In the competitive landscape of modern television westerns, a BBC series from 2022 has emerged as a critical champion, surpassing even the most lauded offerings from streaming giant Netflix. While recent hits like American Primeval (2025) and Godless (2017) have garnered significant praise, it is The English, starring Emily Blunt, that many are now calling the superior show.
The Gritty Contenders: Netflix's Western Powerhouses
The latest entry into the genre, American Primeval, landed on Netflix in January 2025. The series presents a starkly realistic and brutal depiction of survival on Utah's lawless frontier, focusing on a mother and child. Their harrowing journey brings them into contact with rogue settlers, indigenous peoples defending their land, and Brigham Young's Mormon militia.
This portrayal marks a deliberate departure from the more sanitised visions of the Wild West seen in 1990s films. Its narrative is anchored by the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a dark and often overlooked chapter of American history. Critics from outlets like Empire have praised its "raw, bloody odyssey," though some, like The Guardian, found it less inventive.
Netflix's earlier success, Godless, released in 2017, remains a benchmark. This miniseries, which won three Primetime Emmy Awards, weaves a classic tale of revenge. Jeff Daniels stars as outlaw Frank Griffin, hunting his former protégé Roy Goode to a remote New Mexico town largely populated by women, setting the stage for a formidable showdown.
The Reigning Champion: BBC's The English
However, the series now being elevated above both is The English, a BBC production that initially flew under the radar after its release in 2022. Starring Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, and Rafe Spall, the story is set in 1890. It follows Lady Cornelia Locke (Blunt), who travels from England to the American West seeking vengeance for her son's death.
While matching its peers in its grim and pitiless depiction of the era, The English distinguishes itself with unique narrative layers. It unflinchingly explores the devastating impact of syphilis in the 19th century, a topic rarely depicted on screen. Furthermore, it introduces one of television's most chilling antagonists: Black-Eyed Mog, a spectacled Welsh matriarch who commands a brutal clan from a fortified stronghold.
Why The English Stands Tall
Critics awarded the series five-star reviews, commending its script for being "as gorgeous as the landscape" while deeply evoking the moral complexities of a lawless land. The question it poses—of who can remain sane and morally sound in such brutality—resonates powerfully. Its combination of poetic storytelling, historical depth, and unforgettable characters has led many to declare it the pinnacle of the recent western revival, outshining even the most violent and acclaimed Netflix productions.
The acclaim for The English highlights the BBC's capacity to deliver world-class drama that can compete with and surpass the output of global streaming platforms, reaffirming the strength of its storytelling in the prestige television arena.
