Should you watch or skip Territory on Netflix? Here's the consensus

Whenever a new series debuts on Netflix, you might not be sure whether to rush to add it to your watch list or if you should wait to see what everyone makes of it before you tune in. With the release of Netflix's new original Australian Western drama series Territory on Oct. 24, you will be wondering exactly that: Should I watch or skip the exciting new release?

Territory stars a number of familiar faces, including The Last of Us star Anna Torv, Vikings: Valhalla star Sam Corlett, and Beauty & the Beast star Jay Ryan, as well as a number of talented actors in its ensemble cast. The series takes place in the Top End of Australia as the Lawson family battles to maintain power and ownership over Marianne Station, a massive cattle station in danger of decline.

Here's the official synopsis of Territory via Netflix:

"When the world’s largest cattle station is left without a clear successor, generational clashes threaten to tear the Lawson family apart. Sensing this once great dynasty is in decline, the outback’s most powerful factions – rival cattle barons, desert gangsters, Indigenous elders and billionaire miners – move in for the kill."

Still unsure about taking the plunge into the Lawson family drama and watching Territory on Netflix? Take it from someone who's already watched all six episodes of the series. Free of spoilers and major plot details, let's get into who should definitely check out the new series on Netflix and who should probably sit this one out. Before we get started, watch the trailer in the video below!

You should watch Territory if...

Based on the trailer, Territory is truly an easy sell. It looks so good! And it's an entertaining and rich story for viewers who can't get enough of juicy drama shows. If you're a fan of Yellowstone, Ozark, Bloodline, Succession, Dynasty, or any drama series centered around a family business and its haphazard power dynamics, you will enjoy your time with Territory.

The series will likely earn a lot of comparisons to Yellowstone and Succession, and for the most part, they are deserved. While the language and violence is at the intensity of level of one of these highly rated, award-winning television series, there's also another layer of accessibility to Territory. The character and relationship arcs have shades of Hallmark's Ride, possibly even Netflix's own Sweet Magnolias. When they aren't gunslinging and blowing stuff up, it's rather tame.

Beyond the thrilling narrative taking place over six episodes, the scenery of Territory is beautiful and a show in itself. There are frequent sweeping aerial shots of the gorgeous terrain of the Northern Territory and South Australia, where the series was filmed. A lot of Virgin River fans also watch the show because of the lush Canadian setting. No doubt, that will be the case here, too.

You should skip Territory if...

On the other hand, if you aren't a fan of the aforementioned shows and don't prefer to watch a series with lots of violence, Territory won't be the best binge-watch for you. It's not the most violent show to ever be produced (not even on Netflix), but be warned that there are shootouts and other forms of violence. Likewise, the show truly goes deep into the cattle station world in which it takes place.

When there aren't sequences containing action, the pacing and storytelling can be a bit dry; it won't hold the attention of every viewer. On top of that, the story the show tells is so unique and esoteric to this area of Australia that the jargon and more story elements can be alienating if you don't have either an interest or knowledge in cattle stations and their goings-on.

Overall, at six episodes, Territory makes for a rather quick and captivating binge-watch, thanks in part to its talented cast members. Anna Torv, Sam Corlett, and Michael Dorman in particular deliver performances that will stay with you. While it's probably not essential viewing, you could do much worse. In the end, considering the above vibe-check, the choice is up to you whether you will join the Lawson family at Marianne Station or keep scrolling to find a different show.

Watch Territory only on Netflix.