‘Untamed': Murder, Mayhem, and More at Yosemite
Co-created and co-written by Mark L. Smith and his daughter Lauren Elle Smith, 'Untamed' is the latest premium cable Western-themed TV series, and proves the once close-to-extinct genre to be far more resilient than many may have thought.
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Elle
3 hours ago
- Elle
From '1944' To 'The Madison': A Guide To Upcoming 'Yellowstone' Spin-Offs
As the sun sets over the legendary Dutton ranch, both die-hard fans and pop culture insiders alike are eager for the next act in Taylor Sheridan's ever-expanding small-screen Western universe. With Yellowstone and its prequels, 1923 and 1883 , already part of TV's recent golden age, it's clear: Sheridan isn't finished yet. Here's your up-to-date guide to what's next for the Yellowstone franchise — including confirmed spin-offs, wild fan theories, persistent casting rumours, and the historical periods about to get the Dutton treatment. Although there was a 40-year jump between 1883 and 1923 , the next Yellowstone installment will skip ahead just 21 years in the timeline. None of the 1883 cast reprised their roles in 1923 , but it's entirely possible that stars from 1923 — notably Brandon Sklenar as Spencer Dutton and Julia Schlaepfer as Alexandra — could appear in future series. Their storylines at the close of 1923 's first season have fueled widespread speculation that they'll carry the family torch in the franchise's next chapter. Here's a look at the upcoming projects poised to expand Sheridan's empire. Sticking with his decade-leaping pattern, Sheridan's next historical venture will be 1944 , taking the story into World War II–era Montana. The Duttons, again at a pivotal moment — with the world at war and American society transforming — face themes of sacrifice, change, and what it means to be a rancher in a rapidly modernising country. At the time of writing, 1944 is still a working title. While nothing has officially been confirmed yet, the fact that Spencer fought in the first World War before the events of 1923 , makes it entirely possible that he's drafted to fight in World War II as well. D-Day also occurs in June 1944, marking a major turning point for the end of the war. 1944 will also focus on the family's ranching history during a time when most able-bodied men were called to serve overseas. While casting details have yet to be announced, Jon Hamm, Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh and Paul Mescal are among the names currently being bandied around by fans who are clamouring for the stars to join the franchise. This series moves away from Montana, centering on Texas's historic Four Sixes Ranch — a locale introduced to viewers in Yellowstone 's fourth season. 6666 is set to explore modern cowboy culture, ranching politics, and the intersection of tradition with progress. According to its accompanying official release, the ranch — still operating much as it did under Comanche rule — remains a crucible for the 'merciless endeavour' of raising elite cattle and horses. While further details have yet to follow the spin-off's initial announcement in February 2021, the official press release read, 'Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666. Still operating as it did two centuries before and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing. The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavour to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately, where world-class cowboys are born and made. The series will be executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.' There are currently rumours circulating among fans that Jefferson White (Jimmy) will reprise his role for 6666 , and that the series will centre on a broader, Texas-centric story than its compatriots. The Madison Another series from the Yellowstone universe that's confirmed pivots away from the Dutton family legacy to focus on a more contemporary narrative. The Madison will tell the story of a grieving New York City family relocating to Montana's Madison River valley in search of renewal and connection. At the story's heart is Michelle Pfeiffer, who will be both star and executive producer, playing newcomer Stacy Clyburn, the matriarch seeking a fresh start after her husband's death. The Madison, which, as of July 2025, is in post-production , is set directly after the conclusion of Yellowstone , succeeding the Dutton narrative. Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) now run a ranch in Dillon, Montana, as revealed in Yellowstone 's final episodes — raising the possibility of crossovers or cameo appearances in The Madison . Young John Dutton Prequel While sources close to Sheridan aren't letting the cat out of the bag just yet, rumours persist about a prequel tracing John Dutton's (Kevin Costner) youth and the formative betrayals, romances, and power plays that shaped him. If the rumours currently whirring around the mill are to be believed, Cody Fern, Lucas Till, and even Jacob Elordi are all names that are being touted as potential casting options for a young John Dutton. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE . 7 Biggest Easter Eggs You Missed In '1923' Finished '1923'? 9 Cowboy TV Series To Watch Now Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years' worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
