8 Great Westerns To Watch if You Love Netflix’s ‘The Abandons’

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The new Western drama, The Abandons, premiered on Netflix on December 4, 2025. Created by Kurt Sutter, known for shows like Sons of Anarchy and The Shield, the series is set in the 1850s Oregon Territory. It follows two families with very different backgrounds whose lives unexpectedly and violently intersect. The story centers on Fiona Nolan, played by Lena Headey, who fiercely protects a group of orphans and outcasts, and Constance Van Ness, portrayed by Gillian Anderson, the powerful head of a wealthy family.

As a huge cinema fan, I was completely drawn into The Abandons. It’s a story about conflict – families fighting over land, hidden truths, and just trying to survive – and the themes of revenge and what’s right and wrong really resonated with me. The cast – including Lucas Till, Aisling Franciosi, Nick Robinson, and Diana Silvers – is fantastic, and the whole thing feels epic in scope while still being incredibly emotionally raw. Honestly, even though it’s a new show, it feels like a modern take on a classic Western. If you’re someone who loves stories about people pushed to their limits, characters who aren’t simply good or evil, and that feeling of living right on the edge of the law, trust me – you’ll be craving more after you finish watching The Abandons.

8
‘Longmire’ (2012 – 2017)


A&E / Netflix

As a huge fan of Westerns and crime dramas, I absolutely love Longmire. It’s set in the beautiful, harsh landscape of Wyoming and centers around Sheriff Walt Longmire, a man dealing with a lot of personal pain as he tries to maintain law and order in his county. What really sets it apart is how it blends classic crime solving with a real sense of the frontier, and beautifully incorporates Native American culture – particularly through Walt’s friendship with Henry Standing Bear and the stories connected to the Cheyenne reservation. It’s just a really compelling watch.

Spanning six seasons, Longmire draws you into compelling mysteries, political clashes, and deeply human stories about loss, devotion, and fairness. The show is consistently satisfying, with each season naturally following the one before it, all rooted in the strong source material from Craig Johnson’s books. Robert Taylor delivers a powerful performance as Walt, and his portrayal was a major reason the show was able to overcome cancellation.

7
‘The English’ (2022)


Amazon Studios

“The English” is a grand, six-episode series that feels like a classic story brought to life today. Emily Blunt plays Cornelia Locke, a woman from England who travels to the American West in the 1890s to avenge her son’s death. She teams up with Eli Whipp, a former cavalry scout and member of the Pawnee nation, played by Chaske Spencer. Their surprising alliance forms the heart of the story as they face harsh terrain, dangerous conflicts, and the lasting effects of colonialism.

This show is a visual masterpiece, beautifully filmed like a series of paintings. Despite only having one season, it tells a grand and emotionally powerful story. Emily Blunt and Spencer’s on-screen connection is captivating, making it a must-see for fans of The Abandons and anyone who enjoys creative, boundary-pushing Westerns.

6
‘The Son’ (2017 – 2019)


AMC

Based on Philipp Meyer’s novel, The Son tells a family story across two different eras. The story jumps between 1849, where a young Eli McCullough is kidnapped by Comanches and learns to live with them, and 1915, where Pierce Brosnan plays Eli as a powerful and determined Texas oilman focused on protecting his family’s legacy.

The story’s clever use of two timelines lets it delve into themes of identity, striving for success, and the often-brutal beginnings of an empire, revealing how Eli’s childhood experiences molded his character. The show’s two seasons feel like a complete and satisfying story, seamlessly blending the past and present. Pierce Brosnan delivers a powerful performance – both strong and harsh – and the show’s visuals beautifully capture the gritty reality of frontier life alongside the lavishness of early 1900s Texas, creating a truly moving Western.

5
‘Yellowstone’ (2018 – 2024)


Paramount Network 

As a huge Western fan, I have to say that Yellowstone really captures the grit and hardship of life on the frontier in a way few modern shows do. It’s all about the Dutton family, with John Dutton as the powerful head, and their constant struggle to hold onto their massive ranch in Montana. They’re facing threats from all sides – land developers, tricky politicians, and anyone else who wants a piece of what they have. Over the seasons, the show really digs into what it means to be loyal, and how easily that loyalty can be broken, all while showing the complicated side of owning so much land.

