Netflix swings the axe on massive hit dubbed ‘new Yellowstone’

Netflix has axed its gritty Australian Western series Territory after only one season. Set on the world’s largest cattle ranch in the Australian outback, the show follows one family’s battle to stay adrift after the sudden death of its heir. Best described as Yellowstone meets Succession, the neo-Western sees the Lawson family attempt to fend off rival cattle ranchers, gangsters and mining magnates, each determined to carve off a bit of the family farm as their own.

Starring Mindhunter’s Anna Torv as Emily Lawson, the show also features performances from Michael Dorman (For All Mankind), Sam Corlett (Valhalla) and Robert Taylor (Longmire). Released in October 2024, Territory initially performed well with critics and audiences – quickly becoming one of the Top 10 most streamed shows in 74 countries.

Many had been holding out for a second season but will be left bereft at the news that Netflix has decided to axe the show after only six episodes. Writing on social media as the news dropped, fans were quick to share their dismay at Territory’s abrupt cancellation.

‘Finished watching ‘Territory’ on @netflix Really enjoyed it and a real shame if it’s been cancelled 😕’ said ashturner129 on X. ‘HECK NO!! . Especially when they are still canceling everything after 1 season. There is NO POINT in watching anything new. @netflix.

just canceled TERRITORY after leaving S1 on a CLIFFHANGER,’ wrote MMM_USA_2020. ‘Why on earth have you cancelled “Territory”? You show so much s**t yet cancel really good shows. What’s the point in airing them in the first place 😡’ asked tfletcher1969.

‘WAIT WHAT THEY CANCELLED TERRITORY????’ cried an appalled dunhamsbeckett. ‘Cancel Territory with positive reviews and a 86 RT score and release this garbage. Of course. Way to go,’ said carolinawolfy in a response to a trailer for the streaming site’s new show, Zero Day.

Territory scored well with critics, with an 86% fresh score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes highlighting its strong performances and sumptuous scenery. However, it boasts a more middling reaction among viewers, scoring a divisive 53% Popcornmeter rating among those who watched it.

While its fans described it as ‘Yellowstone on steroids’ and highlighted its performances, others were left disappointed by the silly story and obvious attempt at replicating Paramount’s popular American TV Western. Directed by Greg McLean (who previously turned rural Australia into a nightmare with his Wolf Creek films), the show was filmed on-location across the Northern Territory and South Australia.

This, in turn, brought a quantifiable sense of realism to the show, complete with all the accompanying critters and perils of the Australian outback. ‘We got to experience a side that most tourists won’t be able to experience, which is kind of full immersion,’ actor Sam Delich told the ABC.

‘On the weekends, we were swimming in watering holes, and the locals were like, “There might be a croc in there”.’. You can rent an entire private English island for just £40 a night. What I Own: I purchased my £267,000 London flat for £33,000 under the asking price.

'Hipster' neighbourhood in divisive UK city named one of the coolest places to live. The 'bustling' suburb Londoners are flocking to — while it's still affordable. This £235,000 home squeezed into an alleyway is just 91cm wide. Territory is streaming on Netflix.

Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: Netflix fans rave over ‘dark treasure’ Stephen Knight drama after bingeing A Thousand Blows.