Forbes
4 hours ago
- Forbes
‘Untamed' Review: Netflix's Best New Show Is A Murder Mystery With A Killer Setting
Untamed Two mountain climbers scale the sheer cliffside of Yosemite National Park's El Capitan in the opening moments of Netflix's new murder mystery miniseries, Untamed. This alone is enough to make me squeamish. I don't like heights. I've never understood the appeal of repelling up a mountain, only a dizzying drop to certain death below. Of course, this is no ordinary ascent. As they grapple their way up, a young woman topples down. She's caught in the rope, almost bringing the two climbers down with her. It's a harrowing moment. Light spoilers follow. What looks like a possible suicide is quickly revealed to be something far more sinister, and an investigation kicks off led by taciturn Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana). Turner is a man of few words, the sort of grizzled, stoic mountain man that prefers a horse to a truck, and animals to people. He's also very good at his job, just as comfortable interrogating suspects as he is navigating perilous wilderness terrain. He's joined in his investigation by rookie National Park Service ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago) who left her police job in Los Angeles – and a bad relationship – behind to start a new life with her young son. Vasquez is as green as they come, but she's a quick learner. Turner doesn't really like working with people, but he's given no choice. Chief Park Ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill) makes sure of that. From here, the investigation leads our heroes down an increasingly dark path, first to identify the young woman and then to find out if foul play was involved. Of course, peeling back the truth of the woman's death leads to many other unpleasant revelations. These involve illicit activity in the park as well as Turner's tragic backstory involving his now ex-wife Jill (Rosemarie DeWitt) and their son, who died several years earlier. Untamed The series reminds me a lot of other shows like The Killing, though it's able to fit the entire story into an economical six episodes instead of the 26 that make up that show's first case. In this sense, there's little new or innovative about Untamed. In fact, if The Killing and Taylor Sheridan's (excellent) movie Wind River had a baby, Untamed would be it. Much of the appeal here is in its two main leads: Eric Bana and Yosemite itself. Perhaps the series should have taken a page from Sheridan's biggest hit, Yellowstone, and used Yosemite for the title. It's mostly filmed in British Columbia, but it's gorgeous to look at regardless. The rich forest terrain, the stunning mountains, all that wilderness hiding so much of humanity's darkest secrets. Bana, meanwhile, really channels Pedro Pascal, or at least Pascal's performance in The Last Of Us. Like Joel, this is a man who lost a part of himself when he lost his child. He's turned to booze and solitude and his work to distract himself from the pain and grief of that loss. I kept imagining Pascal in the role, though I'm glad we got Bana instead. Both are fine actors, but Pascal is simply in too many things these days, and Bana is terrific here, tapping into that rugged mountain man exterior while at the same time revealing a much more emotionally charged interior world. Untamed also made me wish that we'd get another season of True Detective from its original creator, Nic Pizzolatto, set in this kind of rugged wilderness. All three seasons of Pizzolatto's True Detective did such a great job of creating a sense of place (whether or not Season 2 worked all that well, the southern California it gave us was remarkably bleak in a way I've never really seen before or since). Seasons 1 and 2 captured the deep south and the Ozarks in grim splendor, making the places come alive in a way that few other shows have ever been able to achieve. Untamed never quite makes Yosemite feel like a real place, no matter how gorgeous the scenery. What it does do is give us a compelling, if not particularly original, mystery in a tight six-episode run, filled with good characters that are easy