Netflix’s Untamed has taken the streaming world by storm, and the announcement that the gritty crime thriller will return for a second season has fans buzzing with anticipation. Premiering on July 17, 2025, the series, led by Eric Bana as National Park Service agent Kyle Turner, captivated audiences with its blend of heart-pounding mystery, raw emotional depth, and the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite National Park. After racking up a staggering 24.6 million views in its first week and securing a spot on Netflix’s global Top 10 list, Untamed has earned a swift renewal, with showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith promising an “impactful” new case set in a different national park. With comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s rugged storytelling and a cast that delivered unforgettable performances, Season 2 is poised to push Kyle Turner—and viewers—into uncharted territory. Here’s everything we know about what’s next, from plot teases to cast speculation, and why this renewal is both a triumph and a challenge for Netflix’s 2025 slate.

A Breakout Hit That Defied Expectations

Untamed Season 1 wasn’t just another crime drama—it was a visceral journey into the wilderness, both literal and emotional. The six-episode arc followed Kyle Turner, a seasoned Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent, as he unraveled a disturbing murder case at Yosemite. The death of a young woman who plummeted from El Capitan’s summit revealed dark secrets, from park ranger conspiracies to personal betrayals tied to Turner’s own tragic past. Eric Bana’s portrayal of the weathered, grief-stricken agent anchored the series, earning praise for its intensity. Critics lauded the show’s 80% Rotten Tomatoes score, with Slate’s Rebecca Onion noting, “Bana and Smith know how to keep you watching, even when parts of the story feel familiar.” Audience approval sat at 71%, reflecting a broad appeal that transcended typical thriller fans.

Originally billed as a limited series, Untamed wasn’t meant to continue beyond its standalone arc. Yet, its explosive viewership—24.6 million in week one alone—prompted Netflix to greenlight Season 2 on July 29, 2025, just 12 days after its debut. The show’s success mirrors that of other Netflix hits like Your Honor, which also transitioned from a limited series to a multi-season run. But this rapid renewal raises questions about Netflix’s strategy, especially given the fate of showrunner Mark L. Smith’s other 2025 project, American Primeval. That Western series, despite critical acclaim and a stellar cast, remains unrenewed, suggesting Untamed has become the priority. As one X user put it, “Untamed Season 2 is awesome news, but what about American Primeval? Netflix, don’t sleep on it!” The tension between these two Smith projects adds intrigue to Untamed’s future, but for now, fans are eager to dive back into Kyle Turner’s world.

Season 1 Recap: A Case That Cut Deep

To understand what’s coming in Season 2, let’s revisit where Season 1 left off. Kyle Turner, played with brooding intensity by Eric Bana, is a man haunted by the loss of his son, whose death years earlier fractured his marriage to Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt). Stationed at Yosemite, Turner investigates the death of Lucy, a young climber who fell from El Capitan. What seems like an accident quickly spirals into a web of deceit. Turner uncovers that Lucy was the daughter of chief park ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill), whose actions indirectly led to her death. The investigation also exposes Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel), a former army ranger turned park officer, who was involved in a cover-up tied to the murder of Turner’s son.

The season’s climax is a gut-punch: Turner learns Jill hired Shane to kill their son’s murderer, a secret that shatters his trust. Meanwhile, rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) kills Shane in self-defense as he hunts Turner, and Turner chooses to leave behind visions of his dead son, a recurring motif symbolizing his grief. By the finale, Turner departs Yosemite, ready for a new chapter but still carrying emotional scars. The resolution, while satisfying, left fans hungry for more, especially given the open-ended nature of Turner’s role as an ISB agent who moves from park to park.

Newsday’s Robert Levin called it “a smart and compelling drama, with great acting and a real sense of place.” The Yosemite setting wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a character, its towering cliffs and dense forests amplifying the story’s tension. Showrunners Mark and Elle Smith leaned into this, making the park’s beauty and danger integral to the narrative. As Mark told Netflix’s Tudum, “The park is our main character, sort of alive.” This approach set Untamed apart, blending procedural elements with a cinematic sense of place reminiscent of Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone.

Season 2: A New Park, A New Challenge

The biggest tease for Season 2 is its shift to a new national park, promising a fresh landscape and a case that will test Turner in unexpected ways. While Yosemite’s granite peaks defined Season 1, the Smiths are eager to explore a park with a distinct “cultural and geographical identity.” Elle Smith hinted, “We’ve done Yosemite. What’s the next park that could feel different from that? Being able to explore those places through the case and Turner’s journey is what’s so fascinating.” Speculation among fans points to parks like Yellowstone, with its geysers and wildlife, or Zion, with its red rock canyons, as potential settings. Each offers unique challenges—Yellowstone’s harsh winters or Zion’s rugged trails could push Turner physically and emotionally.

Mark Smith emphasized that the new case will be “organic” to the chosen park, avoiding repetitive tropes like “someone falling off another mountain.” Instead, expect a mystery tailored to the environment—perhaps a poaching ring in Yellowstone or a disappearance in Acadia’s foggy forests. The goal, Mark explained, is to make Turner “very uncomfortable,” stripping away the confidence he exuded in Yosemite. “He was the one leading the charge, and people followed him,” Mark said. “Now, we’re putting Kyle on his back foot, and we stumble along with him as he’s finding his way.” This shift promises a more vulnerable Turner, navigating unfamiliar terrain and new characters who challenge his authority.

Eric Bana, also an executive producer, is thrilled about the direction. “I can’t wait to take Kyle on his next journey,” he said in a statement. “The response to Season 1 has been a testament to the incredible effort by our crew to deliver something truly unique.” Bana’s performance, which balanced stoic resolve with raw grief, was a highlight of Season 1, and his return ensures continuity. But the new setting raises stakes: Turner, who was at home in Yosemite, will be a fish out of water, forcing him to adapt to a park’s unique dynamics and a case described as “more impactful” for his psyche.

