Netflix Pulls the Plug on Gillian Anderson’s Western The Abandons After 100 Million Hours Viewed in 28 Days

Netflix is already making cuts in 2026, axing the high-profile series The Abandons just 50 days after its debut on the platform.

Starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, the show followed Fiona Nolan (Headey) as she clashed with the powerful Van Ness family and their matriarch Constance (Anderson) in an America on the brink of prosperity during the 1850s.

Despite the star power and the creative vision of Kurt Sutter, known for Sons of Anarchy, the series struggled to capture audience interest.

However, Netflix’s own metrics indicate it racked up 100 million hours of viewing in its first month, attracting nearly 20 million viewers—impressive numbers for a show that faced numerous behind-the-scenes challenges. Still, it didn’t resonate well with critics or audiences, earning a mere 30% rating from reviewers and 52% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Abandons, which barely made it into Netflix’s top 50 most-watched shows in 2025, saw Sutter depart just weeks before filming was set to conclude. Reports suggested “creative differences” were at play, with Netflix raising concerns over a 100-minute cut of the premiere episode.

Meanwhile, Netflix is moving forward with its acquisition of Warner Bros., with Co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirming that a 45-day theatrical window will remain for Warner Bros. film releases.

In other news, the streamer has announced an exciting lineup of Korean films and series for 2026, including the romantic comedy Boyfriend on Demand, featuring Blackpink’s Jisoo.