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The Abandons Debuts on Netflix With Seven Episodes as Reviews Diverge

Early reviews highlight standout performances alongside concerns about a shortened, reworked season following creator Kurt Sutter's departure.

Overview

  • All seven episodes of the female-led Western are now streaming on Netflix following the December 4 launch.
  • The series centers on rival matriarchs in 1854 Washington Territory, with Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan and Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness.
  • Critics consistently praise Headey, with many also commending Anderson, while faulting pacing, uneven character development, tonal shifts and an abrupt-feeling season end.
  • Kurt Sutter created the show but left late in production, and a reported 10-episode plan was cut to seven with several shorter runtimes.
  • Filmed in Alberta near Calgary, the show draws comparisons to neo‑Western peers like Yellowstone and Deadwood for its land-and-power conflict and frontier visuals.