Cast: Who’s Returning, Who’s New?

Bana’s return as Kyle Turner is confirmed, but the rest of the cast remains a question mark. Season 1’s ensemble—Sam Neill as Paul Souter, Rosemarie DeWitt as Jill, Lily Santiago as Naya, Wilson Bethel as Shane, and William Smillie as ranger Bruce Milch—delivered standout performances, but the finale’s body count and Turner’s departure from Yosemite complicate their involvement. Neill and Bethel’s characters died, making their return unlikely unless via flashbacks or visions, as Turner’s son appeared in Season 1. DeWitt’s Jill and Santiago’s Naya could theoretically return, but Mark Smith noted, “We’re trying to figure that stuff out because, my God, we loved our cast.” He hinted at a desire to bring back familiar faces “in an ideal world,” but the new park suggests a largely new roster.

Fans are vocal about wanting Lily Santiago back, with X posts praising her as “the heart of Season 1.” Naya’s arc, from rookie to decisive hero, resonated, and her connection to Turner could justify a transfer to another park. DeWitt’s Jill, however, faces narrative hurdles—her betrayal strained her relationship with Turner, though their shared history might bring her back for closure. Mark’s comments suggest new characters will dominate, designed to be “interesting and help [Turner] in ways both good and bad.” Expect complex figures akin to Season 1’s morally ambiguous rangers, possibly including local law enforcement or park visitors tied to the case.

The creative team, including executive producers John Wells, Erin Jontow, Todd Black, Tony Shaw, Steve Lee Jones, and Cliff Roberts, remains intact. Directors like Nick Murphy, who helmed Season 1’s taut episodes, may return, ensuring visual consistency. The Smiths’ vision—rooted in character-driven storytelling—will guide the season, with a focus on making the new park a living, breathing entity.

Comparisons to Taylor Sheridan and Netflix’s Strategy

Untamed has drawn comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s work, particularly Yellowstone and Wind River, for its blend of rugged settings and intense human drama. Movie Web noted that the show “feels straight out of Taylor Sheridan’s playbook,” with its focus on a lone protagonist confronting both external threats and inner demons. Like Sheridan’s heroes, Turner is a flawed figure—gruff, haunted, and fiercely dedicated. The national park setting mirrors Wind River’s Wyoming reservation, using nature’s vastness to amplify stakes. Fans on X have dubbed Untamed “Yellowstone meets CSI,” a nod to its procedural roots wrapped in cinematic grit.

This Sheridan-esque quality is a double-edged sword for Netflix. Untamed’s success—outpacing American Primeval’s 2025 debut—has made it a priority, but it risks overshadowing Mark L. Smith’s other project. American Primeval, a pre-Civil War Western with Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin, earned praise for its brutal authenticity but lacks a Season 2 greenlight. ScreenRant speculated that Netflix’s focus on Untamed could spell the end for American Primeval, despite director Peter Berg’s interest in continuing. This strategic choice highlights Netflix’s bet on Untamed’s broader appeal, but it’s a reminder of the streaming giant’s ruthless prioritization.

What to Expect: Themes and Emotional Stakes

Season 2 promises to deepen Turner’s emotional journey. In Yosemite, his grief over his son’s death drove much of the narrative, culminating in a poignant farewell to his visions. The new park will test his resilience, forcing him to confront fresh challenges while carrying old wounds. Elle Smith emphasized the park’s role in shaping Turner’s “emotional frame of mind,” suggesting themes of isolation, adaptation, and redemption. The case, described as “impactful,” may tie to environmental issues—like illegal logging or wildlife trafficking—reflecting the park’s unique ecosystem.

The Smiths’ approach avoids formulaic mysteries. “We want the case to feel organic to the landscape,” Mark said, hinting at a story that leverages the park’s geography and culture. Turner’s discomfort will be central, with new characters pushing him to question his instincts. Fans speculate on X about potential plots: a missing hiker in the Smoky Mountains, a cult operating in the Everglades, or a conspiracy in Glacier National Park. Whatever the case, expect Untamed to balance high-stakes action with introspective moments, as Turner grapples with his role as a protector in nature’s wild expanse.

Release Date and Fan Hype

No official premiere date has been set for Season 2, but given Netflix’s production timelines, a late 2026 release is plausible. Season 1’s quick turnaround from filming to release suggests efficiency, but the new park’s logistical demands—scouting locations, building sets—may delay things. Fans are already vocal, with Instagram comments demanding “more Kyle Turner ASAP!” The show’s 80% critic score and strong streaming numbers fuel optimism, but some worry about sustaining the magic. “Season 1 was perfect—don’t mess it up,” one X user cautioned.

While waiting, fans can revisit Season 1 on Netflix or explore similar thrillers like Your Honor or The Undoing, as suggested by ScreenRant. The buzz around Untamed reflects its cultural impact, tapping into a hunger for grounded, atmospheric mysteries. As one fan tweeted, “Eric Bana in a national park solving crimes? I’m all in for Season 2!”

Why Season 2 Matters

Untamed Season 2 isn’t just a renewal—it’s a chance to expand a formula that blends heart, suspense, and nature’s grandeur. With Eric Bana at the helm, a new park to explore, and a case poised to challenge Turner’s limits, the series could cement its place as Netflix’s next big franchise. Yet, the shadow of American Primeval looms, reminding us of Netflix’s high-stakes game. For now, fans can revel in the promise of Kyle Turner’s next adventure, where the wilderness holds secrets—and redemption—waiting to be uncovered.