American Primeval, the new Netflix mini-series directed by Pete Berg, has fans excited. The show created by Mark L Smith follows the story of a mother Sara Rowell, played by Betty Gilpin, and her son Devin (Preston Mota) trying to escape their past and build a new life in the rough and brutal American West of 1857.

Caught in the middle of it all is none other than mountain man Jim Bridger. Portrayed by legendary character actor Shea Whigham, Bridger is a connective tissue between many of the supporting characters in Primeval.

Yes, and no. American Primeval is a work of historic fiction. Meaning, Sara and Isaac’s story is made up, as is the story of Jacob and Abish. However, the backdrop of American Primeval is based on reality.