Netflix's Most-Viewed Original Show of 2025 Feels Like 'Yellowstone' With a Gripping Murder Mystery

Last year, Netflix launched several original series with the hope that they might become a phenomenon. There’s no telling what might catch on, and the streamer certainly made a concentrated effort to develop science fiction, fantasy, and horror titles that might appeal to established fanbases. However, Netflix earned the most views for an original show with an old-fashioned murder mystery that traded spectacle for strong writing, fine-tuned filmmaking, and a creepy sense of dread. While on paper it might be easy to compare it to Yellowstone or True Detective, Untamed takes a familiar premise and goes in an unexpectedly chilling direction by mounting one twist on top of another.

Untamed was developed by Mark L. Smith, a screenwriter who knows a thing or two about survivalist thrillers, given that he also worked on The Revenant and American Primeval. The series is also one of the few shows set within a national park, which gives it room to explore stunning visuals that are inherently compelling. Set in the aftermath of a mysterious murder, Untamed stars Eric Bana as Kyle Turner, an ISB special agent at Yosemite National Park who is assigned by Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) and Park Superintendent Lawrence (Joe Holt) to look into a Jane Doe. The investigation not only calls on Turner to put his years of training to good use, but also serves as a means of providing justice during a dark period in his own life. Turner and his ex-wife Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt) have been grieving the death of their child, and these spiritual undertones make Untamed an even more emotional viewing experience.

Netflix's ‘Untamed’ Is an Old-Fashioned Mystery With a Twist

Setting is essential for any murder mystery, and Untamed takes place within a vast and mysterious expanse of land that can never be fully monitored at all times, given the sparse resources the park is working with. Even if it is technically federal land, Yosemite feels like a natural environment that is left to be explored, which gives the series a distinctly neo-Western vibe.

Those influences are particularly prominent in the characterization of Turner, who feels like a drifter, despite having called Yosemite his home for many years. Turner remains one of the few idealists on the force, as those like Lawrence have only looked to the park’s commercial viability as a reason to do their jobs. While it may seem odd at first that Turner puts so much emphasis on maintaining the sanctity of the park, it becomes clear that he’s become a workaholic because of his inability to cope with grief, as he can’t even have civil conversations with Jill anymore. It’s to the credit of Untamed that it can show the beauty of a place like Yosemite, even when it's the site of a deadly crime.

Untamed doesn’t feel like a standard procedural because the show is very realistic in examining the process of solving a murder case and the different offices that might be involved. Although Turner wants to publicize the case to identify potential witnesses, it's a potential public relations disaster for a park that relies on tourism. The evolution of the ISB’s role is well-explained through the dynamic between Turner and his protégé, Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago). As harsh as Turner’s treatment of his young partner may seem, his tough demeanor is justified by the horrific violence that occurs within the enigmatic forests.

‘Untamed’s Ending Is Satisfying, but Another Season Is Coming

Untamed is one of the few contemporary mysteries where twists are actually unanticipated, yet don’t break with the logic of the story. The slow-burn approach is effective if the characterization is solid, and Untamed gets a boost of momentum thanks to an appearance by Wilson Bethel as the psychopathic ex-Army Ranger Shane Maguire. Netflix often chases star power with its shows, but the success of Untamed shows that it’s better to hire great actors than to find the most popular celebrities. Bana has been one of the most underrated actors in the industry since his breakthrough role in Chopper, and he beautifully charts the progression of Turner’s pain toward a heartbreaking moment in the finale. It’s easy to forget that Neill was a character actor long before he was the star of Jurassic Park, and his performance as Souter is unforgettable thanks to a critical twist toward the end.

Untamed is a rare phenomenon where the series was pitched as a miniseries and then renewed for a second season. Although it's slightly ironic that a standalone show earned a continuation when so many Netflix originals have been canceled, Untamed is a satisfying viewing experience because it tells a complete story; viewers are more likely to watch a show that they know has already fulfilled its potential and won’t leave them waiting years for answers. A show like Untamed doesn’t chart as well as it did because of curiosity alone, and its success compared to other Netflix shows suggests that those who started watching ended up completing and likely recommending it. Untamed may have delivered a riveting finale, but there’s clearly more story left to tell.