The new Netflix series The Abandons, a Western drama featuring high-profile stars, has arrived with a critical thud and mixed reactions from audiences. The show, created by Kurt Sutter, is now available to stream, but it is struggling to find favor with many who have seen it.
A major review website shows a low score for the series. While the official Tomatometer score for the show was initially reported by some outlets as 50% based on a small number of reviews, other sources reported it debuted at an even lower 43%. User reviews on other platforms are largely negative, with common complaints about the writing, pacing, and character development.
Behind-the-Scenes Issues and a Creator’s Exit
The Abandons faced significant production challenges before it even premiered. Its creator, Kurt Sutter, known for Sons of Anarchy, left the project with just three weeks left in filming. Reports indicate this was due to “creative differences” with Netflix.
The disagreement reportedly began after Netflix executives saw a rough cut of the first episodes. The original plan was for a longer first episode, but Netflix wanted it split into two parts, requiring new scenes to be filmed. This change, among others, led to Sutter’s departure. The production was then managed by other executives to completion. This behind-the-scenes turmoil has led some critics to question the final product’s coherence.
Critics Call the Show Formulaic and Uninspired
Professional reviews have been harsh. A critic from Time magazine described the show as “everything wrong with TV in 2025,” calling its characters “unmemorable” and its plotlines a collection of clichés. The review argued the series feels like a calculated attempt to copy other successful shows rather than an original story.
Another critic compared it negatively to the popular series Yellowstone, calling The Abandons a “pretender” that piles on Western stereotypes without authenticity or originality. IndieWire gave the series a poor grade, labeling it “standard-fare streaming slop” with shallow story arcs that are stretched too thin.
“Kurt Sutter’s series is a pretender through and through, piling on clichés without any sense of authenticity, rhythm, or originality.” – A critic’s review of the show.
What Is The Abandons About?
The series is set in 1854 in the Washington Territory. It centers on a conflict between two matriarchs. Lena Headey plays Fiona Nolan, a woman who has built a home for a found family of orphans and outcasts on a valuable piece of land. Gillian Anderson plays Constance Van Ness, the wealthy and ruthless head of a mining dynasty who wants to take that land for the silver beneath it.
The official description frames it as a classic struggle between the powerful and the powerless, exploring themes of family, survival, and morality. All seven episodes of the first season were released on December 4, 2025.
Audience Reactions Are Sharply Divided
Viewer opinions, gathered from review platforms, show a clear split. Many who left early reviews expressed strong disappointment.
Common criticisms include:
- Weak Writing and Pacing: Many viewers called the dialogue clichéd and the plot disjointed, with some storylines dragging.
- Underwhelming Performances: Despite the acclaimed lead actors, some viewers felt the younger cast members were misdirected, playing their 19th-century roles with a modern sensibility.
- Production Quality Issues: Some pointed out problems with audio quality and pacing that made the show feel amateurish.
However, not all feedback is negative. Some viewers have defended the series, calling it a “decent western” with a great cast and pushing back against criticism they see as overly harsh. These fans argue the show is entertaining and appreciate the focus on strong female leads.
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A Crowded Field of Westerns
The Abandons enters a competitive landscape for Western dramas. Critics have noted it joins a long list of recent shows trying to capture the success of franchises like Yellowstone. In 2025 alone, audiences have seen other Western-themed series like American Primeval, Untamed, and Ransom Canyon, making it harder for a new entry to stand out.
With its low initial scores and mixed audience response, the future of The Abandons on Netflix is uncertain. The first season ends on a cliffhanger, suggesting plans for more story. Whether enough people watch and respond positively will determine if this frontier tale continues or is left behind.
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