Discover the Thrilling New Show Like Yellowstone Set in Australia Now!
Fans of Yellowstone's gritty drama and stunning landscapes have a new series to sink their teeth into. Netflix's Territory transports the formula to Australia's rugged Northern Territory, offering a fresh take on family feuds and land battles in the outback.
Set on the world's largest cattle station, Territory follows the powerful Lawson family as they fight to maintain control of their vast holdings. The show features familiar elements that Yellowstone fans will recognize - a domineering patriarch, scheming siblings, and threats to ancestral lands. But Territory adds uniquely Australian flavors, from red dirt vistas to Akubra hats.
With only six episodes in its first season, Territory delivers a concentrated dose of drama against a backdrop of sweeping outback scenery. The series showcases Australia's stark beauty while exploring timeless themes of family, legacy, and the struggle for power. For viewers craving more ranch-based intrigue after Yellowstone, Territory offers a compelling new frontier to explore.
Overview of Australian Neo-Western Drama
Australia's rugged landscapes provide a compelling backdrop for neo-Western dramas. These shows blend traditional Western themes with modern storytelling, set against the vast Australian outback.
One notable example is Netflix's "Territory", a six-episode miniseries drawing comparisons to the popular American show "Yellowstone". It centers on a powerful cattle-ranching family in Australia's Northern Territory.
"Territory" features intense family dynamics, stunning outback vistas, and conflicts over ancestral lands. The show stars Robert Taylor as patriarch Colin Lawson, with Jake Ryan playing his son Daniel who manages the family's cattle station.
Like its American counterpart, "Territory" explores themes of power, family loyalty, and land ownership. It showcases Australia's unique wildlife and natural beauty while delving into complex character relationships.
The success of "Territory" suggests a growing appetite for Australian neo-Western content. It combines familiar Western tropes with distinctly Australian elements, creating a fresh take on the genre.
These shows often highlight the harsh realities of life in the outback, including environmental challenges and conflicts with indigenous communities. They offer viewers a glimpse into a world that is both familiar and exotic.
As the genre evolves, it continues to attract both local and international audiences, cementing Australia's place in the neo-Western landscape.
Inspiration from 'Yellowstone'
'Territory' draws clear inspiration from Taylor Sheridan's hit series 'Yellowstone'. Both shows center on powerful ranching families fighting to maintain control of their vast landholdings.
The Dutton Ranch in 'Yellowstone' finds its Australian counterpart in the massive cattle station owned by the Lawson family in 'Territory'. This setting provides a backdrop for intense family drama and power struggles.
Like 'Yellowstone', 'Territory' blends elements of the Western genre with modern conflicts. Land rights, environmental concerns, and clashes with outside interests drive much of the plot.
The patriarchal figures in both series share similarities. Kevin Costner's John Dutton and Robert Taylor's Colin Lawson are tough, uncompromising ranchers determined to protect their legacy at any cost.
'Territory' adopts 'Yellowstone's' penchant for showcasing breathtaking landscapes. The rugged beauty of Australia's Northern Territory replaces the sweeping vistas of Montana.
Both series explore themes of family loyalty, tradition versus progress, and the complexities of rural life in the 21st century. This thematic overlap allows 'Territory' to appeal to fans of 'Yellowstone' while offering a unique Australian perspective.
Setting and Landscape
The Australian outback and Northern Territory provide a stunning backdrop for Territory, showcasing vast landscapes and unique ecosystems. From sprawling cattle stations to iconic national parks, the series captures the essence of Australia's rugged beauty.
Outback and Territory
The Northern Territory's Top End region features prominently in Territory. This area is known for its tropical climate, diverse wildlife, and expansive cattle stations. The show's fictional Marianne Station exemplifies the massive scale of these properties, often spanning thousands of square kilometers.
Red dirt, rocky outcrops, and sparse vegetation characterize much of the landscape. Sweeping aerial shots capture the vastness of the outback, emphasizing the isolation and harsh beauty of the region.
