Now on Netflix: This New Crime Drama Blends Yellowstone & True Detective — And It’s Already a Critical Hit

Netflix’s latest original series is quickly becoming a must-watch for fans of dark Americana, small-town secrets, and morally grey characters. Dubbed a fusion of Yellowstone‘s rugged family tension and True Detective‘s moody investigative style, this new crime drama just debuted with a strong Rotten Tomatoes score — and it’s easy to see why.

Netflix has just released its latest murder mystery drama titled Untamed, and the show is off to a promising start with its debut Rotten Tomatoes score. Eric Bana leads Untamed‘s cast in his first major TV role in seven years. The cast is also highlighted by Sam Neill, Wilson Bethel, and Rosemarie DeWitt.

Billed as a limited series, Untamed follows Kyle Turner (Bana), a federal agent for the Investigative Services Branch working inside Yosemite National Park. When a dead body is discovered, Turner partners up with a newcomer park ranger, uncovering crimes and corruption plaguing the park for years.

With tones of True Detective and a visually stunning aspect akin to Yellowstone, Untamed is a six-episode drama full of twists and turns. Aside from the central murder mystery, Turner and his ex-wife, Jill (DeWitt), are still dealing with the death of their son years prior, including the secrets linked to his fate.

At the time of writing, Untamed has an 83% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 23 registered reviews. ScreenRant also reviewed Untamed, giving it a 4 out of 10, stating that the show is “predictable and uninspired,” but noted that it would have had more potential as a movie.

What Untamed’s Rotten Tomatoes Score Means

Eric Bana’s New Show Is Off To A Good Start

Untamed was co-created by Mark L. Smith, who notably released another Netflix miniseries earlier this year in the form of American Primeval. The western starring Taylor Kitsch has a 72% score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a bit lower than Untamed’s debut.

Seeing as Untamed is brand-new, the Rotten Tomatoes score will waver a bit, and the audience score has yet to be added. Looking at Smith’s previous show, it seemed like viewers found American Primeval to be a bit better than critics, based on the 87% audience score. Time will tell if something similar happens with Untamed.

Mark L. Smith also wrote several notable movies, such as Twisters, The Boys in the Boat, Overlord, and The Revenant.

The early reviews indicate that Untamed isn’t truly inventive in terms of a crime drama, but the mysteries are gripping enough as a slow-burn thriller. The characters, specifically Bana’s Kyle Turner, also lean into their vulnerabilities, making for some dark and emotional moments that will keep viewers invested.

Our Take On Untamed’s Rotten Tomatoes Score

The Crime Drama Has The Advantage Of Being A Quick Watch

It’s still early, but there’s a good chance Untamed could become “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes. Even if that’s not the case, the show has the advantage of being a miniseries. At only six episodes, Untamed is something that could be binged in a weekend or a few short days. Untamed also has a satisfying ending since it wasn’t created to spawn follow-up seasons.

Untamed isn’t a show that will replace other hits like Yellowstone, True Detective, or recent streaming hits like MobLand, but it’s a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy mystery thrillers. The cast alone is a reason to give Untamed a chance based on its strong early reviews. Turner’s new work partnership alongside Lily Santiago’s Naya Vazquez is notably interesting, and at times, comedic.

There’s also the intriguing aspect of the show being primarily set in Yosemite National Park. Though Untamed wasn’t filmed in the real Yosemite, it’s a different take on most crime dramas and thrillers by focusing on all aspects of the park community. The unpredictable nature of the wilderness ramps up the danger while allowing Untamed to stand out with its unique setting.