The Abandons: Netflix’s Controversial Western Rises to Streaming Success Despite Poor Reviews

10 December 2025 Media and Streaming

Introduction: A New Western Contender Emerges

In the wake of Yellowstone’s tremendous success, streaming platforms have been racing to capture the Western genre’s magic. Netflix’s new Western series with a Game of Thrones star becomes a global streaming success following its recent release on December 4. Despite receiving predominantly negative critical reviews, The Abandons has quickly captured viewer attention, raising important questions about what drives streaming success in today’s entertainment landscape.

Chart-Topping Performance Against the Odds

The series has achieved remarkable viewing figures in its opening week. The Abandons season 1 ranks fourth on Netflix’s Global Top 10 shows with 7.3 million views for the week of December 1–7. Even more impressively, The Abandons is a Top 10 show on Netflix in 75 countries this week, including number one in Romania. This success comes despite the show’s troubled production history, as The Abandons comes from Sons of Anarchy creator Kurt Sutter, who left the show weeks before shooting for Season 1 wrapped in October 2024 reportedly due to creative differences.

Star Power Versus Critical Reception

The Abandons cast includes two-time Emmy winner Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, The Crown) alongside Lena Headey, who is best known for playing Cersei Lannister in HBO’s Game of Thrones, for which she received five Emmy nominations. However, star power hasn’t translated to critical acclaim. Rotten Tomatoes reported a 27% approval rating based on 33 critic reviews, with reviewers citing weak character development and uninspired storytelling.

Conclusion: The Streaming Success Paradox

The Abandons represents a fascinating case study in modern streaming dynamics, where strong viewership doesn’t necessarily align with critical praise. Whether Netflix renews the series for a second season will depend on sustained viewing numbers in coming weeks. For viewers seeking a female-driven Western with established stars, The Abandons offers entertainment value despite its narrative shortcomings, proving that audience appetites for the genre remain strong regardless of critical consensus.