to root for (or against) and some nice twists and turns to keep us on our toes. This isn't an action-packed series. It's much more about following the clues down whatever mineshaft they lead. There are some moments of tension and even a couple good gunfights, but this is more detective work than shoot-em-up, which I appreciate. Is it groundbreaking? Not at all. Is it a bit too predictable? Absolutely. Is it still a fun watch with some good detective work and emotional beats that keep you invested in the main characters. I certainly thought so. No, this is not on the same level as True Detective, Mare Of Easttown or Happy Valley, but it's a solid watch that doesn't outwear its welcome. Give it a shot. P.S. It's kind of funny that Turner is an ISB agent, because when I think of ISB agents I think of these fine Imperial Security Bureau employees, just doing their best to maintain order in the galaxy: ISB
Los Angeles Times
4 hours ago
- Los Angeles Times
Inside the luxury world of dog wellness — as experienced by one very lucky golden retriever
The Jaguar Supersport, '65 Ford Thunderbird and '73 Alfa Romeo are taken by other clients today, so Dug — an 8-year-old golden retriever — is being chauffeured to the Sunset Strip in a presidential Cadillac stretch limo for his spa treatments. He's headed to Collar & Comb in West Hollywood, where he'll be getting a blueberry facial and exfoliating mud mask from the same professionals who groom the mutts of Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark Wahlberg and Dakota Johnson. Dug sits upright on the limo's black Corinthian leather seat, flanked by crystal liquor decanters on one side and a TV and VCR on the other. He gazes out the window, tongue hanging out excitedly, as the spiky palm trees whiz by. Then he flops down and chomps on a stuffed Chewy Vuiton Paris bone toy. Such is the world of dog wellness in Los Angeles. The goal? 'Heal.' Wellness for dogs is a niche industry that mirrors the spectrum of wellness treatments for humans. As with humans, it swings from the relaxing and rejuvenating to the dubious. Vet-affiliated treatments include acupuncture, hydrotherapy and chiropractic care. Nutrition is its own subculture that includes raw and organic food, supplements and Western and Chinese herbal remedies. On the pampering end, dog spas and private practitioners offer massage, reiki meditation, inflammation-fighting red light therapy and skin and nail treatments, such as deluxe 'pawdicures.' Fido feeling anxious? Try forest bathing or see a pet psychic. Human-centric wellness for dogs is 'at a high point,' says 'Pet Buzz' radio show co-host, Charlotte Reed. One reason: As vet bills rise, there's been a greater focus on preventative care in recent years — although such preventative wellness is expensive, too. Also, as self-care for humans becomes more popular, there are simply more wellness products and services being developed for dogs. And an increasing number of pet owners now view their dogs as children, Reed says. A New York court recently ruled that dogs can be legally recognized as immediate family members in the state. 'People are worried about the world. So a lot of people are not having children — and they're treating their dogs like kids,' Reed says. 'Dogs — like kids — are a reflection of your lifestyle. If you're into health and wellness, that's what you want your dog to be into.' At the same time, warns American Kennel Club chief veterinarian Dr. Jerry Klein, pet owners must be careful not to project human desires onto animals that, at best, don't share the same tastes. 'A lot of this stuff, it's geared to the humans. But what we derive pleasure and relaxation from might create the opposite for a dog that might not want to be touched or handled. People should get their vet's opinion, always, before doing anything that might affect the dog's health.' I enlisted Dug — a wellness newbie whom I've known for years as his owners, Jeff and Lisa Alulis, are friends — to undergo a week of pampering in L.A. in order to explore some of the dog wellness treatments available. Dug is a happy-go-lucky guy. But he had a rough puppyhood, having been abandoned at a shelter where he suffered distemper, a viral disease and heartworm before being adopted. Perhaps because of that, he has nightmares, during which he kicks his feet and yelps. Could a relaxing sound bath help? It was worth a shot. Victorious Solomon greeted us at Den Urban Dog Retreat in a man bun and T-shirt that reads 'meditate with your dog.' The 10,000-square-foot space in Cypress Park, which Solomon owns with Lindsay Velez, is a dog 'wellness campus' — Canyon Ranch for canines — that includes holistic grooming, daycare, hikes and spa services such as massage, aromatherapy, reiki, animal