Crime Shows: Why Are They Everywhere?

A Massive Hit with Nearly a Billion Views

Netflix's Untamed, a crime drama starring Eric Bana, was released on July 17, 2025, and quickly became the number one show in the US. By the end of the month, Netflix confirmed a second season, a surprising turn since the show was originally planned as a miniseries with only six episodes.

The Allure of Untamed

The show's success isn't just about the crime mystery. The main character and the beautiful, wild setting of Yosemite National Park added a special touch. The six episodes were perfect for a weekend binge, and each one moved the story forward. Even though the first season's mystery was solved, there's still room for more stories in Yosemite or other untamed places.

Netflix's Viewership Data

Netflix's latest viewership data shows that Untamed is at the top of the drama section. But it's not the only limited series that did well. Hostage and The Beast in Me also made the list. This trend suggests that Netflix might start extending more limited series if they become popular.

The Power of the Audience

Other streaming services are doing the same thing. HBO's Task, another crime thriller, is getting a second season even though the first season was complete. This shows that audiences have a lot of power. If they want more, production companies might just give it to them.

The Challenge of Limited Series

But here's the thing: limited series are popular because they promise a complete story. If Netflix starts extending them, they should make sure each season is self-contained. That way, if the first season doesn't do well, audiences aren't left hanging. But if it does well, they get more of a good thing.