Territory on Netflix: The Aussie Drama You Didn’t Know You Needed—Here’s Why It’s Worth Your Time!
You know that feeling when you stumble upon a new show that seems familiar, yet somehow gives you a fresh experience? Well, that’s precisely what happened when I sat down to watch Territory on Netflix. At first glance, you might think, “Oh great, another show about rugged ranchers, land disputes, and dysfunctional families. Isn’t this just Australia’s version of Yellowstone?” But hold on, let me stop you right there. Yes, Territory treads on well-worn ground, but let’s dig a little deeper and explore why this show is more than just an Aussie copycat. Trust me, there’s a lot more beneath the dusty surface.
Now, if you’re someone who loves sprawling landscapes, tough-as-nails characters, and a little bit of drama that feels like a guilty pleasure, you’re in for a treat. But it’s not just the visual eye candy and soap-opera level twists that hooked me. It’s the way Territory masterfully blends the Australian setting, cultural nuances, and complex family dynamics, offering viewers a fresh perspective on land, legacy, and what it means to belong. Let me break it down for you.
The Allure of the Outback: More Than Just Pretty Scenery
First, let’s talk about the Northern Territory itself. This place is practically a character in the show, and I can’t overstate how much the landscape shapes the storytelling. You ever see those sweeping drone shots of the Outback at sunset, where the horizon seems to go on forever? You know the ones that make you think, “Man, I need to book a trip to Australia immediately!” Territory is packed with those, and it’s more than just eye candy. The setting isn’t there to just make your jaw drop; it’s integral to the plot, pulling you into a world where the land is more than just a backdrop—it’s a battleground for power, history, and survival.
What makes Territory stand out is how it taps into the Indigenous perspective on land ownership. For those of you who watched Yellowstone and found the show’s treatment of Native American land rights interesting but perhaps a bit one-dimensional, Territory takes it further. Sure, the story centers around the Lawson family and their enormous cattle ranch (we’re talking land the size of Belgium here, folks), but it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of Australia’s own Indigenous land disputes.
The dialogue is sprinkled with references to “Traditional Owners,” a term that might be new to non-Aussie viewers, but it’s a critical part of the narrative. The Indigenous characters, like Nolan (played by Clarence Ryan), add a depth to the storyline that’s often glossed over in these kinds of dramas. It’s a refreshing take on the land ownership theme, where it’s not just a fight between rich, attractive people screaming “Mine!” but a reflection on history, culture, and the ongoing tension between tradition and progress.
The Lawsons: A Dysfunctional Dynasty You Can’t Help But Watch
Let’s get into the juicy stuff: the Lawson family. The Lawsons are everything you’d expect from a family running the world’s largest cattle operation—a little rough around the edges, plenty of secrets, and enough family drama to keep a therapist busy for a decade. At the head of the family is the patriarch Colin, played by the ever-intense Robert Taylor. Colin’s a piece of work—an old-school rancher clinging to the past, refusing to adapt, and leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Colin’s youngest son Daniel, who was supposed to save the ranch from ruin, dies in the first episode, leaving a massive power vacuum. What follows is a tangled web of alliances, betrayals, and business maneuvering that rivals any of the best soap operas out there. Graham, the eldest son and a self-destructive alcoholic, finds himself reluctantly thrust into the spotlight, while his ex-wife Emily (played by Fringe’s Anna Torv) stirs the pot with her own ambitions and tangled loyalties. Throw in a nefarious mining billionaire, some Indigenous land-rights activists, and a few complicated love triangles, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a wild ride.
But don’t just roll your eyes and say, “Oh, here we go again with another dysfunctional family saga.” There’s something refreshingly real about these characters. They’re flawed, sure, but they’re not caricatures. Graham’s alcoholism, for example, isn’t just a plot device; it’s an exploration of trauma, guilt, and the crushing weight of family expectations. Emily’s motives are murky, but her complexity makes her one of the most compelling characters in the show. You’re never quite sure if you should root for her or watch her tear everything apart—and isn’t that the mark of great television?
