Netflix’s new Western drama The Abandons is drawing attention, but parents should know its TV-MA rating is a serious warning. The show features intense violence, disturbing storylines, and adult themes that are not appropriate for younger viewers.
Starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson as rival matriarchs, the series is set in the American frontier of the 1850s. It focuses on a brutal conflict over land rich with silver. While the premise might seem exciting, the content is strictly for adults. Official ratings confirm this: the show is rated TV-MA in the U.S., 18+ in the U.K., and R21 in Singapore. These ratings signal the highest level of mature content for television.
Understanding the TV-MA Rating for ‘The Abandons’
A TV-MA rating means the program is specifically designed for mature audiences and may be unsuitable for viewers under 17 or 18 years old. Networks and streaming services assign this rating for several key reasons, all of which apply to The Abandons.
The rating is primarily due to extreme violence, graphic scenes, profanity, and frightening content. In the case of this Western, the violence is not just occasional gunfights. It is central to the story of a bloody land war. The show also explores heavy themes like greed, power, betrayal, and revenge. Parents should consider these factors carefully before allowing teens to watch.
Key Content Areas Parents Should Know About
Graphic Violence and Disturbing Scenes
The conflict between the two families leads to frequent and intense violence. The series includes hand-to-hand combat, gun brawls, physical fights, and extensive death scenes. These are not stylized action sequences but are portrayed with a rawness fitting the brutal setting.
The storyline takes a particularly dark turn involving the character Dahlia, one of Fiona’s adopted daughters. In a disturbing sequence, she is assaulted by Willem Van Ness, the son of the rival family. This traumatic event is a major plot point that leads to further violence and retaliation, culminating in a brutal death and a fiery final showdown. Another frightening scene involves the character Garret searching for a body. These moments are psychologically intense and not suitable for young viewers.
“They both want to do the same thing,” executive producer Chris Keyser said about the two lead characters. “They want to protect their families… and keep them safe and fed. Obviously, they have different resources and different positions in the world, but the way they approach the world is so clearly starkly contrasting.”
Sexual Content and Substance Use
While the series does not heavily feature explicit nudity, it does contain discussions of sexual relationships and intimate scenes. A central subplot involves a “star-crossed lovers” romance between Elias, from Fiona’s family, and Trisha, from the Van Ness family.
In keeping with the saloon setting of a Western, characters are regularly shown drinking and smoking. Alcohol use is a common backdrop in scenes taking place in the town, reflecting the period but normalizing frequent drinking.
Complex and Mature Story Themes
Beyond the physical action, the show deals with complicated adult concepts. It explores emotional loss, twisted family dynamics, and complicated romantic relationships. The core idea of the show is a clash between two definitions of family: one bound by blood and another, chosen family built from orphans and outcasts.
The creators frame this as the show’s central argument. Fiona, who built her family, believes her love for her adopted children is just as deep as any biological bond. Her rival, Constance, represents a traditional view that blood relations matter more. This conflict is explored through increasingly ruthless actions, as both women believe their cause is justified.
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How ‘The Abandons’ Fits Into the Western Genre Trend
The Abandons is part of a wave of new Western series on streaming platforms. Critics have noted it serves as Netflix’s answer to popular series like Yellowstone, which has spawned multiple prequels. The genre is popular for its epic landscapes and stories about lawlessness, land conflicts, and survival.
This series tries to set itself apart by putting women at the center of the conflict. Instead of feuding patriarchs, the war is between two widowed matriarchs. Lena Headey plays Fiona Nolan, a devout but fierce frontierswoman protecting her land and her chosen family. Gillian Anderson plays Constance Van Ness, a wealthy and calculating mine owner determined to seize Fiona’s silver-rich land.
“Family loyalty was your survival,” Lena Headey said about her character’s motivation. “Your family was your crew, and you didn’t trust many people, and to make alliances was really hard because it was cutthroat. Everyone wanted to survive.”
The show was created by Kurt Sutter, known for the gritty biker drama Sons of Anarchy. However, Sutter left the project weeks before production finished, reportedly due to creative differences with Netflix. The season was also shortened from a planned 10 episodes to 7 episodes, which some critics say gives the story a rushed feeling.
Final Takeaways for Parents Considering This Show
The series presents a stark and unforgiving version of the American frontier. For adult viewers interested in the genre or the lead actors, it offers a serious, dramatic story. Lena Headey’s performance as the determined Fiona has been highlighted as a strong point.
However, for families, the content warnings are clear and significant. The TV-MA rating exists for strong reasons. The graphic violence, the disturbing storyline involving assault, and the overall brutal tone make this a show parents should actively keep from younger teens and children. The promising idea of a “chosen family” is overshadowed by the focus on conflict, revenge, and survival at any cost.
The first season of The Abandons, consisting of all seven episodes, is now streaming on Netflix.
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