In the unforgiving landscape of 1850s Washington, a brutal power struggle unfolds. Two families, defined by the formidable women who lead them, clash on a lawless frontier where survival hinges on cunning and ruthlessness. This is the world ofThe Abandons, a new series starring Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson.
The premise promised a gripping tale of ambition and betrayal, pitting Headey’s Fiona against Anderson’s Constance in a battle for supremacy. However, the initial reception has been far from the triumphant launch Netflix anticipated. Instead, the series is facing a wave of harsh criticism.
The core of the discontent centers on the writing. Viewers and critics alike have described the script as clunky, the pacing as uneven, and the plot as ultimately unsatisfying. Many feel the series fails to capitalize on the immense talent of its leading ladies.
Online, the sentiment is overwhelmingly negative. One viewer bluntly called the show “absolute slop,” while another lamented that it was “less enjoyable than a spaghetti Western.” The performances of Headey and Anderson are consistently praised, but seen as wasted potential within a flawed narrative.
Despite the strong performances, critics have been particularly scathing. One publication declared it “everything wrong with TV in 2025,” while others labeled it “shockingly bad” and “misguided nonsense.” The series struggles to deliver the epic scope its setting demands, feeling strangely thin and compressed.
Even those who found glimmers of hope acknowledged the script’s shortcomings. Many echoed the feeling that Headey and Anderson deserved a more compelling story, a true “Mother-Off of the century” that the material simply couldn’t support. Their exceptional talent shines, but is ultimately overshadowed.
Currently,The Abandonsholds a dismal 29% critic score and a 35% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, a clear indication of the widespread disappointment. The series leaves many wondering how such a promising concept could falter so dramatically.
The consensus is clear: while the performances are noteworthy,The Abandonsfails to deliver on its potential, leaving viewers and critics alike with a sense of unfulfilled expectations. It’s a stark reminder that even the most talented actors can’t salvage a fundamentally flawed foundation.
