Netflix sets release date for new Western drama series with Gillian Anderson — and it could be perfect for 'Yellowstone' fans

Netflix just gave us a big update about its long-awaited Western drama, "The Abandons." While the main "Yellowstone" saga plays out in the modern-day, the Sheridan-verse expanded with 19th and 20th-century-set prequels ("1923" and 1883") on Paramount Plus. And with "The Abandons" promising more feuds and drama, it's certainly plausible that this forthcoming Western story could well be every bit as absorbing as Sheridan's hit (or at least fill the void until "Y: Marshals" premieres next year).

For "The Abandons," Netflix is taking us even further back in time. The streaming service's forthcoming show, set in 1854, features Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister from "Game of Thrones") facing off as the matriarchs of two very different families.

The series was created by "Sons of Anarchy's" Kurt Sutter, and yesterday (October 1), the streamer dropped some first-look images for "The Abandons," including stills of both Anderson and Headey in costume (you can see even more images over on Tudum).

In addition to these photos and plot details (more on that below), Netflix has also shared the release date: "The Abandons" starts streaming on Netflix on December 4, 2025.

What we know about 'The Abandons' on Netflix right now

Netflix shared a synopsis for "The Abandons" alongside these new photos over on Tudum. It reads: "Set in Washington Territory in 1854, the series follows the matriarchs of two very different families: one of wealth and privilege, bound by blood; and the other a found family of orphans and outcasts, bound by love and necessity.

"The families find their fates linked by two crimes, an awful secret, a star-crossed love, and a piece of land with silver underneath. The collision echoes the American struggle of the haves and have-nots, in a place just beyond the reach of justice. That collision sets the stage for a story of love, betrayal, and survival."

In addition to Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey, "The Abandons" also stars Nick Robinson, Aisling Franciosi, Diana Silvers, Lamar Johnson, Lucas Till and Natalia del Riego. Further cast includes Brían F. O’Byrne, Clayton Cardenas, Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers, Haig Sutherland, Jack Doolan, Jonathan Koensgen, Katelyn Wells, Marc Menchaca, Michael Ornstein, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Grace White, Michael Greyeyes, Michiel Huisman, Ryan Hurst and Tony Hemingway.

Executive producer Chris Keyser has what's in store in "The Abandons," and hinted to Tudum that the battle between Constance Van Ness (Anderson) and Fiona Nolan (Headey) will be worth tuning in for.

Keyser said: "This first chapter of The Abandons is a classic American story — the frontier, two families — both at war and in love with each other, a battle over who owns the land and who makes the rules.

"Smack in the middle of murder and revenge and a bit of illicit romance, we get to explore questions we never seem to get away from: What makes a family? How do you stay good in a bad world? And would you change who you are and what you believe in to protect what you love? But, in this case, we do it all through the eyes of Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, as two widowed matriarchs battling to survive. And that, as they say, is really something to watch."

Need something to stream while you wait for "The Abandons" to arrive? Check out our round-up of the best shows on Netflix for tons more top picks to watch between now and the series' December release.

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