communication and crystal therapy. It also hosts workshops and social events for pups and their humans: Think coffee, DJs and dogs. Solomon led us to a low-lit event space that featured a wall-length mural of a forest accentuated by flickering candles and swinging macramé chairs. About 20 dogs lay on yoga mats with their owners or they milled about the room as the free 'relaxation concert' began, the sounds of crystal quartz and Tibetan brass bowls commingling with intermittent barking. Sound healer Crystal Cao says she configured the event for canines: It was only 30 minutes long due to their attention spans (no distracting squirrels within eyeshot, but still) and she played 'lower, primal, base tones to keep them calm and centered.' But every time she swayed the ocean drum, filled with beads that mimicked the sound of rain, Dug got up to explore, standing in front of it, head cocked to the side. Eventually, like most other dogs there, Dug took a cue from his humans and relaxed on his mat as they stroked his fur. He left the sound bath seemingly relaxed, per usual. But the nightmares persisted. Would his owners bring him back? Absolutely — if just for the dog social hour that took place in the yard beforehand. Dug is up for nearly any water adventure. But walking on a treadmill, in a glass tank filled with water at chest level was new to him — and admittedly a little scary at first. But the folks at Buddy: Canine Wellness in Studio City were so patient he got through it. (Plus, the spa-like lobby featured soothing, scented candles and a jar of milk bone treats.) Buddy isn't affiliated with a veterinary practice. It doesn't diagnose or prescribe but focuses, instead, on preventive health through fitness and recreation. In private sessions, dogs perform strength building and cardio workouts on an underwater treadmill or in a small swimming pool heated to 85 degrees, supposedly to aid blood circulation. (The initial hourlong visit is $250 with fitness assessment; then it's $100 for 30-45 minutes.) The workouts are zero- or low-impact and easy on the joints, so suited for older dogs or those with arthritis or recovering from injuries. Dug is in excellent health. So he visited Buddy for recreation — several clients come to burn off energy when it's too hot to walk outdoors. Dug donned a life jacket in the pool and treaded around in the water, chasing a ball as co-owner Jazz Pritchard led him around in circles on a leash. Dug's head is so massive that, with the rest of his body mostly underwater, he resembled a blond, furry Hippo cutting through the water's surface. If the goal was to tire Dug out, it was met: He slept soundly when he got home. But still: nightmares. Reiki for humans is a Japanese energy-healing modality that, practitioners say, aids relaxation, pain relief and overall health by realigning the body's energy centers, or 'chakras.' For dogs, it looks like a gentle petting session. Reiki practitioner Stacey Gong worked on Dug for 30 minutes as he laid on the grass, seaside, at Miramar Park in Redondo Beach. Gong works for Tailwagger's Massage & Hydrofitness, which also offers restorative and sports massages as well as inflammation-fighting cold laser therapy, among other services. Dug gazed out at the ocean through the Torrey pine trees, as Gong smoothed his fur and gently ran her fingers along his spine. She softly squeezed his hip muscles, then caressed his midsection, shoulders and neck. Dug flipped onto his back, all four paws stretched out wide — Reiki was not so bad! 'His chakras are in pretty good shape,' Gong said afterward, as she applied a series of five essential oil blends specially created for animals. But his third eye chakra, she added, was slow. 'It's swinging in the right direction, but we made it faster, so everything will be in concert,' she said. 'And the dreams — I don't think they're bad. It's more like he's chasing bunnies.' With his chakras aligned, the wind rippling his thick blond fur and smelling of pungent, earthy oregano oil, Dug stood up, panting merrily, and stared directly into the L.A. Times photographer's lens, as if posing. Now on his third day out, Dug seemed to be feeling confident, more familiar with the camera that trailed him, even seeming to court it at times. Was Dug a wellness influencer in the making? If so, Dug already has nearly 4,000 followers on Instagram. Photos of Reiki, seaside — a quintessential L.A. experience — stand to boost that number. But if nothing else, the $150 Reiki session was not a bad way to spend a Dog Day Afternoon. Dug hopped out of the limo at Collar & Comb (the same limo featured in the 1988 movie 'Twins,' starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito) and — like any aspiring wellness influencer — posed for