Audiences On Rotten Tomatoes Are All Over Taylor Kitsch’s New TV Series (But Is That Why He May Not Have Time For Friday Night Lights?)

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Since news broke about the revival of “Friday Night Lights,” there’s been a lot of talk surrounding Taylor Kitsch. However, while some may still remember him as Tim Riggins from Dillon High School football, he’s been occupied with other ventures on the 2025 television lineup. The series “American Primeval” is one such project, which premiered on Netflix this year and features Kitsch as a guide navigating a mother and son through their journey to California. Although the show appears to be gaining popularity, it’s unclear if that’s preventing him from joining the “FNL” reboot.

Critics And Audiences Give Taylor Kitsch’s American Primeval Their Stamp Of Approval

Starting January 9th, Netflix subscribers have been streaming “American Primeval”. Since then, it’s garnered an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. The series follows Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin as Sara Rowell, along with her son Devin, portrayed by Preston Mota, as they strive to flee the treacherous and perilous Utah Territory in 1857.

A significant number of viewers, similar to the one depicted, who chose to watch the contemporary Western genre found themselves captivated right from the debut episode, expressing their enthusiasm on Twitter.

Along similar lines, other Netflix viewers joined in, expressing their agreement about the intense and emotional nature of the six-part series. Reactions from audience X were varied but generally echoed these sentiments.

  • American Primeval on Netflix with Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin is awesome! It’s the best thing they both have ever done. It reminded me a lot of 1883 and The English. Journeying through Utah in the old west. One of the best series Netflix has made! – JiffSchwazz
  • American Primeval is by some distance the best thing I’ve seen on Netflix in ages. – trivet1806
  • You guys have got to watch American Primeval on Netflix. That shit is so well done. Like masterpiece done. – PINELANDGHOSTX
  • American Primeval on Netflix is brilliant!! It’s like Deadwood meets Yellowstone meets The Revenant. Love it!!! Strange that it’s had very little media. Best thing I’ve watched for ages. – paulbellis
  • Taylor Kitsch is so fucking good in American Primeval. Everyone is, but Taylor…damn. – daytime_GG
  • This show is so brutally intense and so good – American west of the 1860’s meets Squid Game – TheRealMarkLevy

The positive feedback from viewers on social media suggests that the series might earn an impressive 88% score on Rotten Tomatoes. On the other hand, critics weren’t quite as enthusiastic about American Primeval, giving it a collective rating of 59%. Aramide Tinubu from Variety found it to be a “completely engrossing experience,” expressing this in her written review.

Each and every scene carries a deep level of detail and intensity. Animals, skinned and bleeding, are prevalent, while the oppressive nature of various climates under the state’s rule is evident. Moreover, the brutal, cold-hearted individuals, fueled by capitalism and colonialism, pose a grave threat to life. It’s also notable that most characters, including Sara, seem to have hidden agendas.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself at odds with the narrative in this movie. Contrary to my experience, Rendy Jones from RogerEbert.com points out that the plot seems to take a backstage role, serving more as a canvas for excessive violence that appears to be purely sensationalistic and intended to elicit shock. In his own words:

“The storyline takes a backseat in this film, making way for an abundance of graphic violence that seems primarily designed to shock.

The first episode is surprisingly filled with unnecessary killings that border on humorously excessive. Each society presented appears equally barbaric, portrayed in a way suggesting there are villains on all sides, employing various gruesome killing techniques. Berg, the director of all six episodes, seems to have reverted back to his 2010s style, enthusiastically depicting violent scenes graphically, even involving young children, for dramatic effect.

Absolutely understood. For those planning to watch, keep in mind everything mentioned if you decide to press play on the show. As for your query, there’s a possibility that Taylor Kitsch might be too engrossed with this series to spare more time for Friday Night Lights.

Will American Primeval Keep Taylor Kitsch From Friday Night Lights Reboot?

Although the new Netflix show has been well-received, this likely isn’t the primary factor driving Taylor Kitsch’s interest in a minor part in the upcoming Friday Night Lights revival. The fact that American Primeval was ordered as a limited series with no confirmed plans for a second season may also play a role, and even if there were one, it’s uncertain if Kitsch would rejoin the cast.

It’s more probable that his obligations to “The Terminal List” are what might lead to a scheduling issue. This action series, which can be streamed with an Amazon Prime subscription and features Chris Pratt, Constance Wu, and Riley Keough, was renewed for a second season in 2023. Additionally, a prequel series focusing on Taylor Kitsch’s character, Ben Edwards, has been commissioned.

Let’s check if the actor appears elsewhere, but for now, you can stream all six episodes of “American Primeval” on Netflix.

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2025-01-13 22:07