The Abandons on Netflix: Everything you need to know about the gritty new Western
Kurt Sutter's gritty western 'The Abandons' is now streaming in the UAE. Lena Headey vs Gillian Anderson in a brutal frontier war. Here is the full guide.
If you have been scrolling through New on Netflix in the UAE this week, you’ve likely seen a very angry-looking Lena Headey staring back at you from the Top 10 list. That would be The Abandons, the new western drama from the twisted mind of Kurt Sutter (Sons of Anarchy).
It landed on December 4, 2025, and it is already causing a stir—partly because of the powerhouse cast, and partly because the production history is almost as dramatic as the show itself.
If you are wondering whether to invest 7 hours of your life into this bloody frontier saga, here is the lowdown on what it’s about, who is in it, and if it’s worth the binge.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Stars: A heavyweight clash between Lena Headey (Game of Thrones) and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Sex Education).
- The Vibe: Think Yellowstone meets Sons of Anarchy, but with more mud and fewer motorcycles.
- The Creator: It’s a Kurt Sutter joint, so expect violence, betrayal, and "family above all" themes.
- The Status: All 7 episodes are streaming now on Netflix UAE.
What is The Abandons about?
Set in the 1850s in the Washington Territory (filmed in the stunning landscapes of Alberta, Canada), The Abandons follows a group of diverse outlier families. They are living on the fringe of society, trying to pursue their Manifest Destiny while powerful forces try to crush them.
- The Conflict: It’s a classic "Rich vs. Scrappy" setup. You have the wealthy, aristocratic Van Ness family trying to buy up (or steal) land, and the "Abandons"—a found family of orphans and outcasts—refusing to budge.
- The Tone: Gritty, dark, and violent. This isn't the romanticised West; it’s the muddy, bloody version where morals are flexible.
The core of the story is the feud between two matriarchs. One fighting for money and power, the other fighting for survival. It explores how far you would go to protect your blood—even if they aren't actually related to you.
The Cast: A TV Heavyweight Championship
The main reason to watch The Abandons is undeniably the cast. Netflix threw some serious budget at the talent here, creating a lineup that rivals even their recent massive Warner Bros acquisition.
- Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan: She plays the matriarch of the "Abandons." Fiona is a devout Irish woman who couldn't conceive, so she adopted orphans to build her own clan. If you missed Cersei’s ruthlessness, you’ll find shades of it here, but with more dirt on her face.
- Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness: The wealthy villain. Constance is the head of the Van Ness mining family. Anderson plays her with icy precision—she’s the corporate shark of the 1850s.
- Ryan Hurst: A treat for Sons of Anarchy fans (Opie is back!). He plays a major role, bringing that familiar Sutter-style intensity.
- The "Kids": The cast is rounded out by Nick Robinson (Jurassic World), Diana Silvers (Booksmart), and Lucas Till (MacGyver).
🗒️
Watching Headey and Anderson go toe-to-toe is worth the subscription fee alone. It’s rare to see two TV titans sharing the screen in roles this aggressive.
Production Drama: A messy backstory
You can’t talk about The Abandons without mentioning the chaos behind the camera. The show was originally ordered for 10 episodes, but it landed with only 7.
- Showrunner Exit: Creator Kurt Sutter actually left the production in October 2024, just weeks before filming wrapped, reportedly due to creative differences with Netflix.
- The Result: The series feels fast-paced, sometimes to a fault. The final episode ends on a massive cliffhanger that clearly expects a Season 2, though Netflix hasn't confirmed one yet.
Does the behind-the-scenes drama hurt the show? Critics are divided. Some say it feels disjointed; others love the relentless pace. If you like your TV loud and unsubtle, you probably won't mind the rough edges.
Should you watch it?
If you live in the UAE and you’re looking for your next binge, here is the verdict:
Watch it if:
- You loved Sons of Anarchy or Mayans M.C. and miss that specific brand of macho soap opera.
- You are a fan of Lena Headey or Gillian Anderson (obviously).
- You want a Western that feels more dangerous than Yellowstone.
Skip it if:
- You dislike graphic violence (it gets bloody).
- You prefer slow-burn dramas—this show sprints.
- You hate cliffhangers with no guarantee of resolution.
(Still need more options? Check our guide on what else to watch this week in the UAE.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Abandons available on Netflix UAE?
Yes, the show premiered globally on December 4, 2025. You can stream all 7 episodes right now in the UAE without a VPN.
Will there be a Season 2 of The Abandons?
As of December 2025, Netflix has not officially greenlit Season 2. Given the cliffhanger ending and the production issues during Season 1, the renewal will likely depend heavily on the first month's viewership numbers.
Where was The Abandons filmed?
While it is set in the US Washington Territory, the production took place in Calgary and Alberta, Canada. The sweeping mountain views and plains are real, not green screens.
Is this related to Sons of Anarchy?
No, the stories are not connected. However, it shares the same creator (Kurt Sutter) and some cast members (Ryan Hurst), so the themes of brotherhood, outlaw justice, and violent family dynamics feel very similar.
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