Why Netflix’s Territory Was Poised to Be Yellowstone’s Successor Before Its Cancellation
Yellowstone Leaves a Gap in Western TV
For years, Yellowstone reigned as the defining modern Western drama. Its sprawling ranch politics, family betrayals, and brutal power struggles drew millions of viewers. But when it ended after five seasons, fans wondered what could possibly take its place.
Spinoffs like 1883 and 1923 offered glimpses into the Dutton family’s past, but audiences still craved a modern Western with the same grit and urgency. For a brief moment, Netflix seemed ready to deliver an answer with Territory — until it was canceled after just one season.
Territory’s Promise as Yellowstone’s Successor
Premiering on Netflix in October 2024, Territory transported viewers to the Northern Territory of Australia, where the Lawson family dynasty ruled over the world’s largest cattle station, Marianne Station.
The setup echoed Yellowstone’s foundation. Colin Lawson (Robert Taylor) was the patriarch. His favored son Daniel (Jake Ryan) was set to inherit. But when Daniel died in a tragic riding accident, the fragile balance of power shattered.
Suddenly, rival families, Aboriginal tribes, mining magnates, and even criminal gangs began circling, each vying to exploit the Lawson succession crisis. At only six episodes, the show felt like a sharp, bingeable alternative for fans left adrift after Yellowstone’s finale.
Why the Cancellation Stings
Despite its potential, Netflix pulled the plug in February 2025. Fans were stunned — and frustrated. This isn’t the first time Netflix canceled a promising show before it found its footing, but this one hit particularly hard for Western lovers.
Territory had been carving out a fresh identity while still honoring the traditions of the genre. Unlike Yellowstone, where the Duttons’ land always felt untouchable, Marianne Station’s fate was far less certain. That uncertainty gave the series a sharper sense of danger.
Even more importantly, the show made a stronger attempt at weaving Indigenous storylines into its core narrative. This depth hinted at a more inclusive, layered take on the Western that could have surpassed Yellowstone in some ways.
Why Netflix Said No
Netflix didn’t share an official reason for the cancellation. In fact, the streamer’s director of content for Australia and New Zealand, Que Min Luu, only said they looked forward to working with the cast and crew on other projects.
Speculation quickly followed. Industry sources suggested that production timing and scheduling conflicts might have been factors. Whatever the reason, the decision felt less about story quality and more about business strategy.
Fans Left Wanting More
For Yellowstone fans, the sting is sharper because Territory seemed so perfectly positioned to fill the gap. The landscapes were different, but the core themes — family, land, power, and survival — were all there.
The show’s cancellation leaves a “what if” hanging in the air. Could Territory have grown into a global hit with more time? Could it have delivered the kind of multiseason storytelling Yellowstone perfected? Unfortunately, audiences may never know.
Final Thoughts
Netflix’s Territory had all the makings of a worthy Yellowstone successor. It had a strong cast, gripping setup, and fresh perspective rooted in Australian history and culture. Canceling it after just six episodes feels like a missed opportunity, not just for Netflix but for the Western genre as a whole.
While Paramount continues to expand Yellowstone’s universe with spinoffs like The Dutton Ranch and Y: Marshals, Territory serves as a reminder of how quickly great shows can vanish. For now, fans will have to hold on to what little we got — and hope another modern Western rises to claim the throne Yellowstone left behind.