Prominent Locations
Kakadu National Park serves as a key filming location, showcasing its ancient rock art, dramatic waterfalls, and lush wetlands. The park's diverse ecosystems provide a stunning contrast to the arid cattle country.
The series also features iconic Top End landmarks such as:
Darwin's harbor and city skyline
Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge
Litchfield National Park's termite mounds
These locations highlight the region's natural wonders and cultural significance, adding depth and authenticity to the show's setting.
Plot and Themes
"Territory" blends family drama with power struggles in Australia's rugged outback. The show explores land ownership conflicts, succession planning, and the complex relationship between settlers and Indigenous peoples.
Power Struggles and Rivalries
The Lawson family faces fierce competition from rival cattle barons eager to expand their holdings. Land disputes erupt as neighboring stations encroach on Marianne Station's borders. Water rights become a contentious issue, with drought conditions intensifying the conflict.
Corporate interests also pose a threat, attempting to buy out smaller properties. The Lawsons must navigate political alliances and backroom deals to maintain their position. Local government officials play both sides, complicating matters further.
Sabotage and intimidation tactics escalate tensions between the feuding factions. Cattle rustling, mysterious fires, and equipment tampering test the Lawsons' resolve.
Family and Succession
Internal strife plagues the Lawson dynasty as they grapple with succession plans. The aging patriarch struggles to choose an heir capable of preserving the family legacy. Siblings compete for control, their ambitions threatening to tear the family apart.
Marriages of convenience and strategic alliances blur the lines between business and personal relationships. Long-buried secrets resurface, challenging loyalties and forcing difficult choices.
The younger generation debates modernizing operations versus maintaining tradition. This generational divide creates additional friction within the family ranks.
Indigenous Culture and Characters
Indigenous elders play a crucial role in the series, offering wisdom and historical perspective. Their deep connection to the land contrasts with the settlers' approach to property ownership.
Land rights disputes highlight the ongoing impact of colonization. Indigenous characters navigate complex relationships with the Lawsons, balancing cooperation and resistance.
Traditional knowledge proves invaluable in managing the harsh outback environment. Cultural misunderstandings and attempts at reconciliation feature prominently in storylines.
The show explores the preservation of Indigenous languages and customs in a rapidly changing world. Sacred sites and artifacts become focal points of conflict and cooperation between settlers and Indigenous peoples.
The Lawson Dynasty
The Lawson family reigns over a vast cattle empire in Australia's Northern Territory. Their wealth, power, and complex relationships form the heart of a gripping drama set against the backdrop of the rugged Outback.
Colin Lawson and Family
Colin Lawson, portrayed by Robert Taylor, stands as the formidable patriarch of the Lawson clan. A cattle baron with a ruthless streak, Colin rules his family and business with an iron fist. His wife, Susie Lawson (Sara Wiseman), navigates the treacherous waters of family politics alongside him.
The Lawsons have two sons: Daniel, the heir apparent who manages the station, and Graham, whose role in the family business is less defined. Tragedy strikes when Daniel is killed, throwing the family's carefully laid succession plans into chaos.
Business and Land
The Lawsons operate the world's largest cattle station in the Northern Territory. Their sprawling empire is a source of immense wealth and constant conflict. The family faces threats from business rivals and billionaire miners who covet their land and resources.
Colin Lawson's business acumen has built a formidable agricultural powerhouse, but maintaining control requires constant vigilance. The vast expanse of the Outback serves as both an asset and a challenge, with harsh conditions testing the family's resolve.
Land rights and ownership disputes add layers of complexity to the Lawsons' operations. Their struggle to retain control of their territory echoes themes familiar to fans of similar family sagas set in rural landscapes.
Cast and Characters
Territory features a talented ensemble bringing the gritty outback drama to life. The series showcases both established Australian actors and rising stars in pivotal roles that drive the intense family conflicts and power struggles.