photos, snout in the air, in front of the luxury, members-only grooming and wellness salon. It was a feast of scents inside: gourmet chicken feet treats! New plushie toys! Fresh mint leaves and aloe vera for his upcoming facial! Collar & Comb is a canine luxury ecosystem, with three social houses for dogs and their humans, three grooming salons and four private dog parks, not to mention a fleet of high-end vehicles to transport four-legged clients. And Dug got the true VIP treatment. He was whisked into a soundproof 'spa suite,' where the founder, Paul Leonard, and master stylist, Yanko Hernandez, prepared the ingredients for his treatments. They swirled hand-muddled blueberries and raw honey into organic, sugar-free yogurt for his facial; they stirred exfoliating Japanese volcanic sand into mineral-rich Korean mud for his hydrating mask. In his pursuit of perfection, Leonard barked orders to his staff with all the intensity of an ER doctor in an episode of 'The Pitt': 'Towels!' he yelled. (They appeared within seconds.) 'Comb!' (Same.) Dug took it all in stride, seemingly enjoying the two sets of hands rubbing the fragrant food into his face. He even managed to sneak in a lick, tasting the yogurt. Meanwhile, Dug's dad was treated to a plush bathrobe and champagne while relaxing in a massage chair as a mix of lo-fi jazz and jungle rock played on the sound system. He watched Dug getting pampered through the glass wall. Dug was blown dry and finished off with a hotel-grade, organic cotton towel, rubbed with nourishing paw-balm and spritzed with 'show dog' scent cologne. He didn't join Collar & Comb given the $75 monthly dues minimum (which doesn't include the cost of treatments), but he memorialized the experience with another round of photos, this time posing with an enormous cow knee bone in-mouth, a final treat to top off the indulgent day. Dug may have enjoyed his afternoon with William Riddle, a certified canine masseuse, the most. For one, Riddle's Doggissage is mobile, traveling through parts of Orange County and Los Angeles. So Dug got to relax in the comfort of his own backyard during his deep tissue massage. And the $50 hourlong massage was essentially a vigorous petting session, though different than the Reiki he'd experienced. Riddle applied increasing degrees of pressure, gently loosening up Dug's muscles at first, and stimulating circulation, before going deeper. Dug stretched out on a blanket by the swimming pool, a fountain trickling nearby. Riddle noticed that, like many dogs, Dug's neck area was tight — dogs put 60% of their weight on their front legs, stressing their necks, Riddle explained — and so he spent more time massaging that area. Fine by Dug! Riddle performed somatics on Dug, slowly and smoothly moving his limbs to supposedly refine brain-muscle connection. Fine by Dug! Riddle even used a small metal tool that looked like a comb to help relieve tension. It was like being brushed. Also fine — two paws up! Riddle performs canine massage for both relaxation and rehabilitation — he says that it relieves muscle tension and stress, increases blood flow and mobility and may ease pain from arthritis. But he strongly recommends discussing it with a veterinarian first. Dug ended his massage with a beef stick treat — he'd have his new best friend back to the house any day! Social connection is a key tenant of wellness. So Dug ended his week at Dog PPL, a private, members-only dog park in Santa Monica with a staff of eerily beautiful people. It's like Soho House for pups. For $120 per month, members can visit as often as they'd like. Pet owners must submit vet and vaccine records and dogs undergo a 'temperament test' before being accepted. The fake grass-laden park is also monitored by 'rufferees,' who are trained in canine safety and behavior. It's as much a community for humans, with a cafe and bar (cocktail of the day: muddled hibiscus margarita) and high-speed Wi-Fi so dog owners can work from the park while their pets play off-leash. Events include fitness classes and trivia nights. Dug trotted in, gleaming from his facial and relaxed from his massage, and immediately made new friends. After stopping at the amenities table for fresh water, towels and doggie sunscreen, Dug tussled with another golden retriever, Bubbles, who was wearing a Goyard collar from Paris. But ultimately, she was too expensive for his taste. Then he bonded with a German shepherd named Gino — the most popular guy in the park. Dug was part of the in crowd! Soon they were a threesome, with a Goldendoodle named Harry. (Dog park gossip: Harry had a crush on Gino too and that stirred tensions between him and Dug.) No matter: The visit was thoroughly enjoyable, the perfect way to cap off a week of wellness in Los Angeles.
