Is Netflix’s ‘The Abandons’ Based on Real Life? The Inspirations Behind the Western Drama Revealed

Published 12/02/2025, 10:52 AM EST

Two legendary actresses are about to collide on the lawless American frontier, promising a drama where the battle for land is just as savage as the battle between two iron-willed matriarchs. Prepare for a story of murder, betrayal, and star-crossed love that channels the darkest aspects of the classic Western genre with The Abandons.

Can this story about a clash of powerful women on a brutal, lawless American frontier truly echo history, or is this Netflix’s next great fictional epic?

The Abandons: Is this western drama based on a true story?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

As per Tudum, The Abandons, set in the Washington Territory in 1854, taps into a perpetual American theme: the struggle between the powerful "haves" and the vulnerable "have-nots." While the series is an entirely fictional creation, its core themes are deeply rooted in real historical conflicts of the American frontier.

Executive producer Christopher Keyser explained while talking to Tudum that this first chapter is a "classic American story," involving two families, both at war and in love, battling over who owns the land and who makes the rules.  The entire first chapter of The Abandons is scheduled to drop exclusively on Netflix.   

The show explores universal questions, such as what constitutes a family and how one maintains goodness in a bad world, all wrapped in a period of murder and illicit romance.

Missing the Wild West Vibes of 'Yellowstone'? This Gritty Texas Drama on Netflix Will Fill the Void

The series is built around two phenomenal actresses leading a diverse cast and has a confirmed date for its debut.

The matriarchs, main cast, and Netflix release date of The Abandons

The battle for Jasper Hollow is anchored by two iron-willed matriarchs, both widowed and determined to survive on the unforgiving frontier. Lena Headey plays the fierce, faith-driven Fiona Nolan, who fiercely protects her found family of orphans and outcasts.

Fiona faces off against Gillian Anderson, who portrays the calculating Constance Van Ness, determined to protect and grow her family's mining fortune. The rest of the cast includes a blend of established and rising stars who make up the two opposing factions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Nick Robinson and Diana Silvers join Fiona's found family, while Lucas Till and Aisling Franciosi feature in the powerful Van Ness clan. This ensemble, which also features Patton Oswalt in the role of Mayor Nibley, promises intense character dynamics. The first season of this highly anticipated Western drama will consist of ten episodes, all set to premiere on December 4, 2025.  

Is 'Wind River' Streaming on Netflix? Where to Watch The Underrated Western Movie Online?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What are your expectations of the new upcoming creation of Netflix, The Abandons? Let us know in the comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

ADVERTISEMENT

Soma Mitra

607 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

EDITORS' PICK