In the ever-competitive world of streaming, where platforms vie for the next cultural juggernaut, Netflix has unleashed a beast of a series that has critics buzzing and audiences hooked. This new crime thriller, often hailed as “better than Yellowstone,” has stormed onto the scene with a ferocity that blends the gritty tension of Ozark, the slow-burn chaos of Yellowstone, and the cinematic brutality of Wind River. With a Rotten Tomatoes score that has left jaws on the floor, this series seemed poised to dethrone Taylor Sheridan’s neo-Western empire. But in a twist that has stunned fans and critics alike, Netflix appears to have pulled the plug on this masterpiece, leaving many to wonder: was this dark, violent, and addictive show too much for the streaming giant to handle?

The series in question, Untamed, has been making waves since its debut on July 17, 2025. Set against the breathtaking yet unforgiving backdrop of Yosemite National Park, Untamed follows Kyle Turner, a federal agent for the Investigative Services Branch, played with haunting intensity by Eric Bana. Turner is no ordinary lawman; he’s a man wrestling with personal demons, including the lingering grief over his son’s death and a fractured relationship with his ex-wife, Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt). When a shocking murder rocks the park, Turner teams up with newcomer park ranger Naya Vazquez (Lily Santiago) to unravel a web of corruption, crime, and long-buried secrets that threaten to tear the community apart. With a stellar supporting cast, including Sam Neill and Wilson Bethel, Untamed delivers a six-episode rollercoaster that’s as visually stunning as it is emotionally raw.

What sets Untamed apart from its peers is its unflinching commitment to its neo-Western roots. Much like Yellowstone, which has captivated audiences with its sweeping Montana landscapes and tales of family loyalty and betrayal, Untamed uses its setting as a character in its own right. The vast wilderness of Yosemite, with its towering granite cliffs and whispering forests, serves as both a sanctuary and a battleground. The series juxtaposes the serene beauty of nature against the brutal violence of human greed, creating a tension that keeps viewers on edge. Critics have drawn parallels to Wind River, Taylor Sheridan’s 2017 film that explored similar themes of justice and morality in the harsh wilderness. One reviewer noted that Untamed “questions the point of uncovering truth when lies have already caused irreparable damage,” a sentiment that resonates deeply in its morally complex narrative.

The show’s Rotten Tomatoes score, an impressive 83% from critics and an even higher 89% on the audience-driven Popcornmeter, underscores its critical and popular acclaim. These numbers are not just impressive—they’re a rarity in Netflix’s crowded catalog, where even acclaimed series like The Waterfront (a 67% score) and Ransom Canyon (a 44% score) have struggled to match Yellowstone’s cultural impact. Untamed’s success lies in its ability to balance character-driven drama with high-stakes mystery. Eric Bana’s portrayal of Turner is a masterclass in restrained intensity, his weathered face and haunted eyes conveying a man on the brink of collapse yet driven by duty. Lily Santiago’s Naya brings a fresh perspective, her comedic chemistry with Turner offering moments of levity amidst the darkness. Sam Neill, as always, adds gravitas to the ensemble, his enigmatic character hinting at deeper secrets that unfold with devastating precision.

The series’ narrative structure is another triumph. Each of its six episodes peels back layers of Yosemite’s park community, revealing a microcosm of power struggles, hidden agendas, and personal vendettas. The central murder mystery is merely the tip of the iceberg, as Untamed delves into themes of grief, redemption, and the cost of truth. The show’s pacing, often described as a “slow-burn chaos,” mirrors the deliberate intensity of Yellowstone’s early seasons, where every glance and line of dialogue carries weight. Yet, Untamed distinguishes itself with a darker, more introspective tone, leaning into the psychological depth of True Detective while maintaining the rugged aesthetic of a Western. The result is a series that feels both familiar and groundbreaking, a love letter to the neo-Western genre that dares to push its boundaries.

So why, then, has Netflix seemingly abandoned this gem? Rumors of the show’s cancellation began swirling shortly after its debut, despite its stellar reviews and strong streaming numbers. While Netflix has not officially confirmed the decision, industry insiders speculate that the show’s intense violence and morally ambiguous themes may have clashed with the platform’s push for broader, more accessible content. Unlike Yellowstone, which balances its bloodshed with family drama and populist appeal, Untamed leans heavily into its grim atmosphere, with scenes of brutality that don’t shy away from the ugliness of human nature. For some, this rawness is its greatest strength; for others, it may have been a step too far for Netflix’s algorithm-driven strategy, which prioritizes bingeable, crowd-pleasing fare like The Waterfront or Ginny & Georgia.

The decision, if true, is a baffling one. Untamed represents the kind of bold, ambitious storytelling that Netflix once championed with shows like House of Cards and Ozark. Its ability to weave a compelling mystery with rich character development and a unique setting makes it a standout in a sea of formulaic dramas. Critics have praised its “cinematic brutality” and “blood-soaked secrets,” with one reviewer calling it “the best neo-Western since Yellowstone’s prime.” Audience reactions have been equally fervent, with fans on social media describing it as “addictive” and “unrelentingly intense.” The show’s ability to capture the gritty essence of small-town power dynamics while exploring universal themes of loss and justice has resonated deeply, making its potential cancellation all the more perplexing.

The comparison to Yellowstone is inevitable but not entirely fair. While Taylor Sheridan’s series has become a cultural phenomenon, its first season faced criticism for slow pacing and uneven writing, earning a modest 58% on Rotten Tomatoes. Untamed, by contrast, hit the ground running, its tight six-episode arc avoiding the meandering subplots that plagued Yellowstone’s early days. Where Yellowstone thrives on melodrama and larger-than-life characters, Untamed opts for subtlety and psychological depth, making it a more introspective cousin to Sheridan’s sprawling saga. Its Yosemite setting, though not filmed in the actual park, offers a fresh take on the Western aesthetic, trading Montana’s open plains for California’s rugged wilderness. The show’s cinematography, with its sweeping shots of misty valleys and shadowed forests, has been lauded as “gorgeous” and “awe-inspiring,” rivaling the visual splendor of Yellowstone’s best moments.

The cast is another reason Untamed has struckspeculation that Netflix’s decision to drop Untamed is a misstep. The streaming giant has a history of taking risks on bold, genre-defining shows, from Breaking Bad to Stranger Things. Untamed seemed like the next in that lineage, a series that could redefine the neo-Western for a new generation. Its cancellation, if confirmed, would be a loss not just for fans but for the streaming landscape, which desperately needs more shows willing to take risks. As one critic put it, Untamed is “a messy, brutal entry in the genre that isn’t afraid to ask hard questions.” In a world where algorithms often dictate content, perhaps Untamed’s fate is a reminder that even the best stories can fall victim to the whims of data-driven decisions.

In conclusion, Untamed is a triumph of storytelling, a neo-Western that dares to be darker, bloodier, and more introspective than its predecessors. Its Rotten Tomatoes score, its gripping narrative, and its stellar cast make it a must-watch for fans of Yellowstone, Ozark, and True Detective. Whether Netflix reconsiders its decision or not, Untamed has already left its mark as a bold, addictive, and unforgettable addition to the genre. For now, all six episodes are streaming on Netflix, waiting for viewers to discover its haunting brilliance. Don’t miss it—it might just be the best move Netflix has made in years.