The closure of Hudson’s Bay in Canada at the beginning of 2025 signified much more than the end of one of the country's last major department store chains. It also meant that the retail institution had existed for 355 years and had lived through many challenging times throughout its long history. Despite the popularity of the Hudson’s Bay striped blankets and symbols, the company has become part of the past. Hudson’s Bay ceased being relevant as long ago as 2025.
Now, the story of Hudson’s Bay has become relevant again due to its representation in the Netflix series Frontier, which is more than just a story of bloodshed and wilderness. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the establishment of the Hudson’s Bay Company and the troubles it faced for a long time before the chain became popular, thus becoming the story of how one of the oldest companies in North America started.
'Frontier' Reveals the Violent Origins of the Hudson’s Bay Company
Long before Canadians associated Hudson’s Bay with cosmetics counters, holiday window displays, and striped blankets, it was one of the most powerful commercial enterprises in North America. Founded in 1670, the Hudson’s Bay Company controlled enormous swaths of land and dominated the fur trade, wielding economic influence that often blurred the line between business and government.
Set during the late 18th century, the three-season series follows Declan Harp (Jason Momoa), a half-Irish, half-Cree outlaw determined to dismantle the company’s grip on the lucrative fur trade. Standing in his way is the ruthless Lord Benton, whose brutal tactics represent a corporation willing to use violence and intimidation to protect its monopoly.
Rather than treating the Hudson’s Bay Company as little more than historical background, Frontier makes it the driving force behind nearly every conflict. Alliances shift, fortunes change, and entire communities are caught between rival traders competing for control of what was once one of the world’s most valuable commodities.
Jason Momoa Anchors One of Netflix’s Most Underrated Historical Dramas
We can easily forget that Frontier was released during a period when television became fascinated with heroes who are not so virtuous – just like shows such as Game of Thrones and Vikings, which made it hard for many other good shows to succeed. Momoa portrays one of his most captivating television roles as Declan Harp – a character who seeks revenge while also wanting to be free from a society that takes advantage of others. Harp is not a conventional hero, and it is very rare for Frontier to classify its characters as good or bad. Practically every character has the same goal in life — the pursuit of power, wealth, or even survival — which complicates interpersonal relationships among the main characters.
The show also benefits from embracing perspectives often sidelined in period dramas. Indigenous characters, in addition to supporting players orbiting European conflicts, are central to the story, with Cree communities and cultures woven into the show’s broader examination of colonial expansion. Rather than reducing history to a straightforward battle between heroes and villains, Frontier presents competing interests, fractured loyalties, and the human cost of empire. Combined with sweeping Canadian landscapes, convincing production design, and plenty of brutal action, the result is a historical drama that feels more ambitious than its relatively modest reputation suggests.
Momoa’s performance anchors the series with raw intensity. Before his breakout as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and later as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, he brought a unique blend of physicality and vulnerability to Declan Harp. The actor, known for his towering stature and distinctive looks, immersed himself in the role, learning about Cree culture and the brutal realities of the fur trade. His portrayal earned him a dedicated fan base and critical praise, yet Frontier remains one of his lesser-known projects. This makes it a hidden gem for viewers seeking a gritty historical drama with a charismatic lead.
Hudson’s Bay’s Collapse Gives Frontier an Entirely New Perspective
When Frontier debuted in 2016, the Hudson’s Bay Company was still a functioning retailer with hundreds of years of history behind it. Viewers could watch the series knowing the corporation eventually evolved from a fur-trading powerhouse into the department store many grew up shopping at. Today, the stores are gone. Former flagship locations are being redeveloped, shopping centers have found new tenants, and the Hudson’s Bay name exists largely as intellectual property after being acquired by Canadian Tire. The company itself no longer operates the business that defined generations of Canadians' retail experience.
Watching Frontier now creates an unusual sense of historical symmetry. The series begins at the height of the company’s influence, when the Hudson’s Bay Company seemed untouchable and capable of shaping the future of an entire region. Modern audiences already know that even institutions with centuries of history eventually reach an endpoint.
What once played primarily as a historical adventure now doubles as the origin story of a company whose remarkable run has finally come to an end. Its battles over commerce, competition, and corporate power no longer point toward an uncertain future — they point toward a conclusion we’ve only recently witnessed. Nearly a decade after it premiered, that’s enough reason to give one of Netflix’s most overlooked historical dramas another look.
Beyond the corporate narrative, Frontier shines a light on the human cost of empire. The series does not shy away from depicting the violence inflicted upon Indigenous peoples, the environmental destruction caused by over-trapping, and the moral compromises made by those who sought to profit from the fur trade. It is a stark reminder that economic progress often comes at a heavy price. In an era where discussions about corporate responsibility and historical reckoning are more prominent than ever, Frontier feels prescient. The show forces viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about how wealth and power are amassed, and how the legacies of such systems persist long after the companies themselves have faded.
The production values of Frontier are also worth noting. Filmed on location in Canada, the series captures the rugged beauty of the wilderness that was both the setting and the prize of the fur trade. Costume design and set decoration meticulously recreate the late 18th century, from the furs and buckskins of the traders to the opulent uniforms of British officers. The action sequences are visceral and unflinching, reflecting the brutal reality of frontier life. These elements combine to create an immersive viewing experience that transports the audience back to a time when the Hudson’s Bay Company was the most powerful force in North America.
For those unfamiliar with the series, Frontier offers three seasons of compelling drama. Season one establishes Declan Harp’s war against the company, introducing key players such as the cunning Lord Benton and the conflicted trapper Michael Smyth. Season two deepens the political intrigue, as rival European powers and Indigenous nations become entangled in the conflict. Season three brings the story to a satisfying conclusion, tying together themes of loyalty, revenge, and the search for a new beginning. Each season builds upon the last, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events that feel both historically grounded and dramatically engaging.
In light of Hudson’s Bay’s closure, Frontier gains an additional layer of poignancy. The series serves as a reminder that no institution, no matter how powerful or long-lasting, is immune to change. The rise and fall of the Hudson’s Bay Company is a microcosm of larger historical cycles, where empires rise, peak, and eventually collapse under the weight of their own contradictions. Watching the series now, with the knowledge that the company has finally ceased operations, adds a bittersweet quality to every scene depicting its unchecked power. It is a rare case where fiction and reality converge, offering viewers a chance to reflect on the fleeting nature of corporate dominance.
For fans of Jason Momoa, Frontier is a must-watch. It showcases his range as an actor and his ability to carry a complex narrative. For history enthusiasts, it provides a dramatized but thought-provoking look at a pivotal period in North American history. And for anyone interested in the intersection of business and power, it offers a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked ambition. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Frontier stands as a testament to Netflix’s willingness to take risks on ambitious, adult-oriented historical dramas. Its timing could not be more perfect.
Source: MSN News