Netflix has just released the trailer for its latest Australian series, Territory, an impressive-looking production that’s a little like a Down Under answer to Yellowstone (a complete compliment – in this writer’s opinion). Take a look above. 

The upcoming neo-Western series promises high-stakes drama, with themes of power, family conflict, and survival set against the rugged and treacherous Northern Territory landscape. This isn’t the typical sun-soaked Australia viewers may be accustomed to; instead, the harsh and unforgiving outback provides the backdrop for a brutal succession war over one of the world’s largest cattle stations.

What is Territory About?

At the centre of Territory is the Lawson family, owners of Marianne Station, the world’s largest cattle station. When the family patriarch dies without naming a successor, a bitter struggle for control of the station begins. The Lawson family, already divided, must face external threats as various powerful factions aim to seize control of the land. Rivals include other cattle barons, local gangsters, Indigenous leaders, and mining magnates, all vying for their share of the vast property.

Set in the rugged outback, the series explores the impact of power struggles on both the family and the wider community. With billions of dollars at stake, the drama unfolds in an environment where survival itself is a challenge, and alliances can shift at any moment.

Who stars in Territory?

The series cast is led by Anna Torv (The Newsreader, The Last of Us) as Emily Lawson, a key figure in the family. Michael Dorman (For All Mankind, Patriot) plays her brother, Graham Lawson, while Robert Taylor (Longmire, The Newsreader) takes on the role of Colin Lawson.

The series also stars Sam Corlett (Vikings: Valhalla) as Marshall Lawson, Sara Wiseman (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) as Sandra Kirby, and Clarence Ryan (Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga) as Nolan Brannock. Other notable cast members include Jay Ryan (IT Chapter Two), Joe Klocek (The Dry), and Kylah Day (Scrublands).

Where was the series filmed?

Territory was filmed in remote areas of the Northern Territory and South Australia, including Kakadu National Park and Tipperary Station. The series showcases landscapes rarely seen on screen, offering a portrayal of the vast and desolate regions that make up Australia’s outback. The size and isolation of these locations play an important role in the storyline, mirroring the immense landholdings that dominate the region’s cattle industry.

The real-life inspiration for the series, Anna Creek Station, is larger than the US state of New Jersey and highlights the massive scale of operations in the Australian cattle industry. Helicopters and private jets are often necessary to navigate these huge properties, which are far removed from urban life.

Who’s in the behind-the-scenes team?

Territory was created by Timothy Lee (Mystery Road) and Ben Davies (Bondi Rescue). The series is produced by Paul Ranford (True History of the Kelly Gang) and executive produced by Ian Collie (Jack Irish) and Rob Gibson (The Twelve). Greg McLean (Wolf Creek, La Brea) directed the series, bringing his experience in telling stories set in harsh environments.

Davies explained to Netflix site Tudum that he and executive producer Rob Gibson came up with the concept during a beach walk in Bondi. “[We] got excited about the prospect of doing a big-scale, high-stakes action drama set on a cattle station; in a part of the country you don’t often see on-screen. It was a complete contrast as we were surrounded by the Bondi crowd, people moving past us in their active wear, wet suits, carrying their surfboards while Rob and I were dreaming up stories about people in jeans, boots, and flannel shirts in the Top End.”

The series was developed with support from Screen Territory and the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC), and is produced by Easy Tiger and Ronde for Netflix.

When is Territory released?

All six episodes of Territory will premiere on Netflix on October 24th.