The Western miniseries American Primeval debuted on Netflix on January 9, 2025. It tells the story of the inception of the American West, and the role war, violence, and religion played in it. Given the historical setting of the narrative, fans are wondering about when and where the show is set and filmed.
All filming locations where American Primeval was filmed
The production for American Primeval began in February 2023 but was halted because of the SAG-AFTRA strike that year. The series was filmed in various locations in New Mexico, including Netflix Studios in Albuquerque and Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. American Primeval takes place in Utah Territory, an area that now falls within the U.S. State of Utah. Out of the 130-day filming schedule, only two were reportedly spent filming indoor scenes.
Netflix Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Some of the filming took place at Netflix Studios in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Formerly ABQ Studios, it was previously the filming location for Breaking Bad (2008–2013), The Avengers (2012), and Better Call Saul (2015–2022). Netflix acquired the studio in 2018 and renamed it. Since then, the streaming giant has used the studio to develop projects such as El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019) and Stranger Things Season 4 (2022).
Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The iconic Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, also serves as a major filming location for American Primeval. Situated near the dilapidated Bonanza City, the ranch was used for productions of The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981), Silverado, A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014), and more.
The series creators reportedly also used locations such as sound stages in Sante Fe, Pajarito Ski Mountain, Cochiti Pueblo, and Santa Clara Pueblo.
In which year is American Primeval set?
American Primeval takes in 1857. Several characters appearing in the show are inspired by historical figures, including Shea Whigham’s Jim Bridger and Alex Breaux’s Wild Bill Hickman.
Notably, to add to the historical authenticity of the show, the production design team built a replica of Fort Bridger.
Originally reported by Tamal Kundu on ComingSoon.
