Netflix‘s Untamed: A Journey Through Nature’s Most Dramatic Landscapes
Since its debut in July 2025, Netflix’s Untamed has quickly become a sensation, captivating audiences with its unique blend of wilderness, mystery, and psychological depth. The series launched at the top of Netflix’s charts, amassing an impressive 24.6 million views and 119.5 million hours watched within its first week, according to IMDb. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Yosemite National Park, the show follows Kyle Turner, portrayed by Eric Bana, a National Parks Service agent drawn into a web of intrigue after a woman mysteriously falls from El Capitan.
The Wilderness as a Character
While the Sierra Nevada’s granite peaks and lush forests play a significant role in the narrative, much of the filming took place in British Columbia, Canada. This decision, while controversial among Yosemite purists, allowed the production team to leverage the region’s rugged terrain and established film industry. The choice to build detailed ranger stations on soundstages and shoot exterior scenes in Canada’s backcountry provided a convincing representation of Yosemite’s wildness without the logistical challenges of filming in a national park.
The creative team’s approach highlights the importance of setting in storytelling. The landscapes in Untamed are not merely backdrops; they serve as a narrative force, reflecting the emotional states of the characters and the themes of isolation and survival. As the series progresses, the wilderness becomes a character in its own right, shaping the experiences and decisions of those who traverse it.
Anticipation for Season Two
With the first season’s success, anticipation is building for the second season of Untamed. Netflix has indicated that the new season will aim to “showcase a park as distinct from Yosemite as possible.” This opens the door for a variety of stunning landscapes that could serve as the next backdrop for Kyle Turner’s journey.
Three national parks have emerged as compelling contenders: Death Valley, Acadia, and Denali. Each offers a unique environment that could challenge the characters in new and profound ways.
Death Valley National Park, California
Death Valley, known as one of the hottest places on Earth, presents a stark contrast to Yosemite’s lush beauty. Its vast salt flats, towering sand dunes, and barren landscapes create a visually striking setting that could redefine the series’ aesthetic. The park’s desolate beauty offers a different kind of challenge for the characters, focusing less on physical obstacles and more on the psychological weight of isolation and exposure.
The dry, expansive terrain of Death Valley could serve as a backdrop for intense character development. The vastness of the landscape might amplify the tension between characters, forcing them to confront their inner demons in a setting where every decision carries significant weight. This environment could evoke themes reminiscent of classic Westerns, where the landscape itself becomes a formidable adversary.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, located on the rugged coast of Maine, offers a dramatically different landscape characterized by rocky shorelines, dense forests, and granite peaks. The park’s diverse ecosystems and stunning vistas could provide a rich tapestry for storytelling, allowing the series to explore themes of resilience and adaptation in the face of nature’s challenges.
Acadia’s unique geography, with its combination of ocean and mountain, could serve as a metaphor for the duality of human experience-balancing the calm of the sea with the tumult of the mountains. This setting could push characters to confront their fears and vulnerabilities, creating a compelling narrative arc that resonates with viewers.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, offers an awe-inspiring landscape that could elevate the stakes for the characters in Untamed. The park’s vast wilderness, characterized by towering mountains, expansive tundra, and diverse wildlife, presents both beauty and danger. The unpredictable Alaskan weather could serve as a formidable antagonist, challenging the characters’ survival skills and emotional fortitude.
Filming in Denali would not only provide stunning visuals but also allow for exploration of themes related to endurance and the human spirit. The park’s remote location and harsh conditions could serve as a crucible for character development, pushing them to their limits and forcing them to confront their deepest fears.
The Role of Nature in Storytelling
The choice of filming locations in Untamed underscores the significance of nature in storytelling. Each national park offers a unique set of challenges and emotional landscapes that can enhance character development and thematic depth. As the series progresses, the wilderness becomes a mirror reflecting the characters’ internal struggles, making the natural world an integral part of the narrative.
The decision to explore different national parks in the upcoming season aligns with a broader trend in television and film, where nature is increasingly recognized as a powerful storytelling tool. By showcasing diverse landscapes, Untamed can delve into the complexities of the human experience, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and the search for meaning in the wild.
Conclusion
As Untamed prepares for its second season, the anticipation surrounding its new filming locations highlights the evolving relationship between storytelling and the natural world. Whether the series ventures into the desolate beauty of Death Valley, the rugged coast of Acadia, or the majestic wilderness of Denali, each setting promises to enrich the narrative and deepen the emotional resonance of the characters’ journeys. With nature as both a backdrop and a character, Untamed continues to captivate audiences, inviting them to explore the wild landscapes that shape our understanding of humanity.
