The world of neo-western television drama is expanding beyond the American frontier, and a new contender has arrived in the form of Territory, an Australian series set to premiere on Netflix. With Yellowstone already having secured its place as a cultural phenomenon in the U.S., comparisons between the two shows are inevitable. While both revolve around family conflicts, power struggles, and territorial disputes, their distinct settings—Montana’s mountainous wilderness and the vast, arid Australian outback—give each a unique flair. Here, we explore the key aspects that set these two shows apart, and why Territory is already being hailed as Australia’s answer to Yellowstone.
The settings: Montana vs. the Australian outback
One of the first striking differences between Yellowstone and Territory lies in their visual landscapes. Yellowstone, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s rugged mountains, offers a picturesque view of American rural life. The Dutton family’s expansive ranch becomes a symbol of tradition, legacy, and the often-violent efforts required to maintain such a vast estate.
In contrast, Territory takes viewers deep into the Northern Territory of Australia, where the barren, sun-scorched landscapes play a crucial role in the story’s tone. The Lawson family owns Marianne Station, the world’s largest cattle station, and this desolate, remote setting mirrors the harshness of life in the Australian outback. The station’s surroundings, including filming locations such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, add an element of isolation that intensifies the drama, creating a unique contrast to Yellowstone’s lush, green valleys.
Both shows use their environments as more than just backdrops. In Yellowstone, the land itself becomes a battleground, with developers, indigenous groups, and rival ranchers fighting for control. Similarly, Territory uses the vastness of the Australian outback to emphasize the physical and emotional distance between characters, while also introducing themes of indigenous land rights, something more deeply explored in the Australian series.
Family drama and succession struggles
At the heart of both Yellowstone and Territory is the struggle for power within a family dynasty. In Yellowstone, the Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), is constantly at odds with external forces—land developers, corporate entities, and native tribes—but also faces internal divisions. John’s children each have their own visions for the future of the ranch, leading to tense conflicts and emotional rifts.
Territory, on the other hand, centers around the Lawson family and their control of Marianne Station. Following the death of Daniel Lawson, the presumed heir, the family is thrown into disarray. Colin Lawson, the patriarch played by Robert Taylor, is reluctant to pass control to his remaining son, who struggles with alcoholism, or to his daughter-in-law, whom he distrusts. This internal discord sets the stage for a fierce battle over who will inherit the family empire, while external threats from cattle barons, mining magnates, and desert gangsters loom large.
Though both series explore the theme of succession, Territory takes a more concentrated approach, with its six-episode format focusing tightly on the immediate fallout of Daniel’s death and the ensuing power struggle. This contrasts with Yellowstone’s longer seasons and sprawling narrative that delves into multiple layers of family dynamics over a more extended period.
Cultural influences and indigenous perspectives
While both series delve into conflicts over land ownership, Territory gives a more prominent voice to indigenous perspectives. The Australian show integrates the presence of Indigenous elders and their claim to the land, bringing the historical and cultural significance of the region to the forefront. This theme of indigenous land rights is explored in a more profound and ongoing way than in Yellowstone, where the conflict with Native American tribes is important but often takes a backseat to the family drama.
In Territory, the presence of characters like Uncle Bryce, an Indigenous elder played by Hamilton Morris, plays a pivotal role in the narrative. The show not only addresses the exploitation of indigenous lands but also highlights the long-standing cultural connections to the territory. This focus sets Territory apart, offering viewers a more nuanced portrayal of the indigenous relationship with the land, adding depth to its storyline.
The cast: Powerhouses on both sides
Yellowstone has become synonymous with Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton, a grizzled rancher determined to keep his family’s legacy alive. Costner’s star power helped elevate the series from its debut, and his performance as the hardened patriarch has drawn widespread praise.
Territory features its own heavyweights, including Robert Taylor, known for his role in Longmire, who brings a similar rugged gravitas to the role of Colin Lawson. Additionally, Anna Torv (Mindhunter, The Last of Us) plays Emily Lawson, and Michael Dorman (For All Mankind) takes on the role of Graham Lawson, Colin’s troubled son. The ensemble cast adds significant weight to Territory, promising compelling performances that rival the emotional intensity seen in Yellowstone.
Neo-western style: Two different flavors of the same genre
Both Yellowstone and Territory can be classified as neo-westerns, a genre that blends traditional Western themes with modern storytelling techniques. Yellowstone leans heavily on the tropes of American Westerns, with its sprawling ranch, cowboy imagery, and themes of manifest destiny. It presents a modern-day version of the Wild West, where battles are fought not just with guns but through political maneuvering, corporate interests, and legal struggles.
Territory, on the other hand, adapts these Western elements to the Australian outback. While the cattle industry and the harsh environment draw parallels to the American West, Territory offers a distinctly Australian take on the genre. The show’s use of wide-brimmed Akubra hats, dusty landscapes, and the ever-present threat of nature’s deadly creatures—all staples of life in the outback—bring a fresh twist to the neo-western format.
Impact and expectations
Yellowstone has already cemented itself as one of the most popular shows on television, spawning multiple spin-offs like 1883 and 1923. Its influence has extended beyond television, inspiring other creators to explore similar themes of family, power, and the American West.
Territory is positioning itself as the next big thing in the neo-western genre, with many describing it as “Australia’s answer to Yellowstone.” With its gripping storyline, rich cultural context, and stunning visuals of the Australian outback, the show is expected to captivate audiences both in Australia and internationally. Whether it will reach the same heights as Yellowstone remains to be seen, but it certainly has all the elements to make a significant impact.
While Yellowstone and Territory share many thematic similarities—family conflict, territorial disputes, and power struggles—they are also deeply shaped by their distinct settings and cultural contexts. Yellowstone immerses viewers in the American West, while Territory offers a gritty, Australian counterpart. With Territory set to premiere in October 2024, it will be fascinating to see how this new series resonates with global audiences and whether it can carve out its own legacy alongside Yellowstone.