Thanks to its creator’s reputation, grand scope, and skillful filmmaking, Yellowstone is a hugely popular drama. It expertly combines personal family stories with intense, dramatic conflicts. Each season steadily increases the suspense, keeping viewers engaged with every fight and emotional setback. If you enjoyed The Abandons, you’ll appreciate Yellowstone’s realistic portrayal of hardship, moral dilemmas, and the strength of those living on the frontier. The show’s success is clear, as it has already led to several spin-off series.

4
‘1923’ (2022 – 2023)


Paramount+

The show 1923 is a prequel to Yellowstone, taking the Dutton family story back to the early 1900s. Starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, it focuses on the family’s fight to hold onto their ranch during a period of huge upheaval, including the economic depression, Prohibition, and the growth of industry. The series also follows Spencer Dutton’s travels and depicts the difficult experiences of Native Americans forced into boarding schools.

What makes 1923 stand out is the incredible acting. Ford and Mirren deliver powerful, emotional performances, and the show beautifully captures the vastness of the Montana scenery. Despite only having one season, it tells a complete and sweeping story. If you enjoyed The Abandons on Netflix, 1923 offers a similar deep look at struggles, family history, and holding onto who you are in a changing world.

3
‘Hell on Wheels’ (2011 – 2016)


AMC

Hell on Wheels plunges into the turbulent world of post-Civil War America. The story follows Cullen Bohannon, a former Confederate soldier driven by a desire for revenge after his family is killed. His quest takes him to the massive undertaking of building a transcontinental railroad, a place where ambition, corruption, and violence run rampant. The series portrays the diverse people involved – freed slaves, immigrants, and Native Americans – and reveals the difficult choices and sacrifices made as the nation was built.

Initially a story of vengeance, the show Hell on Wheels transforms over its five seasons into a drama focused on a wide range of characters. The series gains power and realism through its detailed character development, honest portrayal of life in the American West, stunning scenery of railroad construction, and the captivating performances of Colm Meaney and Anson Mount.

2
‘Godless’ (2017)


Netflix

Scott Frank wrote and directed Godless, a gripping limited series that quickly immerses you in a harsh and unforgiving Western landscape. The story takes place in 1884 and centers on Frank Griffin, a brutal outlaw determined to find his old apprentice, Roy Goode. Roy escapes to La Belle, a unique town populated mostly by women after a tragic mining accident claimed the lives of nearly all the men.

This seven-episode show expertly weaves together the danger posed by Griffin’s group with the resilience of the people in La Belle, especially Alice Fletcher, a rancher who cautiously takes in Roy. Every moment is impactful—there’s no wasted time, just raw emotion and compelling performances. Jeff Daniels is perfectly menacing, and both Dockery and O’Connell deliver nuanced and heartfelt portrayals. It’s a truly captivating series that stays with you long after it ends.

1
‘Deadwood’ (2004 – 2006)


HBO

Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas or not, Deadwood is essential viewing. This groundbreaking series reimagines the Western genre, taking place in the rough-and-tumble mining town of Deadwood, South Dakota, in the 1870s. It tells the story of a community forging itself through grit and determination. The show revolves around the captivating Al Swearengen, a shrewd and colorful saloon owner played by Ian McShane, and Sheriff Seth Bullock, portrayed by Timothy Olyphant, who tirelessly attempts to establish law and order.

Considered by many to be a masterpiece, Deadwood is a powerfully realistic and captivating series. Its writing, particularly the dialogue by David Milch, is exceptional – a unique mix of gritty language and poetic rhythm that makes every conversation feel alive. The show beautifully captures both the harshness and beauty of the American West, brought to life by a phenomenal cast whose performances still resonate today. Though it only lasted three seasons, Deadwood left a lasting impression and was later revisited with a 2019 film offering a satisfying conclusion. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in Westerns.

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2025-12-07 18:37