Leading Cast Profiles
Anna Torv headlines the cast as Emma Lawson, the strong-willed daughter fighting for control of the family's cattle empire. Robert Taylor portrays Colin Lawson, the ruthless patriarch determined to maintain his grip on power. Michael Dorman takes on the role of Daniel Lawson, Emma's brother and rival for the family legacy. Sam Corlett plays Jed, a young jackaroo caught between family loyalties.
Tuuli Narkle portrays Sarah, an Indigenous woman with deep ties to the land. Jay Ryan rounds out the main cast as Graham Lawson, the estranged youngest son returning to the fold.
Supporting Cast Insights
The supporting cast adds depth to the outback setting. Timothy Lee appears as Tom, a longtime station hand. Clarence Ryan plays Billy, an Indigenous stockman navigating cultural tensions. Dan Wyllie takes on the role of a rival cattle baron threatening the Lawsons' dominance.
Philippa Northeast portrays Lucy, a city lawyer drawn into the family's legal battles. The diverse cast brings authenticity to the complex web of relationships and conflicts driving the drama. Each actor infuses their character with nuanced motivations, creating a compelling ensemble that anchors the series.
Cultural Representation
Territory offers a nuanced portrayal of Australian culture, particularly focusing on the Northern Territory's unique way of life. The series showcases the vast cattle stations that are integral to the region's economy and identity.
Indigenous representation plays a significant role in the show. Indigenous elders and their communities are depicted as having deep connections to the land, often in conflict with the interests of cattle barons.
The series explores the complex relationships between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous Australians. It highlights ongoing struggles over land rights and cultural preservation.
Australian fashion and lifestyle are prominently featured. Characters don Akubra hats and other iconic outback attire, reflecting the distinctive style of the region.
The show delves into the harsh realities of life in the outback, portraying the resilience required to thrive in such a challenging environment. This includes depictions of extreme heat, isolation, and the constant battle against nature.
Territory also touches on historical elements, such as the racial environment surrounding Indigenous Australians and the lead-up to World War II. These aspects provide context for the cultural dynamics at play in the series.
Production
The Australian drama series "Territory" brings together experienced filmmakers and stunning outback locations to create a uniquely Aussie take on the popular ranch drama genre. Producers and directors collaborated to capture the rugged beauty of the Northern Territory while crafting an engaging family saga.
Directors and Producers
Ian Collie serves as executive producer for "Territory" through his production company Easy Tiger. The series enlisted multiple directors to helm individual episodes, drawing on talent with experience in Australian television dramas. This approach allows for varied creative perspectives while maintaining a cohesive vision for the show's look and tone. The producers focused on assembling a team that could authentically portray life on a massive cattle station.
Filming Locations
"Territory" utilizes the breathtaking landscapes of Australia's Northern Territory as its primary backdrop. The production team scouted remote locations to find the perfect setting for the fictional Lawson family ranch. Some scenes were also filmed in South Australia, with areas around Tipperary Station used to represent parts of the cattle empire. The diverse terrain, from red desert to lush tropics, provides a visually striking canvas for the drama to unfold. Careful location choices help convey the vastness and isolation of outback cattle stations.
Reception and Reviews
Territory has garnered attention as Australia's answer to Yellowstone, drawing comparisons and praise from critics and viewers alike. The show's unique outback setting and family drama have resonated with audiences seeking a fresh take on the genre.
Critics Take
Territory has received positive reviews from critics, earning an 80% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on five reviews. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the show's stunning visuals of the Australian landscape and compelling family dynamics. Critics praised the series for its ability to capture the essence of Yellowstone while offering a distinctly Australian perspective.
The show's exploration of land ownership issues and complex character relationships has been noted as particularly strong. Some reviewers have pointed out that Territory successfully adapts the Yellowstone formula to the Australian context, creating a unique viewing experience.
