Netflix’s new series The Abandons is now streaming. The show stars Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson as two powerful matriarchs locked in a battle for land and legacy in the 1850s American frontier. With seven episodes available, the series offers a mix of family drama and classic Western action. Reviews from critics and audiences present a divided picture, praising the lead actors but often criticizing the show’s writing and depth. This guide breaks down what the series is about and who might enjoy it.
What is The Abandons About?
The Abandons is set in 1854 in the Washington Territory. The story centers on a conflict over a valuable piece of land in an area called Jasper Hollow.
On one side is Fiona Nolan, played by Lena Headey. She is a tough cattle rancher who has built a “found family” of adopted orphans and outcasts on her land. Her family’s home is called The Abandons, which gives the show its name. Fiona is driven by her faith and a fierce desire to protect the family she created.
On the other side is Constance Van Ness, played by Gillian Anderson. She is the wealthy widow leading a powerful mining family. Her silver mines are running dry, and she believes the future of her family’s fortune and the town depends on controlling the silver-rich land Fiona owns. Constance is a ruthless businesswoman willing to use any method to get what she wants.
The clash between these two women ignites a war involving secret-keeping, betrayal, and a star-crossed romance between members of their families. The central question becomes: how far will each mother go to protect her family and her vision for the future?
The Lead Performances and Cast
The main draw of the series is its two celebrated lead actors.
Lena Headey, famous for playing Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, takes on the role of the heroic but flawed Fiona. Critics highlight Headey as the show’s strongest asset, bringing warmth, ferocity, and complexity to her character.
Gillian Anderson, known for The X-Files and The Crown, plays the villainous Constance Van Ness. Dressed in elegant period clothing, Anderson brings a cold, calculating menace to the role. Some reviews note that her performance can feel stiff, with dialogue that doesn’t always feel natural for the setting.
The supporting cast includes several younger actors playing the children of both families:
- Nick Robinson plays Elias, Fiona’s devoted adopted son.
- Diana Silvers plays Dahlia, Fiona’s spirited adopted daughter.
- Lucas Till and Toby Hemingway play Constance’s sons, Garret and Willem.
- Aisling Franciosi plays Trisha, Constance’s daughter, who becomes romantically involved with Elias.
Other notable cast members include Patton Oswalt as the town’s mayor and Michael Greyeyes as a Van Ness enforcer.
What Critics and Audiences Are Saying
Reception to The Abandons has been mixed, with clear strengths and weaknesses noted.
The Positive: Many agree the pairing of Headey and Anderson is compelling. When they share the screen, the tension rises. The show has been described as a “soap opera dressed up in spurs,” which can be fun and entertaining for viewers seeking that kind of drama. Some audience members on review sites have praised the show for its strong female leads and entertaining plot.
The Negative: Criticisms are frequent. A major complaint is about the writing and dialogue. Critics describe it as overly explanatory, with characters constantly stating their feelings and plans out loud, leaving little room for subtlety. Some dialogue feels unnatural or anachronistic for the time period.
The plot and characters are often called unoriginal, relying on well-worn Western and family feud clichés without bringing new ideas to them. Several supporting characters and subplots are noted as underdeveloped. The show’s first season ends on a significant cliffhanger, which may frustrate viewers seeking a complete story.
On the review site Metacritic, the show has a mixed score from critics, while the audience score is largely negative.
Content and Tone: What to Expect
The Abandons is rated TV-MA for mature audiences. The show depicts the brutal reality of the frontier and includes graphic content.
- Violence is frequent and sometimes graphic, including shootings, brawls, and torture.
- Sexual Content includes scenes with nudity and a scene of sexual assault in the first episode that is a major plot point.
- Language is strong, with regular use of profanity.
The executive producer describes the core themes as “what makes a family” and “how do you stay good in a bad world?”. The series directly contrasts a traditional blood family (the Van Nesses) with a chosen family (the Abandons), questioning which bonds are stronger.
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Final Verdict: Should You Watch or Skip?
Whether The Abandons is for you depends on what you want from a TV show.
You might enjoy The Abandons if:
- You are a fan of Lena Headey or Gillian Anderson and want to see them in commanding lead roles.
- You enjoy soap-opera-style family dramas with betrayal, secrets, and romance, but set in a Western landscape.
- You are looking for a straightforward, easy-to-follow plot without complex subtext.
- You don’t mind graphic content and cliffhanger endings.
You might want to skip The Abandons if:
- You are looking for a fresh, original take on the Western genre.
- You prefer smart, nuanced dialogue and well-developed supporting characters.
- You are frustrated by shows where characters constantly explain the plot.
- You want a self-contained story, as Season 1 does not provide a conclusive ending.
All seven episodes of The Abandons are available to stream on Netflix as of December 4, 2025.
“They both want to do the same thing,” said executive producer Chris Keyser. “They want to protect their families… Obviously, they have different resources and different positions in the world, but the way they approach the world is so clearly starkly contrasting in a fascinating way.”
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