Introduction

As an adult, I find my time watching cartoons has sadly come and gone. Funny that I say that, considering I still watch anime—but that’s a different conversation. Despite my age, I still love the classics I grew up with like Scooby-Doo, Courage the Cowardly Dog, and even newer hits like Gravity Falls.

That said, I’ve become much more selective with how I spend my time. I look for shows that match my more mature tastes while still keeping that animated flair. That’s exactly why Primal, created by Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory), immediately caught my attention.

Blending brutal storytelling with dinosaurs, cavemen, and surreal horrors, Primal quickly stood out as something special. Now that Season 3 has concluded, it’s time to see if the series continues its strong run. Here is our review of Primal Season 3. Note: spoilers for Seasons 1 and 2, but none for this season.

Story

At the end of Season 2, we witnessed the tragic death of Spear, the central figure of the series, after his brutal battle with the Viking antagonist. Before his passing, Mira bore his child, and alongside Fang and her offspring, the group seemed to move forward—albeit without Spear.

Season 3 takes a bold and unexpected turn by bringing Spear back. Through a shaman’s ritual, he is resurrected as a zombie-like being. However, this isn’t a triumphant return. Spear exists as a decaying shell of his former self—his body broken, his mind fractured, and his humanity stripped away.

Driven by faint instincts and the lingering connection to Fang, Spear wanders the world in search of something he doesn’t fully understand. It’s a strange premise, even for a show as wild as Primal, but it works more often than not.

Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about resurrecting Spear after such a powerful conclusion in Season 2. However, as the story unfolded, it became clear that there was a purpose behind this decision. While some plot developments feel predictable toward the end, the journey remains engaging.

That said, if the series continues into a fourth season, I genuinely hope it moves on from Spear, Fang, and Mira. Their story feels complete, and they deserve a proper rest after everything they’ve endured.

Acting and Cast

Discussing acting in Primal is unique due to its minimal dialogue. Much of the storytelling relies on visual expression and sound design rather than traditional speech.

Aaron LaPlante returns as Spear, once again delivering a performance built on grunts, roars, and raw emotion. Meanwhile, Laëtitia Eïdo continues to portray Mira, carrying the heavier burden of vocal expression—even if it doesn’t resemble any real-world language.

Despite the lack of conventional dialogue, both performances are essential. The voice work captures the intensity, fear, and emotional weight of the characters’ struggles in a way that few shows can achieve.

Animation and Direction

Visually, Primal Season 3 continues to impress. The animation remains bold, violent, and incredibly detailed, with each episode delivering striking imagery.

Compared to earlier seasons, there are noticeable improvements. Character designs feel more consistent, and the action sequences are even more refined. The brutal combat and environmental storytelling remain highlights of the series.

There are still minor issues—occasional animation inconsistencies or continuity errors—but they are easy to overlook given the overall quality.

Genndy Tartakovsky’s direction once again shines, ensuring the story and visuals work seamlessly together without ever losing momentum.

Conclusion

Primal Season 3 delivers more of what fans have come to expect—and for those who loved the first two seasons, that’s not a bad thing.

While I had some minor issues with the story direction and a few animation quirks, they weren’t enough to take away from the overall experience. The journey remains intense, emotional, and visually stunning.

That said, I strongly believe this is where the story of Spear and Fang should end. Their arc feels complete, and continuing it further risks diminishing what has already been achieved.

If a fourth season does happen, I’d love to see Primal explore new characters and new corners of its brutal world. But if Season 3 is the end, it’s a satisfying one.