Frontier (2016–2018) is a gripping historical drama series set in the late 18th century during the fur trade era in North America. Premiering on Netflix, the show immerses viewers in the violent, treacherous world of the fur trade, where rivalries between fur trading companies, Indigenous tribes, and settlers explode into brutal conflicts across the wild, untamed frontiers of Canada. The series paints a dark and visceral picture of the exploitation and ruthless tactics that defined this key moment in history.
At the heart of the story is Declan Harp (played by Jason Momoa), a half-Irish, half-Native man who becomes an outlaw driven by a thirst for revenge against the British East India Company. Harp is hell-bent on dismantling the corrupt fur trading monopolies that have been wreaking havoc on the land and its people. As the series progresses, Harp forms uneasy alliances with Indigenous tribes, former criminals, and settlers, all of whom are trying to gain control of the lucrative fur trade and its resources.
The series is marked by intense action, ruthless violence, and tense political maneuvering. The conflicts within the fur trade serve as a backdrop to explore larger themes of power, survival, and the moral complexities of the era. Frontier doesn’t shy away from depicting the brutal realities of life in the frontier—betrayal, exploitation, and a relentless struggle for control.
Jason Momoa delivers a captivating performance as the conflicted and charismatic Declan Harp, while the supporting cast, including Landon Liboiron, Alun Armstrong, and Zoe Boyle, bring additional depth to the series with their compelling portrayals of complex characters. Together, they bring the harsh and dangerous world of the fur trade to life.
With its immersive setting, intense fight sequences, and powerful performances, Frontier stands out as a gritty historical drama that offers a raw and unflinching look into the birth of modern-day Canada—filled with power struggles, warfare, and survival.
