Audiences are devouring the grisly Netflix miniseries “American Primeval,” a work of historical fiction centered around the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre in which Mormon militiamen in southwestern Utah slaughtered nearly an entire wagon train of men,

While historical fiction can be illuminating, this drama is dangerously misleading," the church wrote. "Brigham Young, a revered prophet and courageous pioneer, is, by any historical standard, egregiously mischaracterized as a villainous,

In the days that have followed American Primeval 's release, the LDS Church has condemned the show's portrayal of Brigham Young (played by Kim Coates), the second president of the church stood at the helm until his death in 1877. Newsweek has contacted representatives of Netflix via email for comment.

Statement by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also says the Netflix series egregiously mischaracterizes Brigham Young.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has criticized a recently released Netflix series, calling it “dangerously misleading” and claiming it misrepresents LDS prophet Brigham Young.

Netflix's "American Primeval" has drawn criticism from the LDS Church for its portrayal of Brigham Young and historical events.

American Primeval recently premiered on Netflix. The series featured the character of Brigham Young, a controversial figure in American history.

Yes. Though the Utah War has been called “bloodless,” in reality, Mormon militiamen in southern Utah perpetrated a horrific war atrocity on Sept. 11, 1857, in a valley called Mountain Meadows (which, again, is some 400 miles southwest of Bridger, not close by as it’s depicted in the series).

Movies or series based on religion or culture have always found themselves surrounded by backlashes and controversies.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a statement calling the recent streaming series "American Primeval" "dangerously misleading" and says it mischaracterizes LDS prophet Brigham Young.

In a "Mormon Land" podcast, a historian and a tribal leader discuss the facts and fiction in "American Primeval"

American Primeval follows the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where LDS militiamen and American Indian allies massacred around 120 emigrants travelling to California. The show is based on the Utah War of 1857 and focuses on a mother, her son and a young American Indian girl as they attempt to cross dangerous frontiers.