How Untamed became a surprise streaming hit
Netflix’s crime drama Untamed arrived in 2025 with a distinct blend of big‑sky Western atmosphere and moody procedural tension, drawing comparisons to the likes of Yellowstone and True Detective. The series launched at No. 1 on Nielsen’s U.S. streaming chart and amassed an eye‑popping 2.1 billion minutes viewed in its first six days, quickly cementing itself as one of the streamer’s breakout originals.
Central to that success was Eric Bana’s performance as Special Agent Kyle Turner, a restrained, world‑weary lead whose investigation into a mysterious death in Yosemite National Park anchored the show’s first season. Although the story felt resolutely self‑contained for many viewers — especially since the series began life as a limited series — strong audience interest and critical momentum led to a renewal announced in late July.
Season 2: a bold change of scenery — Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park
A recent production update confirms that Season 2 will relocate Turner’s next case to Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The official logline describes the new season as following Special Agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) as he’s called to investigate a mysterious death in the national park, where “local tensions and the volatile, living landscape become an unpredictable force.” The season is set to run six episodes, with production slated to begin this spring.
Co‑showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith framed the shift as an opportunity to explore a different natural and cultural backdrop, saying they’re “excited to explore the pristine landscapes and cultural identity of a very different national park, and find Turner in a new state of mind, outside the comfort of Yosemite.”
What the move to Hawai‘i could mean for the show
Moving from Yosemite’s granite cliffs and towering pines to the lava fields and rainforests of Hawai‘i Volcanoes signals more than a change of scenery. The new setting introduces several narrative and tonal possibilities:
- A more immediate, elemental threat: Active volcanism and shifting terrain can heighten danger in ways Yosemite did not, creating unpredictable environmental obstacles for protagonists and investigators alike.
- Cultural and community dynamics: The logline’s mention of “local tensions” suggests the season will lean into regional politics, historical context, and community response — elements that can deepen the mystery beyond a straightforward whodunit.
- A fresh emotional arc for Turner: Ending Season 1 with Turner driving away from Yosemite hinted at personal transformation. Placing him in a radically new landscape can accelerate that journey, forcing different kinds of reckonings.
These are thematic directions implied by the announcement; specific plotlines and new character arrivals have not been detailed publicly.
Critical reception and audience reaction to Season 1
Untamed earned generally favorable reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes the series holds a “certified fresh” critics’ score of 83% and a 71% audience score. Critics’ consensus praised Bana’s central performance and the show’s use of Yosemite’s visual grandeur to elevate a solid murder mystery. While not universally acclaimed, the series found a broad audience and critical appreciation for its atmosphere, cinematography, and central mystery.
Where things stand now: production and what to expect
- Episode count: Six episodes for Season 2.
- Production: Scheduled to begin this spring.
- Lead actor: The Season 2 logline lists Eric Bana returning as Special Agent Kyle Turner.
- Creative team: Series co‑showrunners remain Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, who have emphasized the season’s new geographical and cultural focus.
No further casting or release date information has been announced yet. Given the show’s initial plan as a miniseries, fans should expect careful, story‑driven choices rather than an open‑ended procedural reset.
Why viewers should care
Untamed’s combination of cinematic landscapes, a central character with a moral gravity, and tightly written mystery made it a standout for viewers who enjoy genre hybrids — crime drama with Western scale and literary atmosphere. The Hawai‘i setting offers an opportunity to maintain those strengths while refreshing the show’s visual and emotional palette.
Untamed is available to stream on Netflix. More updates on Season 2 — including casting, production milestones, and a premiere window — should follow as filming progresses.