UPDATE: Netflix’s latest Western series, The Abandons, has surged into the platform’s top 3 shows just one week after its release on December 4, 2025. Starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, this female-driven epic is capturing attention, but not all reactions are positive.
Set against the rugged backdrop of Washington Territory in 1854, The Abandons tells the story of a frontier matriarch, portrayed by Headey, who leads a group of orphaned children through a violent land filled with greed and betrayal. Anderson plays a ruthless mining magnate determined to seize the land for herself, igniting a deadly territorial war.
Despite its compelling premise, critics have expressed disappointment. Collider’s Carly Lane described the series as “plodding,” suggesting that the immense talent of its stars cannot elevate the uneven narrative. She noted that the series suffers from inconsistent episode runtimes, with some stretching nearly an hour while others barely hit 35 minutes.
The show was originally helmed by Kurt Sutter, whose creative differences with Netflix executives reportedly affected the final product. Lane emphasized that the show’s inability to maintain narrative momentum detracts from the strengths of its leading actresses.
As of now, The Abandons is stirring conversation across social media platforms, with viewers debating its merits and shortcomings. The series promises a fresh take on the Western genre, which has been historically male-dominated. However, the execution has left many critics and fans wanting more.
For fans of Westerns and those intrigued by strong female leads, The Abandons is available for streaming on Netflix now. Stay tuned for further updates as audience reactions continue to unfold.
With its mix of violence, survival, and complex characters, The Abandons represents both a potential breakthrough and a cautionary tale in the evolving landscape of streaming television. Will the series find its footing, or will it fade from the spotlight? Only time will tell, but viewers are eager to see how this story develops.
