Netflix’s Untamed captivated audiences with its gripping first season, released on July 17, 2025, blending a moody murder mystery with the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite National Park. The series, starring Eric Bana as the stoic yet haunted National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent Kyle Turner, delivered a compelling mix of personal trauma, intricate crime, and stunning wilderness visuals. After its emotionally charged finale, fans have been clamoring for news of a second season. The wait is over: Netflix has officially confirmed Untamed Season 2, slated for release in August 2026, with Kyle Turner returning to the mountains to tackle a new mystery—this time centered on the disappearance of his ex-wife, Jill Bodwin, and a chilling secret revealed in her last voicemail. This article dives deep into the announcement, analyzes the first season’s impact, highlights the show’s strengths, and spotlights the standout performances that make Untamed a must-watch series.

Season 2 Release Date and Plot Tease

Netflix announced that Untamed Season 2 will premiere on August 6, 2026, following a production timeline similar to the first season, which filmed from June to September 2024 and premiered in July 2025. The confirmation came after months of speculation, as the first season was initially billed as a limited series, leaving its future uncertain. However, the show’s strong viewership and social media buzz, particularly on platforms like X and Reddit, prompted Netflix to greenlight a second season.

The official teaser for Season 2 reveals that Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) will return to the wilderness, this time investigating the disappearance of his ex-wife, Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt). The plot centers on a cryptic and disturbing voicemail left by Jill, hinting at a “horrifying secret” tied to her vanishing. While details remain scarce, the teaser suggests a shift to a new national park—potentially Glacier National Park or the Smoky Mountains—aligning with the real-life mobility of ISB agents who often transfer between parks. The narrative will likely explore Kyle’s ongoing struggle with grief over his son Caleb’s death, his complex relationship with Jill, and new challenges alongside rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago). Fan theories on X speculate that Jill’s secret may connect to the unresolved threads of Season 1, such as the fallout from Sean Sanderson’s murder or lingering park conspiracies.

Season 1 Recap and Analysis

To appreciate the anticipation for Season 2, it’s essential to revisit the strengths and complexities of Untamed Season 1. The six-episode miniseries, created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, follows Kyle Turner as he investigates the death of a young woman, initially identified as Jane Doe, found at the base of El Capitan in Yosemite. The investigation uncovers a web of secrets, including an underground drug ring, a cast of morally ambiguous characters, and ties to Kyle’s personal tragedy—the murder of his son, Caleb, five years earlier.

Plot and Themes

The first season’s strength lies in its character-driven narrative, weaving Kyle’s investigation with his unresolved grief and fractured relationships. The central mystery revolves around Lucy Cook (Ezra Franky), revealed to be the daughter of chief park ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill), who died by suicide after being shot in the leg by her father. This shocking twist, coupled with revelations about Caleb’s death, elevated the series beyond a standard whodunit. The show explores themes of grief, justice, and the moral compromises people make to protect their loved ones. Jill’s confession that she hired Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel) to kill Sean Sanderson, Caleb’s murderer, added a layer of moral complexity, challenging viewers to question her actions.

The Yosemite setting is a character in itself, with cinematographers Michael McDonough and Brendan Uegema capturing its majestic yet menacing landscapes. The vast wilderness amplifies the sense of isolation and danger, reflecting Kyle’s internal turmoil. However, critics noted pacing issues, with early episodes dragging and some subplots, like the drug ring, feeling underdeveloped. Despite these flaws, the series’ emotional depth and stunning visuals earned it a 7.3/10 on IMDb and a 60/100 on Metacritic, with reviewers praising its atmosphere and Bana’s performance.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Untamed excels in its atmospheric storytelling and character dynamics. The interplay between Kyle and Naya Vasquez, a former LAPD officer adapting to the wilderness, grounds the series in a relatable partnership. The show’s use of Yosemite’s terrain—sequoia forests, cliffs, and waterfalls—creates a visceral backdrop that enhances the suspense. However, the pacing falters at times, with some critics arguing that the six-episode arc could have been condensed to four for tighter storytelling. Subplots, such as the drug trafficking scheme led by Simon (Bradley Stryker), occasionally overshadow the central mystery, and certain twists, like Jill’s confession, arrive too late to fully resonate.

The series also balances realism with dramatic flourishes. The depiction of ISB agents, inspired by real-life National Park Service investigators, lends authenticity, while elements like Kyle’s hallucinations of Caleb add a touch of magical realism. These moments, though divisive, deepen the exploration of trauma. Fans on X have praised the show’s ability to blend gritty crime drama with emotional stakes, though some felt the finale’s resolution of Lucy’s death was rushed.

Highlights of the Series

Cinematography and Setting

The visual splendor of Untamed is undeniable. Filmed in Vancouver and Chip Kerr Park, Canada (standing in for Yosemite), the series uses sweeping shots of mountains, forests, and rivers to create a sense of awe and danger. The opening scene, where Lucy’s body plummets from El Capitan, sets a gripping tone, with the camera emphasizing the scale of the wilderness. These visuals not only enhance the narrative but also underscore the theme of nature as an untamed force.

