The Abandons (2025) is an American Western action-drama set in the 1850s Washington Territory. The series was created by Kurt Sutter and developed for Netflix.
The main cast includes Lena Headey as Fiona Nolan and Gillian Anderson as Constance Van Ness, with an ensemble supporting cast.
The show centers on the fierce and often bloody struggle between two very different families over a coveted piece of land. One family is bound by traditional wealth and blood ties, while the other is a “found family” of orphans and outcasts. These abandoned souls, living on the edge of society, are forced to unite their tribes to fight back when a corrupt and powerful force tries to drive them off their home. The conflict explores big themes like survival, what makes a family, and the blurry line between justice and the law in the Old West.
The series was filmed in Calgary, Alberta, and is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on December 4, 2025.
The Abandons Age Rating
The Abandons is rated TV-MA on Netflix for mature themes, strong violence, and adult language. This warning indicates content intended for mature audiences and not for viewers under 17.
Violence & Peril
Violence is central to the drama and is depicted frequently. Expect gunfights, close-quarters brawls, and scenes of frontier retribution. Some sequences are gritty and may show blood or the aftermath of violent acts. The tone is tense and often bleak, reflecting survival and moral collapse in a lawless setting.
Language
Strong and coarse language appears throughout the series. Dialogue aims for authenticity and includes frequent profanity. Racial slurs or highly derogatory insults may appear given the historical setting and the story’s moral conflicts. Parents should assume the language is consistently adult.
Mature Themes
The series explores revenge, murder, family trauma, exploitation, and class conflict. It examines moral ambiguity, loyalty, and the costs of violence. Sexual content or nudity is possible given the TV-MA descriptor, and substance use or depictions of trauma may be present. Overall, the themes are adult and potentially distressing for younger viewers.
Is The Abandons Suitable for Teens?
Ages 10–12: Not suitable. The show contains intense violence, adult language, and dark themes. Children in this range are unlikely to process the material safely.
Ages 13–16: With guidance (usually not recommended). Older teens with strong emotional maturity might follow the plot. Parental pre-screening is advised. Discuss the historical context and the difference between on-screen actions and acceptable real-life behaviour.
Ages 17+: Yes, with context. The series is intended for mature viewers. Late teens may watch the show if parents have discussed its themes and the realities behind its violence and moral choices.
Final recommendation: The Abandons is best suited to adults and older teens (17+) due to its mature content and violent tone.
What Parents Can Do
- Watch an episode first. Pre-screening helps you judge intensity and decide if your teen should watch.
- Talk about the difference between frontier myth and real history. Explain why characters make harsh choices.
- Use scenes as teachable moments. Discuss consequences, justice versus revenge, and how loyalty can be exploited.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Abandons?
A: The series is TV-MA on Netflix for mature themes, violence, and strong language.
Q: Is The Abandons appropriate for teens?
A: Not for preteens. Older teens may watch with parental guidance; it’s mainly aimed at adults.
Q: How violent or graphic is the series?
A: Violence is frequent and gritty. Some scenes include blood and the aftermath of brutal acts.
Q: Does the show include strong language or slurs?
A: Yes — strong profanity is common and occasional derogatory language may appear.
Q: Is there sexual content or nudity?
A: Netflix lists mature content descriptors; sexual content or nudity is possible. Parents should pre-screen to confirm.
Q: Where and when can I watch The Abandons?
A: The series streams on Netflix starting December 4, 2025.