Everything You Need to Know About Untamed + 5 Similar Series to Watch

Release and Context

Released on July 17, 2025, on Netflix, Untamed is a mini-series created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith. This gripping investigative thriller is set in the iconic Yosemite National Park, blending mystery, drama, and breathtaking landscapes.

The Importance of Yosemite in the Plot

Yosemite’s scenery acts almost like a character in the series. While most of the filming took place in Canada, the production captures the park’s grandeur through stunning cinematography and a memorable soundtrack. The landscape provides a stark contrast to the investigation and the emotional tensions rising among the characters.

However, Yosemite experts have pointed out inaccuracies regarding wildlife, geography, and rescue procedures. Some scenes have been labeled implausible when compared to the park's real conditions.

Storyline and Characters

The plot centers around the mysterious death of Lucy Cook, known as “Jane Doe,” whose fall from El Capitan reveals strange clues: a gunshot wound to the leg, evidence of a struggle, Indigenous symbolism, and corruption within the park rangers.

- Kyle Turner (Eric Bana): An investigator tormented by the traumatic loss of his son Caleb. His method is direct and driven by instinct.

- Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago): A former LAPD officer and single mother. Her urban experience and emotional awareness add valuable insight to the investigation.

- Paul Souter (Sam Neill): The chief ranger and Turner’s mentor, hiding secrets related to the victim.

- Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt): Turner’s ex-wife, struggling with deep guilt tied to their son's death.

Will There Be a Second Season?

Yes, Netflix confirmed a second season of Untamed just a week after its premiere, driven by strong critical praise and high viewership. The new season is set for release in 2026 and will bring back Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, this time investigating in a different, undisclosed national park.

According to the creators, the goal is to make Untamed an investigative anthology series. Each season will take place in a new national park, exploring dark mysteries, moral dilemmas, and personal trauma. Production is expected to begin in late 2025 and promises to retain the first season’s signature atmospheric tone.

Untamed pulled me in even though I started watching with low expectations, thinking it was just another wilderness crime show. To my surprise, the series stood out for its emotional resonance, especially through Kyle Turner, portrayed with subtle power by Eric Bana. His portrayal of grief is understated but deeply affecting.

While the series has a few shortcomings, such as overly expository scenes and some predictable twists, it remains engaging thanks to its somber tone and emotional sincerity. It’s not just about solving a mystery — it’s a meditation on grief, resilience, and how small we are next to the vastness of nature.

If you enjoy introspective dramas with a layer of mystery, Untamed is well worth a watch. The idea of each season exploring a different national park only adds to the intrigue.

Highlights

- Unique setting: Yosemite isn’t just a backdrop; it plays an active role in building suspense and emotional isolation.

- Eric Bana’s performance: His restrained and melancholic take on the lead character adds authenticity and depth.

- Cinematography and soundtrack: These elements work in harmony to create an immersive, moody atmosphere.

- Well-paced narrative: The show balances moments of tension with quieter, reflective scenes effectively.

Weaknesses

- Forced family dynamics: Some relationships between the victim and main characters feel overly convenient.

- Expository dialogue: Early episodes rely too much on directly explaining plot points.

- Underused supporting cast: Characters like Paul Souter and Jill Bodwin show potential but lack deeper development.

If you're looking for a crime thriller that offers more than just plot twists — one with a distinctive setting, layered characters, and cinematic visuals — Untamed is a great pick. While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, its immersive aesthetic and emotional undercurrents give it a strong, memorable identity.

Top of the Lake (2013–2017)

Like Untamed, this series fuses crime mystery with stunning natural scenery and solitary characters wrestling with past trauma. Set in New Zealand’s remote mountains, it leans more into psychological tension than action.

Detective Robin Griffin (Elisabeth Moss) investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old in a reclusive, secretive community. As the investigation unfolds, she is forced to confront her own painful past.

Mare of Easttown (2021)

This series tackles small-town crime, damaged protagonists, and complex family bonds. Like Kyle Turner in Untamed, Mare is shaped by past trauma.

Kate Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan, a detective in a close-knit Pennsylvania town trying to solve a murder while her personal life unravels. It’s gripping, emotional, and rich in tension.

The Outsider (2020)

This series merges procedural storytelling with a chilling atmosphere and touches of the supernatural. Isolated, eerie settings enhance its connection to Untamed.

After a brutal child murder, an investigation begins with clear evidence. But as contradictions surface, the case takes a surreal turn with inexplicable developments.

True Detective – Season 1 (2014)

The first season is a standout thanks to its duo of emotionally burdened detectives, desolate Southern landscapes, and slow-burning tension. The symbolic treatment of time mirrors aspects of Untamed.

Rust Cohle (Matthew McConaughey) and Marty Hart (Woody Harrelson) investigate ritualistic murders in rural Louisiana. The narrative jumps across timelines, uncovering disturbing truths about the case and themselves.

Wild Abandon (Uysallar) (2022)

An underrated series that mixes identity crisis, existential reflection, and a melancholic tone. Nature and urban life become metaphors for personal struggles, similar to Yosemite’s role in Untamed.

The story follows a seemingly successful middle-aged architect who secretly adopts a punk persona. As he reevaluates his life and family, the series balances introspective drama with a touch of absurdity.

Untamed distinguishes itself as a thriller that merges mystery with emotional weight, using the splendor of natural landscapes as a storytelling force. Despite its flaws, it offers an experience that reaches beyond the genre’s basics, diving into deeper human themes.

What about you? Are you planning to watch Untamed, or maybe check out one of the similar shows we mentioned? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!