revelations about Chief Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill), Kyle’s mentor and Lucy’s biological father. The season’s emotional climax saw Souter confess to accidentally killing Lucy and taking his own life, while Kyle learned his ex-wife Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt) orchestrated the murder of their son’s killer, leaving him to grapple with his fractured sense of justice.

The series, filmed in Vancouver and Chip Kerr Park despite its Yosemite setting, earned praise for its stunning cinematography and Bana’s raw, introspective performance, though some critics noted pacing issues and familiar tropes. With a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a fervent fanbase, Untamed became a cultural phenomenon, sparking widespread speculation about its future despite its initial “limited series” billing. The show’s anthology-style potential, rooted in the Investigative Services Branch’s (ISB) real-world role in tackling major crimes across U.S. national parks, provided a natural framework for continuation.

Season 2: A New Park, A New Mystery

The confirmation of Season 2, announced by producers in July 2025, marks a shift from the show’s original limited-series status, a move Netflix has made before with hits like The Watcher and Monster. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the creators have teased a fresh setting, with Kyle Turner likely moving to a new national park to tackle another high-stakes case. The Season 1 finale saw Kyle driving away from Yosemite, symbolically leaving behind his horse, cabin, and son’s toys, signaling a new chapter in his journey of healing and investigation. Co-showrunner Elle Smith expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series, stating, “We’d do this forever if they let us,” while Bana noted the narrative flexibility of Kyle’s ISB role, which involves rotating between parks.

Speculation points to iconic locations like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon as potential backdrops, aligning with the show’s signature blend of natural beauty and lurking danger. The new season is expected to introduce a fresh murder mystery, with a darker, more intricate criminal web. Posts on X suggest fan excitement for new conspiracies and betrayals, with one user theorizing a “rogue ranger faction” as the central conflict. While the core mystery will likely reset, Kyle’s personal arc—grappling with grief, alcoholism, and the moral fallout from Jill’s actions—will remain a focal point, deepening his complex character study.

Cast and Crew: Who’s Returning?

Eric Bana is confirmed to reprise his role as Kyle Turner, whose stoic yet tormented demeanor anchored Season 1’s emotional weight. Lily Santiago is also expected to return as Naya Vasquez, the rookie ranger whose investigative skills and growing comfort in the wilderness made her a fan favorite. Santiago has expressed eagerness for Naya to take on more responsibility, perhaps even leading a case in a new park like Hawaii’s volcanic ranges. However, the Yosemite-specific supporting cast, including Sam Neill’s Paul Souter and Wilson Bethel’s Shane Maguire, is less likely to return due to their characters’ deaths, though Bethel playfully suggested a ghostly cameo. Rosemarie DeWitt’s Jill Bodwin could reappear, given her unresolved tension with Kyle, but her role may be limited if the story shifts locations.

New faces are anticipated, with producers hinting at celebrity guest stars to bolster the anthology format. The creative team, including showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, and executive producers Bana, John Wells, and Todd Black, will return to maintain the series’ gritty tone and visual splendor. Filming is expected to begin in mid-2026, following a similar one-year production cycle as Season 1, which filmed from June to September 2024 for a July 2025 release.

Fan Buzz and Expectations

The announcement has ignited a firestorm of excitement on X, with fans praising the show’s “gripping slow burn” and “stunning landscapes.” The series’ ability to weave personal trauma with procedural thrills has drawn comparisons to Yellowstone and Joe Pickett, resonating with viewers who crave emotionally charged mysteries. Season 2 is poised to capitalize on this momentum, with Netflix likely banking on sustained viewership after Season 1’s chart-topping performance.

As Untamed prepares to venture into new wilderness, fans can expect a thrilling continuation that balances fresh mysteries with Kyle Turner’s ongoing quest for redemption. With late 2026 on the horizon, the stage is set for another unforgettable journey into the heart of nature’s darkest secrets.