Australia’s ‘Yellowstone’... But Better?
It’s almost impossible to talk about Territory without mentioning Yellowstone. Comparisons are inevitable, and yeah, there are some obvious parallels: both shows revolve around powerful ranching families fighting to protect their land. But where Yellowstone leans heavily into American frontier mythology, Territory does something different. It’s grittier, more grounded in reality, and less concerned with glamorizing the ranching life.
Remember that one plot point in Yellowstone where everything feels larger than life? Well, Territory strips away the glitz and gets down to the nitty-gritty of what it means to run a massive cattle operation in one of the harshest environments on Earth. It’s not just about pretty landscapes and rugged cowboys. The show dives into the very real, very complex world of international real estate law (yes, you read that right) and cattle ranching jargon that’ll have you reaching for a dictionary. And somehow, it makes it all fascinating.
And let’s not forget the Aussie slang. Ever heard someone use the word “duster” in casual conversation? How about “muster”? If you haven’t, don’t worry—Territory will give you a crash course in all things cattle ranching. It’s one of the ways the show sets itself apart, immersing you in a world that feels foreign yet strangely familiar. The combination of Aussie slang and outback lingo almost feels like a foreign language, but instead of being confusing, it draws you in, making you feel like you’re part of this dusty, gritty world.
While Territory offers plenty of visual allure and engaging drama, it’s not without its shortcomings. One notable criticism is the show's reliance on predictable tropes and cliched character arcs, particularly when it comes to family dynamics and power struggles. While the Indigenous perspective is woven into the plot, some viewers may feel that it could have been explored with greater depth and nuance. The pacing can also be uneven at times, with certain episodes dragging, while others rush through important plot points. Moreover, the dialogue, while often gritty and authentic, occasionally veers into melodrama, making some of the emotional beats feel less impactful than they should. Despite these flaws, Territory still manages to entertain, but it's clear there’s room for more creative risks and deeper storytelling.
Characters You Love to Hate (Or Hate to Love)
What is it about shows like this that make you want to root for the most unlikable characters? Territory is full of them. Take Sandra, the ruthless mining billionaire played by Sara Wiseman. She’s cold, calculating, and ready to bulldoze anyone who gets in her way (literally and figuratively). And yet, you can’t help but admire her ambition and single-mindedness. She’s the kind of character you love to hate, but you’d miss her if she weren’t there stirring up trouble.
Then there’s Marshall, Graham’s estranged son, who rolls into town with a group of scruffy misfits and a chip on his shoulder the size of, well, the Northern Territory. You get the sense that Marshall could either be the show’s next big villain or its unlikely hero, and that’s part of the fun. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he burn everything to the ground? Only time will tell, but you’ll be glued to your screen waiting to find out.
And speaking of characters, one of the refreshing things about Territory is its willingness to embrace diversity. The Indigenous side of the story, represented by characters like Nolan and Tuuli, isn’t just an afterthought. They’re integral to the plot, bringing a depth and complexity that’s often missing in shows of this genre. It’s a subtle but important shift in storytelling that adds a layer of authenticity to the series.
Why You Should Watch Territory (Even If You’re Not Into Ranch Dramas)
At this point, you might be wondering, “Okay, but do I really need to watch another show about cattle ranching?” The answer is yes, and here’s why. Territory isn’t just about ranching. It’s about family, loyalty, betrayal, and the push-pull between tradition and progress. It’s a drama that knows how to have fun without taking itself too seriously, but it also isn’t afraid to tackle weightier issues, like land rights and environmental impact.
Plus, it’s just plain entertaining. The stakes are high, the drama is juicy, and the scenery is breathtaking. Whether you’re in it for the love triangles, the power struggles, or just to see Anna Torv and Robert Taylor in cowboy hats, Territory has something for everyone.
So, the next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, wondering what to watch, give Territory a chance. Sure, it may remind you of other shows, but it’s got its own unique flavor—and that’s what makes it worth watching. After all, who can resist a little drama set against the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback? I know I couldn’t.