Untamed Season 2 Release Date Announced for October 3 — A New Park Ranger’s Familiar Tattoo Could Change Kyle’s Path Forever

Netflix’s Untamed, the gripping crime drama set against the stunning backdrop of Yosemite National Park, has left audiences clamoring for more since its debut on July 17, 2025. The series, led by Eric Bana’s haunting portrayal of National Park Service Investigative Services Branch (ISB) agent Kyle Turner, wrapped its first season with a resolution that felt complete yet left room for further exploration. Now, fans have reason to celebrate: Netflix has officially announced that Untamed Season 2 will premiere on October 3, 2026, bringing a new case, a new setting, and a mysterious new park ranger whose familiar tattoo could unravel Kyle’s carefully constructed path to healing.

A Recap of Untamed Season 1

Untamed Season 1 introduced viewers to Kyle Turner, a seasoned ISB agent grappling with the loss of his son, Caleb, who was murdered in Yosemite National Park years earlier. The series, created by Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith, centered on the investigation of a young woman’s death at El Capitan, initially thought to be an accident or suicide. As Kyle, alongside rookie ranger Naya Vasquez (Lily Santiago), dug deeper, they uncovered a web of secrets involving a drug ring operating through Yosemite’s old mining tunnels, marked by a distinctive gold “X” tattoo on its mules.

The season’s emotional core was Kyle’s personal journey. Haunted by hallucinations of Caleb, Kyle’s investigation into the death of Lucy Cook—a runaway with a gold “X” tattoo—intertwined with his unresolved grief and fractured marriage to Jill Bodwin (Rosemarie DeWitt). The finale revealed shocking truths: Lucy was the daughter of chief park ranger Paul Souter (Sam Neill), who was responsible for her death, and Shane Maguire (Wilson Bethel), the park’s wildlife officer, had evidence of Caleb’s murder via trail cam footage. The season ended with Kyle solving the case, confronting his demons, and leaving Yosemite, seemingly ready to move forward.

Despite being billed as a limited series, the open-ended nature of Kyle’s departure and the transient nature of ISB agents’ work sparked speculation about a second season. The announcement of Season 2 confirms that Kyle’s story is far from over, with new mysteries and emotional stakes on the horizon.

Season 2: A New Park, A New Case

While Season 1 was firmly rooted in Yosemite, Season 2 is set to take viewers to a new national park—rumored to be Glacier National Park, known for its rugged terrain and remote wilderness. This shift aligns with the real-life practices of ISB agents, who often move between parks to handle cases. The new setting promises fresh challenges, with the vast, untamed landscape serving as both a backdrop and a character in its own right.

The central case of Season 2 reportedly revolves around a missing hiker, whose disappearance uncovers a larger conspiracy within the park. Whether it’s wildlife trafficking, a cult operating in the backcountry, or another illicit operation, the case will push Kyle and his team to their limits. The showrunners have hinted that the mystery will explore themes of isolation and survival, contrasting with the drug-fueled intrigue of Season 1.

The New Park Ranger and the Familiar Tattoo

The most tantalizing detail about Season 2 is the introduction of a new park ranger, whose identity and role remain shrouded in mystery. What has fans buzzing is the revelation that this ranger bears a gold “X” tattoo—the same mark associated with the drug ring in Season 1. This familiar symbol raises questions about whether the new character is connected to Lucy Cook’s case, the Yosemite drug operation, or even Kyle’s personal history. Could this ranger be a former mule, a survivor of the same network Lucy was entangled in, or someone with a deeper tie to Kyle’s past?

The tattoo’s reappearance suggests that Kyle’s departure from Yosemite may not have severed his connection to the trauma of Season 1. His grief over Caleb and his strained relationship with Jill were central to the first season, and the tattoo could force him to confront unresolved questions about his son’s death or the park’s darker underbelly. Fans on X have speculated that the ranger might be a relative of Lucy or even someone linked to Sean Sanderson, the businessman whose disappearance haunted Kyle in Season 1. Others wonder if the tattoo indicates a broader criminal network spanning multiple national parks.

Returning Cast and New Faces

Eric Bana is confirmed to return as Kyle Turner, bringing his nuanced performance to a character who will likely be in a different emotional space. After finding closure in Season 1, Kyle’s journey in Season 2 may focus on his tentative steps toward healing, though the new case and the tattoo’s reappearance could destabilize his progress. Lily Santiago is also set to return as Naya Vasquez, now a more seasoned ranger after proving her investigative chops in Yosemite. Her dynamic with Kyle, which evolved from tension to trust, will likely deepen as they tackle the new case together.

Sam Neill’s Paul Souter, however, is unlikely to return as a main character, given his role in Lucy’s death and the resolution of his arc. Rosemarie DeWitt’s Jill Bodwin may appear in a limited capacity, perhaps through flashbacks or visits, as her emotional connection to Kyle remains a key thread. The death of Shane Maguire in Season 1 rules out Wilson Bethel’s return, though some fans have floated the idea of flashbacks or a surprise twist, such as a twin brother.

The new park ranger, whose casting has not been officially announced, will introduce a fresh dynamic. Speculation points to a high-profile actor joining the ensemble, with names like Zoe Saldaña or Pedro Pascal circulating among fans on X, though no confirmation has been provided. Additional rangers, locals, or suspects tied to the new park will likely round out the cast, bringing new perspectives to the series’ character-driven narrative.

Production and Creative Vision

Mark L. Smith and Elle Smith will return as showrunners, continuing their focus on blending character-driven drama with high-stakes mysteries. The first season’s success, with a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and praise for its atmospheric setting, has given the creators confidence to explore new terrain. Elle Smith has expressed enthusiasm for continuing the series, noting the appeal of showcasing different national parks and their unique challenges.

Filming for Season 2 reportedly began in early 2026, with locations in British Columbia standing in for Glacier National Park, similar to how Vancouver doubled for Yosemite in Season 1. The production timeline suggests a tight turnaround, aligning with Netflix’s goal to capitalize on the show’s buzz. The series will likely retain its six-episode format, with each episode running approximately 60 minutes.

Fan Expectations and Theories

The announcement of Season 2 has sparked lively discussions on X, with fans dissecting the implications of the new ranger’s tattoo. Some believe it could tie back to Caleb’s killer, Sean Sanderson, whose case was partially resolved in Season 1. Others speculate that the tattoo indicates a larger syndicate, with Kyle uncovering a national network of crime. The shift to a new park has also fueled theories about how the environment will shape the story, with Glacier’s harsh winters and remote trails potentially adding a survivalist edge.

Critics of Season 1 noted occasional pacing issues and a rushed finale, but the strong performances and unique setting earned widespread praise. Fans hope Season 2 will maintain the emotional depth while tightening the narrative. The promise of a new mystery, coupled with Kyle’s evolving journey, has heightened anticipation for what’s next.

Looking Ahead

Untamed Season 2, set to premiere on October 3, 2026, promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in Kyle Turner’s story. The introduction of a new park ranger with a familiar gold “X” tattoo hints at connections to Kyle’s past that could upend his path forward. As he navigates a new national park and a fresh case, viewers can expect the same blend of heart-wrenching drama, atmospheric tension, and rugged beauty that made Season 1 a hit. With Eric Bana and Lily Santiago leading the charge, Untamed is poised to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. For the latest updates, check Netflix’s official site or follow discussions on X.