UPDATE: Netflix’s highly anticipated Western series, The Abandons, has rapidly climbed to the top three of the streaming platform’s most-watched shows just days after its release on December 4, 2025. Featuring stars Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, this female-driven epic is captivating audiences with its intense narrative and striking performances.
Set in the rugged landscape of Washington Territory in 1854, The Abandons centers around a fierce matriarch, portrayed by Headey, who leads her adopted family through a brutal struggle for survival. The plot ignites when her character clashes with Anderson’s cold, calculating mining magnate, setting off a bloody territorial war over valuable land and its hidden treasures.
Viewers are drawn to the series not just for its gripping storyline but also for the powerhouse performances from two of television’s most respected actresses. However, early critiques indicate that the series may not live up to its potential.
Despite the star-studded cast, critics have labeled The Abandons as “plodding” and lacking narrative momentum.
“The Netflix Western series can’t sustain any significant narrative momentum, despite the two acting powerhouses that are billed highest,”
said Collider’s Carly Lane. She noted that the show’s inconsistent episode lengths—ranging from 35 to 60 minutes—have hindered its development, affecting both story and character depth.
With a mix of excitement and skepticism, audiences are eager to see how the series will evolve as it continues to stream. The premise, initially promising for a genre often overlooked for female leads, raises questions about the creative direction following Kurt Sutter’s departure from the project.
As the buzz around The Abandons grows, viewers and critics alike are left wondering: Can this Western epic overcome its early criticisms and cement itself as a streaming success? Stay tuned for updates on the series and its performance in the coming weeks.
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