The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has expressed strong criticism over Netflix’s new series ‘American Primeval’, highlighting concerns about its historical accuracy and the potential harm it could inflict on perceptions of religious history. The Church specifically pointed to the portrayal of early American history and its connections to the narrative surrounding the Latter-day Saints. In a statement, Church representatives emphasized that ‘depictions that deceive can harm’ those who seek a more accurate understanding of history. The series, which has gained a following for its unique take on the Western genre, features a variety of characters and events that, according to Church officials, misrepresent significant aspects of historical truth. Critics within the Church have called on creators and audiences to be mindful of the impact such narratives can have. There is particular concern about the normalization of inaccuracies in entertainment media, as the Church seeks to promote a sincere understanding of its heritage and doctrines. The criticism comes amidst a broader conversation about the responsibilities of media creators regarding representation and historical fidelity. Despite the artistic freedoms that accompany the genre of historical fiction, Church leaders argue that there is a fine line between creative storytelling and misrepresentation, which could potentially mislead viewers. As the series continues to attract attention, the LDS Church hopes to encourage a dialogue about the importance of accurate historical representation in media.
LDS Church Critiques Netflix’s ‘American Primeval’ for Historical Inaccuracies
