Netflix's One-Season Western Series With Game of Thrones Star Is A Binge-Worthy Weekend Watch

The Abandons, a 7-episode Netflix Western, offers a fresh take on the genre with a focus on female-led families.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Netflix's recent Western series The Abandons has all of its episodes available to stream, making it an easy binge-watch over a single weekend. The 7-episode show, which ranges from 35 to 54 minutes per episode, presents a unique take on the Western genre by centering the story around two families led by Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson's characters. While the series has been canceled after just one season, the self-contained story and strong performances make it worth checking out for fans of the genre.

Why it matters

Western TV shows have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with franchises like Yellowstone leading the charge. The Abandons offers a refreshing perspective by focusing on female-led families, a departure from the more common patriarchal dynamics seen in many popular Western shows. Its cancellation after one season is disappointing, but the standalone nature of the first season makes it an accessible binge-watch for those looking to explore a new take on the Western genre.

The details

The Abandons follows the clash between two families - one led by Lena Headey's Fiona Nolan, who has taken in a group of orphans, and the other by Gillian Anderson's Constance Van Ness, a wealthy dynasty that makes a move on Nolan's farm. The 7-episode series features a supporting cast that includes Ryan Hurst and Michiel Huisman, and while it has been canceled, the first season provides a satisfying, self-contained story arc.

  • The Abandons was released on Netflix on December 4, 2025.
  • The series spans 7 episodes, with runtimes ranging from 35 to 54 minutes per episode.

The players

Lena Headey

An English actress best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Gillian Anderson

An American-British actress known for her roles in The X-Files and The Crown.

The Abandons

A Netflix Western series that premiered in 2025 and was canceled after one season.

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The takeaway

While the cancellation of The Abandons after just one season is disappointing, the series offers a fresh and compelling take on the Western genre by centering the story around female-led families. The self-contained nature of the first season makes it an accessible and binge-worthy weekend watch for fans of the genre looking to explore a new perspective.