Viewership Response
Viewers have embraced Territory with enthusiasm, with many Netflix subscribers describing themselves as "obsessed" with the new series. Fans have drawn parallels between Territory and Yellowstone, appreciating the familiar themes of family conflict and land preservation in a new setting.
The show's six-episode format has been well-received, allowing for a concise yet engaging storytelling experience. Viewers have particularly enjoyed the sweeping vistas of Australia's Northern Territory, which serve as a captivating backdrop to the unfolding drama.
Social media buzz has been significant, with many fans recommending the show to others seeking a Yellowstone-like experience with an Australian twist. The series has quickly gained a following among those who appreciate intense family dramas set in rugged landscapes.
Release and Accessibility
"Territory" launched on Netflix as a highly anticipated Australian drama series. The show's release strategy and global availability have been key factors in its reception and reach.
Streaming Platforms
"Territory" is exclusively available on Netflix. The streaming giant acquired the rights to the series, making it accessible to subscribers worldwide. Netflix's platform allows viewers to binge-watch all episodes at once, a popular model for many modern TV series. The show's presence on Netflix gives it potential exposure to over 230 million subscribers globally.
Availability in Regions
While "Territory" is an Australian production, its release on Netflix makes it accessible in most countries where the streaming service operates. This includes major markets like the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Some regions may experience slight delays in availability due to licensing agreements or local content regulations. Netflix's localization efforts mean the show is available with subtitles and dubbing in multiple languages, increasing its accessibility to non-English speaking audiences.
Comparisons and References
Several shows bear similarities to the Australian drama "Territory" in terms of themes and setting. These series draw inspiration from and parallel other popular productions, creating a rich landscape of rugged family sagas.
Similar TV Shows
"The Last of Us" shares themes of survival in harsh environments, though in a post-apocalyptic setting rather than the Australian outback. "Mindhunter" explores complex character dynamics and psychological tensions, mirroring the intense family relationships in "Territory." "Longmire" stands out as a close comparison, featuring a rural setting and law enforcement storylines that echo the cattle-ranching backdrop of "Territory."
Influences and Parallels
"Territory" draws clear inspiration from "Yellowstone," with both series centering on powerful ranching families protecting their ancestral lands. The Australian show incorporates unique elements of the outback and Indigenous culture, distinguishing it from its American counterpart. "Succession" serves as another influential parallel, with its focus on family power struggles and inheritance conflicts. These shows collectively contribute to a growing genre of high-stakes family dramas set against breathtaking natural landscapes.
Marketing and Promotion
Netflix employed targeted digital campaigns and strategic partnerships to generate buzz for "Territory." The show's trailer highlighted its rugged Australian setting and intense family drama, drawing comparisons to the popular series "Yellowstone."
Advertising Strategies
Netflix leveraged social media platforms to reach potential viewers interested in drama series and Australian content. Targeted ads on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter showcased the show's stunning outback landscapes and teased its high-stakes family conflicts. The streaming giant also partnered with Australian tourism boards to cross-promote "Territory" and outback travel experiences.
Billboards and transit ads in major Australian cities featured the show's cast and taglines like "Blood runs thicker than dust." Netflix collaborated with local influencers and media outlets to create behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews, building anticipation among TV drama enthusiasts.
Trailer Analysis
The "Territory" trailer opens with sweeping aerial shots of the vast Northern Territory landscape, immediately establishing the show's unique setting. Quick cuts between family confrontations and cattle station operations highlight the series' blend of personal drama and business intrigue.
The trailer's pacing accelerates, showcasing intense arguments, physical altercations, and hints of dangerous secrets. Dialogue snippets emphasize themes of legacy, power, and family loyalty. Background music shifts from ambient outback sounds to a driving rock track, mirroring the escalating tensions.
Key visuals include dust-covered vehicles racing across red dirt roads, tense family dinners, and characters staring pensively over the rugged terrain. The trailer concludes with a dramatic voiceover declaring, "In the Territory, you fight or you die," leaving viewers eager to uncover the family's fate.