Character-Driven Storytelling

At its core, Untamed is about human flaws and resilience. Kyle’s stoicism masks deep pain, making him a compelling yet distant protagonist. His interactions with Jill, Naya, and Paul reveal layers of vulnerability, while the supporting characters—particularly Shane Maguire’s morally dubious ranger—add tension and unpredictability. The series’ focus on personal stakes, such as Jill’s decision to seek vigilante justice, elevates it above typical crime dramas.

Emotional Resonance

The exploration of grief, particularly through Kyle and Jill’s shared loss of Caleb, resonates deeply. The revelation that Jill orchestrated Sanderson’s death adds a gut-punch twist, forcing viewers to grapple with her moral choices. The series’ refusal to provide easy answers—leaving Scott’s reaction to Jill’s confession ambiguous—invites debate and reflection, a hallmark of strong storytelling.

Standout Performances

Eric Bana as Kyle Turner

Eric Bana delivers a tour-de-force performance as Kyle Turner, embodying a man teetering on the edge of despair yet driven by duty. His stoic demeanor, described by critics as “Gary Cooper-esque,” contrasts with moments of raw vulnerability, particularly in scenes where he hallucinates Caleb. Bana’s ability to convey quiet intensity, whether tracking suspects or confronting Jill, anchors the series. His real-life experience filming in rugged conditions, including working with a “bear guy” for safety, adds authenticity to his portrayal. Bana’s executive producer role further underscores his investment in the project.

Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill Bodwin

Rosemarie DeWitt shines as Jill, bringing nuance to a character who could easily have been a one-dimensional ex-wife. Her understated performance captures Jill’s inner turmoil, particularly in the finale when she confesses to hiring Shane to kill Sanderson. DeWitt’s ability to convey both strength and fragility makes Jill a standout, with critics praising her “lived-in” quality. Her chemistry with Bana elevates their scenes, making their fractured bond palpable. However, some reviewers noted that Jill’s arc was underdeveloped until the final episodes, a flaw the writers may address in Season 2.

Lily Santiago as Naya Vasquez

Lily Santiago’s portrayal of Naya Vasquez, the rookie ranger with a sharp mind and LAPD background, adds a fresh perspective to the series. Her arc—adapting to the wilderness while balancing single motherhood—provides emotional depth and relatability. Santiago’s chemistry with Bana creates a compelling mentor-protégé dynamic, and her decisive action in saving Kyle from Shane showcases her growth. Critics have hailed her as having the “biggest arc” in the series, setting high expectations for her role in Season 2.

Sam Neill as Paul Souter

Sam Neill brings gravitas to Paul Souter, Kyle’s mentor and the chief ranger with a dark secret. His performance balances warmth and guilt, particularly in the finale when Paul’s role in Lucy’s death is revealed. Neill’s understated delivery makes Paul’s suicide a heartbreaking moment, though some critics felt his character was underused. His iconic status from Jurassic Park adds a layer of familiarity that enhances his impact.

Wilson Bethel as Shane Maguire

Wilson Bethel’s Shane Maguire is a standout antagonist, blending charm with menace. As a former army ranger turned wildlife officer, Shane’s morally gray actions—running drugs and killing Sanderson—make him a complex foil to Kyle. Bethel’s performance, particularly in the tense shootout with Kyle, crackles with intensity. His death at Naya’s hands closes his arc, but fan theories on X suggest he could return in flashbacks, adding intrigue to Season 2.

Expectations for Season 2

Season 2 promises to build on the first season’s strengths while addressing its flaws. The focus on Jill’s disappearance and her cryptic voicemail suggests a tighter, more personal mystery. Moving to a new national park could refresh the setting, offering new visual and narrative possibilities. Fans hope for deeper exploration of Kyle’s healing process and Naya’s growth as a ranger, potentially tackling cases like environmental crimes or missing campers, as speculated on Reddit. The return of core cast members—Bana, Santiago, and DeWitt—ensures continuity, while new characters could introduce fresh dynamics.

The Smiths’ writing will be crucial in maintaining the balance of character drama and suspense. Addressing Season 1’s pacing issues and giving supporting characters, like Jill, more screen time early on could elevate the series. The teaser’s hint at a “horrifying secret” tied to Jill suggests a connection to her past actions, possibly involving Sanderson’s death or a new park-related conspiracy. With Bana and the Smiths as executive producers, the series is poised to deliver another visually stunning and emotionally resonant chapter.

Conclusion

Untamed Season 2, set to premiere on August 6, 2026, promises to deepen the series’ exploration of grief, justice, and the untamed wilderness. Eric Bana’s commanding performance as Kyle Turner, alongside Rosemarie DeWitt’s nuanced Jill and Lily Santiago’s dynamic Naya, sets a high bar for the returning cast. The first season’s blend of atmospheric visuals, complex characters, and moral dilemmas made it a standout, despite pacing issues. With Jill’s disappearance and a chilling voicemail driving the new mystery, Season 2 has the potential to surpass its predecessor, offering fans a thrilling return to the mountains. As Untamed continues to trend globally, its mix of breathtaking scenery and raw human emotion ensures it remains a must-watch on Netflix.