Was Brigham Young evil? Exploring his role in Netflix’s American Primeval

Netflix's limited series American Primeval has sparked renewed debate about Brigham Young, a controversial figure in American history. Brigham Young was neither completely evil nor absolutely virtuous. He is remembered for both establishing a thriving community as the leader of the LDS Church and for his rhetoric, which contributed to violent events.

In the show, Kim Coates portrays Young, highlighting his role during 19th-century westward expansion. The series dramatizes historical events, including the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where Young's involvement remains a subject of debate.

American Primeval highlights his authoritarian tendencies but avoids presenting a definitive judgment, leaving viewers to navigate the ethical ambiguities of his role. By blending historical accuracy with fiction, American Primeval prompts its audience to explore whether Young’s actions were driven by necessity, ideology, or moral failings, without providing a clear answer.

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The historical role of Brigham Young

Kim Coates as Brigham Young and Shea Whigham as Jim Bridger (image via Matt Kennedy/Netflix Tudum)

Brigham Young was a hugely influential figure in 19th-century America. Known as the "Mormon Moses," he rallied thousands of LDS Church followers from throughout the country to move into what is now Utah. Young's leadership was critical in building Salt Lake City and cultivating a vibrant city in a tough desert setting.

However, his legacy is tainted by charges of dictatorial leadership and his involvement in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre, which killed over 100 people. Although Young's actual involvement in the slaughter is unproven, his leadership of the Utah Territory has been criticised.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre is a focal point in the historical debate about Young. While American Primeval portrays him as the mastermind behind the event, historical evidence does not definitively prove his involvement. According to historian accounts, Brigham Young contributed to a climate of fear through his violent rhetoric, which may have indirectly influenced the actions of others.

John D. Lee, a key figure in the massacre who was later executed for his role, claimed in his writings that Young’s commands led to the tragedy. However, other historians argue that while Young’s rhetoric created an atmosphere of tension, he likely would have intervened to stop the massacre had he known about it in advance.

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Portraying Brigham Young on screen

Kim Coates who plays Brigham Young in American Primeval (Image via Getty)

Kim Coates, in an interview with Netflix’s Tudum on January 15, 2025, described the challenge of portraying Young, stating,

“He’s a man of vision, but visionaries are often controversial.”

Coates’ portrayal focuses on Young’s charisma and his ability to inspire loyalty, while also hinting at the darker aspects of his leadership. Coates’ performance also reflects the complexities of Young’s historical role. In the same interview, the actor noted the importance of acknowledging both the "nastiness and the goodness" in history, emphasizing that leadership in 1857 was fraught with moral and practical challenges.

He highlighted the lessons that can be drawn from Young’s leadership, noting that survival during this tumultuous period often came at significant ethical costs.

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Balancing history and fiction in American primeval

Even with its exaggerated features, American Primeval relies on actual historical occurrences to shape its story. As reported by Men’s Health on January 15, 2025, Young’s depiction in the series highlights his historical importance while also addressing the controversies linked to him.

In their 2017 paper, historians Patrick Q. Mason and Thomas A. Wayment argued that Brigham Young's aggressive rhetoric created a culture of fear, indirectly contributing to events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

They suggested that while Young likely didn’t know about the planned attack, he may have stopped it if he had. The question of whether Young was truly evil remains unresolved, but his influence on the American West is undeniable, despite actions and policies that have been widely criticized.

American Primeval does not seek to settle this controversy. Rather, it encourages the audience to contemplate the intricate nature of leadership and ethics in an ever-evolving world. For viewers curious about Brigham Young's involvement in American Primeval, the series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.