Territory on Netflix: Yellowstone Killer or Aussie Western Gem?

Netflix's New Western, Territory: Is it the Yellowstone Killer?

Territory: Netflix's Yellowstone Challenger Arrives with a Solid Rotten Tomatoes Score!

Netflix just dropped a new neo-Western, Territory, and early reviews are promising! Created by Ben Davies and Timothy Lee (originally titled Desert King), this six-episode Australian drama focuses on the Lawson family and their massive cattle station, Marianne Station. It's a high-stakes battle for power, with rival families, gangsters, and Indigenous elders all vying for a piece of the action. The show dropped on Netflix, and the reviews are already pouring in!

Currently, Territory boasts an 80% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on five reviews– so it's subject to change!). But, initial impressions are strong!

Also Read: Kevin Costner "Disappointed" by Yellowstone Team Lack of Support Following Exit.

What Critics Are Saying About Netflix's Territory

A man pointing a gun while sitting in an armchair in Territory Image

The biggest comparison for Territory? Yellowstone! Daniel Feinberg from The Hollywood Reporter calls it an "Aussie version of Yellowstone." That sounds like pretty accurate labelling! And even though it seems like just another typical Western– reviewers find ways to love this Australian drama because it creates this blend of that familiarity coupled with unexpected twists that create its very unique Australian charm. And the Australian slang really is quite awesome.

Amanda Yeo (Mashable) also mentions Yellowstone, throwing in some comparisons to Succession. But her overall view is incredibly positive and really loved the unique details created. Those Aussie aspects; that unique perspective completely separated it from other similar productions, she concludes this by citing an impressive uniqueness alongside this blend of elements, created through very smart choices; demonstrating what would be necessary in a Western!

Not everyone is raving. Pramit Chatterjee from Digital Mafia Talkies calls it a "chore," criticizing the director Greg McLean's style– which might seem out of place! And some might simply fail to engage with it. It might feel like another typical Western after a while! It is however generally found as more a "comfort watch." So that’s interesting.

Also Read: Kevin Costner Explains Why He Left Yellowstone in Season 5

Our Take on Territory: A Promising Start (But Not a Game Changer)

Netflix's already got another Western on its plate; more romantic with Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly (Ransom Canyon). Then there's that whole genre’s history and all those previously released Westerns: The CW tried a Western twist (Walker: Independence), and Amazon Prime Video went sci-fi Western (now cancelled Outer Range). Yellowstone’s success really did create something, and now, we're getting various responses across multiple streaming services and networks; trying out the format that Yellowstone brought into the forefront, really generating those needed spinoffs! Even those similar-feeling shows remain unique – which is completely what this show manages to portray exceptionally well. Those similar themes aren’t going to repeat everything; showcasing instead the great potential still present in creating that unique western drama.

Also Read: Baby Reindeer: Netflix's 98% Rotten Tomatoes Thriller Cracks Most Popular Shows List

Conclusion: Territory – A Western Worth Checking Out

Territory might be heavily inspired by Yellowstone, it carves out its own niche with those charming Aussie elements, setting itself aside from those similar shows. This does not discount any shortcomings—it remains something largely based on similar tropes and storylines! However, if you are a fan of Westerns in general– you might want to consider checking it out!

Territory on Netflix: Yellowstone Killer or Aussie Western Gem?

Territory: Netflix's Yellowstone Challenger Arrives with a Solid Rotten Tomatoes Score!

What Critics Are Saying About Netflix's Territory

Our Take on Territory: A Promising Start (But Not a Game Changer)

Conclusion: Territory – A Western Worth Checking Out

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