The critically acclaimed Netflix series Untamed, starring Eric Bana, has officially been renewed for a second season. The series, which debuted on July 17, 2025, quickly rose to the top of Netflix’s global Top 10 English-language shows, amassing over 24.6 million views in just a few days. Originally conceived as a six-episode limited series, the overwhelming success and positive reception prompted Netflix to greenlight another season, much to the delight of fans and creators alike.
The Story So Far
Untamed is a character-driven mystery thriller set against the backdrop of Yosemite National Park. The first season followed the story of Kyle Turner, played by Eric Bana, a National Parks Service special agent tasked with investigating the mysterious death of a young woman at the base of Yosemite’s iconic El Capitan. The series delved deep into the dark secrets of the park, as well as Turner’s own troubled past, including his struggle with alcoholism and the emotional aftermath of a family tragedy.
As the mystery unraveled, viewers were introduced to a compelling ensemble cast, including Sam Neill as Chief Ranger Paul Souter, Lily Santiago as rookie ranger Naya Vasquez, and Rosemarie DeWitt as Turner’s ex-wife Jill. The season concluded with Turner solving the case but at great personal cost, leaving Yosemite and confronting his inner demons. Showrunner Mark L. Smith described the series as an exploration of the dangers lurking beneath the surface of Yosemite’s breathtaking beauty, a theme that resonated strongly with audiences.
Why a Second Season?
The decision to renew Untamed was not initially part of the plan. Showrunners Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith originally envisioned the series as a standalone story. However, the show’s massive popularity and critical acclaim changed their perspective. Speaking to Netflix’s Tudum, Smith remarked, “Elle and I envisioned it as a stand-alone, six episodes. But then the more that we got into it, it was just such a great cast … it was just like, ‘Oh yeah, how do we keep this going?’”
The show’s success is evident in its performance metrics. According to Variety, it topped Netflix’s charts during the week of July 14–20, 2025, with more than double the viewership of its closest competitor. Additionally, the series holds an 80% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its atmospheric setting, strong performances, and intricate storytelling.
Eric Bana, who also serves as an executive producer, expressed his excitement about the renewal. “I am absolutely thrilled that we get the chance to bring another season of Untamed to life. The response to Season 1 has been a testament to the incredible effort by our crew to deliver something truly unique. I can’t wait to take Kyle on his next journey,” Bana said in a statement via Netflix.
What to Expect in Season 2
While details about the second season remain under wraps, showrunners have hinted at a new setting and storyline. Mark L. Smith explained that the next season would take Kyle Turner to a different national park, introducing new landscapes, characters, and challenges. “Turner was so comfortable in Yosemite. He was the one leading this charge, and people followed him. And now, [we’re] putting Kyle on his back foot, making him very uncomfortable,” Smith teased.
Eric Bana will reprise his role as Kyle Turner, but it remains uncertain which other cast members will return. Given the deaths of key characters like Chief Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) and Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel) in Season 1, the story is expected to focus on Turner’s journey to a new park and the unique mysteries it holds. The creators are also exploring how Turner’s character evolves, having confronted his past and made significant personal strides by the end of the first season.
The Team Behind the Scenes
Untamed is the brainchild of Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, who serve as showrunners and executive producers. The series is produced by Warner Bros. Television in collaboration with John Wells Productions, Escape Artists Entertainment, Bee Holder Productions, and Syndicate Entertainment. Other executive producers include John Wells, Erin Jontow, Todd Black, Tony Shaw, Steve Lee Jones, and Cliff Roberts.
Smith, known for his work on The Revenant and American Primeval, has a knack for blending gripping narratives with immersive settings. The decision to set Untamed in national parks highlights the stark contrast between nature’s beauty and its inherent dangers, a theme that will likely continue in the upcoming season.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The success of Untamed underscores the growing appeal of character-driven dramas with unique settings. The show’s use of Yosemite National Park as both a character and a backdrop has captivated audiences, offering a fresh perspective on the wilderness thriller genre. As noted by ScreenHub, “Come for the scenery, stay for Bana’s slow thawing.”
With its renewal, Untamed joins the ranks of Netflix’s most beloved series, proving that even a limited series can defy expectations and become a cultural phenomenon.
As fans eagerly await further details about Season 2, one thing is clear: the journey of Kyle Turner is far from over, and the untamed wilderness still holds many secrets waiting to be uncovered.