The Abandons: Netflix's New Western Series Making Waves in the Streaming World
Netflix has recently released a new Western series called The Abandons, created by Kurt Sutter, known for Sons of Anarchy. The show premiered on December 4 and has quickly become one of the top-trending shows on the platform, ranking globally at No. 2 and in the U.S. at No. 3 as of December 9. Starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, The Abandons has sparked discussions among viewers, despite receiving mixed reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The popularity of 1800s-based Western shows like Yellowstone may have contributed to the show's initial success.
Critics have noted that The Abandons' star-studded cast and cliffhanger endings have kept audiences engaged, prompting many to binge-watch the entire first season in one sitting. While Netflix has not yet announced a renewal for the series, they typically evaluate viewership data before making such decisions. The show was ordered to series by Netflix in October 2022, following the success of Yellowstone on Paramount +, which premiered in 2018. The Abandons' production timeline suggests that Netflix may have been inspired by Yellowstone's popularity and decided to create a similar Western-themed series.
The Abandons is not the only show to feature violence, as evidenced by the shocking deaths in the Yellowstone franchise. The show's dark and gritty portrayal of life in the Wild West has resonated with audiences, leading to its rapid rise in popularity. As Netflix continues to assess the show's performance, fans eagerly await news of a potential second season. The success of The Abandons underscores the enduring appeal of Western-themed television series and the impact of star power on viewer engagement.