Untamed (Miniseries) Review: Is It Worth Watching on Netflix

You know that feeling when a show drops you into a stunning natural landscape and immediately hints that something terrible happened there? Netflix’s Untamed does exactly that, planting a mysterious death in Yosemite National Park and handing the case to a determined special agent. The six-episode crime drama premiered on July 17, 2025, and quickly became one of the platform’s most-discussed thrillers.

Genre: Crime drama ·
Lead actor: Eric Bana ·
Setting: Yosemite National Park ·
Streaming on: Netflix ·
Release year: 2025

Eight key facts, one pattern: Untamed was built from the ground up as a character-driven thriller set in a national park, with a strong lead and a production team that prioritized authenticity.

Is Untamed on Netflix a good show?

What do critics say about Untamed?

• The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment trade publication) called it an “uneven but promising mystery.”
• Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation site) characterised the series as “a solid murder mystery lifted by the Yosemite backdrop.”
• The Guardian (UK news publication) described it as a “blunt force thriller.”

How do audiences rate it on Rotten Tomatoes?

Audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes were not available in the provided sources at the time of writing. The lack of a verified audience score reflects the limited data public after release. However, early critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes points to a competent mystery that benefits from its location.

How does it compare to other Netflix thrillers?

• Unlike pure survival stories, Untamed is a murder investigation, not a nature documentary.
• The six-episode format keeps the story tight, avoiding the bloat of some longer Netflix dramas.
• The Yosemite setting gives it an atmospheric edge that sets it apart from urban crime shows.

For comparisons with other Netflix dramas, see our guide to the Cast of The Northman.

The implication: critical reception is mixed, but the show’s strengths in performance and setting may outweigh its pacing issues for many viewers.

Does The Untamed have a season 2?

Has Netflix officially renewed Untamed for a second season?

Yes. On March 4, 2026, Netflix Tudum (official Netflix news hub) announced a second season. The renewal was confirmed alongside casting additions.

What would the plot of season 2 be?

Season 2 moves protagonist Kyle Turner from Yosemite to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, according to Netflix Tudum. This shift signals a new mystery in a dramatically different landscape, while maintaining the series’ signature mix of investigation and natural wonder.

Will Eric Bana return for season 2?

Netflix Tudum confirms that Eric Bana reprises his role as Kyle Turner. New cast members include Shea Whigham and Kelly Hu.

The pattern: Netflix is expanding the series into a franchise, betting on the lead actor’s appeal.

Is Untamed based on a true story?

What real events inspired the series?

None. Netflix Tudum (official Netflix announcement) describes Untamed as a character-driven thriller that follows a mysterious death in Yosemite. There is no mention of any real-life case as inspiration. The protagonist Kyle Turner is a fictional creation, not a historical National Park Service detective.

Are the characters based on real people?

The series’ core investigator, Kyle Turner, is confirmed by Netflix as an original character written for the show. The victim, referred to as Jane Doe in Netflix’s ending explainer, is also fictional.

Does Yosemite have documented crime stories similar to the plot?

Yosemite has a real history of incidents and crimes, but the specific plot of Untamed — a woman fatally falling from El Capitan that turns out to be murder — is purely fictional. The show uses the park’s grandeur as a dramatic backdrop, not a documentary subject.

The catch: fictional stories set in real locations can create confusion—viewers should enjoy the drama without assuming historical accuracy.

Was Untamed actually filmed in Yosemite?

Were all scenes shot in Yosemite National Park?

The series is set in Yosemite National Park, but exact filming locations within the park have not been disclosed in detail. The Hollywood Reporter confirms the show’s setting and notes the production’s commitment to authenticity. The crew reportedly employed a bear safety expert on set, as per IMDb (user-generated entertainment database).

What challenges did the crew face filming in the wilderness?

• The remote terrain required special logistics for equipment and staff.
• A bear safety expert was present to protect both the crew and local wildlife.
• Weather and park regulations likely imposed scheduling constraints, though specific details are limited.

Are there any behind-the-scenes facts about the location?

The most notable behind-the-scenes detail is the bear safety expert on set, a practical necessity for any production in an active wildlife area. This fact underscores the production’s respect for the park’s natural hazards.

Is The Untamed a hit or flop?

What are the viewership numbers on Netflix?

Netflix has not publicly released viewership data for Untamed. Without official numbers, it’s impossible to classify the show as a commercial hit or flop based on audience reach alone.

How was the critical reception?

Mixed. The Hollywood Reporter praised the ambition but noted uneven execution. Rotten Tomatoes described it as a solid mystery, while The Guardian‘s “blunt force thriller” label suggests it packs a punch but may lack subtlety.

Did the series generate buzz on social media?

There is no verified data on social media engagement in the provided sources. The season 2 announcement suggests Netflix saw enough internal signals to justify expansion, which is a positive indicator for the show’s long-term prospects.

What this means: despite unclear metrics, the renewal signals corporate faith in the concept and star.

Timeline

• July 17, 2025 – Season 1 of Untamed premieres on Netflix (Netflix Tudum)
• 2025 – Netflix publishes an ending explainer identifying the victim as Jane Doe (Netflix Tudum)
• March 4, 2026 – Season 2 officially announced (Netflix Tudum)
• 2026 – Season 2 moves to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park (Netflix Tudum)

Confirmed facts vs. what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

• Eric Bana stars as Special Agent Kyle Turner (Netflix Tudum)
• Set in Yosemite National Park (Rotten Tomatoes)
• Six-episode limited series (The Hollywood Reporter)
• Co-created by Mark L. Smith (The Hollywood Reporter)
• Released July 17, 2025 (Netflix Tudum)
• Season 2 announced for 2026, Eric Bana returning (Netflix Tudum)
• Bear safety expert on set (IMDb)

What’s unclear

• Sam Neill’s involvement (mentioned on Wikipedia but not officially confirmed)
• Specific interior filming locations within Yosemite (The Hollywood Reporter confirms setting but not specific locations)
• Whether audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes reflect the show’s reception (Rotten Tomatoes page does not display audience score)
• Exact season 2 premiere date not announced (Netflix Tudum states mid-2026)
• Specific season 2 plot details beyond the setting change have not been revealed (Netflix Tudum)
• Whether the show has been renewed for a third season is unknown (Netflix Tudum season 2 announcement does not mention season 3)
• Exact viewership numbers have not been released (no official source available)

Quotes from critics and production

“A blunt force thriller.”

— The Guardian (UK news publication), in its review of Untamed

“An uneven but promising mystery.”

— The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment trade publication)

“A solid murder mystery lifted by the Yosemite backdrop.”

— Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregation site)

“Bear guy on set responsible for safety of crew and bears.”

— IMDb (user-generated entertainment database), production detail

For viewers weighing whether to invest six hours in Untamed, the choice comes down to appetite for a slow-burn mystery wrapped in jaw-dropping scenery. The show rewards patience with a strong central performance and a payoff that sets up a larger world. But if you’re looking for a breakneck thriller, the pacing may test you. For the audience that values atmosphere and character over plot velocity, Eric Bana’s performance and the promise of a second season make Untamed a solid watch.

Frequently asked questions