Netflix Cancels The Abandons After One Season as Creator Criticizes Platform

Netflix’s attempt to create its own Yellowstone-style Western franchise has ended far sooner than expected. The Abandons, a big-budget Western drama, has been officially cancelled after just one season, only a month after its release. The sudden decision has sparked controversy, especially after the show’s creator, Kurt Sutter, publicly criticized Netflix for ignoring creative vision in favor of algorithms.

A Promising Western That Ended Too Soon

The Abandons was created by Kurt Sutter, the mind behind popular shows like Sons of Anarchy and The Shield. Set in 1850s Washington, the series followed two rival families led by powerful women—one wealthy and influential, the other poor but fiercely loyal—as they fought for control in a brutal, lawless frontier.

The show starred major names including Lena Headey and Gillian Anderson, along with Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers, and Lucas Till. With Westerns gaining popularity again thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s success, many believed The Abandons could become Netflix’s next long-term franchise.

Behind-the-Scenes Conflict With Netflix

However, problems began during production. Kurt Sutter reportedly left the project just weeks before filming ended. According to reports, Netflix wanted to make creative changes after reviewing early cuts of the pilot episode. Sutter disagreed with these changes and decided to step away from the series entirely.

Following the show’s cancellation, Sutter posted a now-edited message on Instagram criticizing Netflix’s leadership. He accused the streamer of choosing data and algorithms over a creator’s vision, suggesting that this mindset damaged what could have been a meaningful project.

In his original message, Sutter claimed that more than $150 million was spent trying to “fix” mistakes caused by leadership decisions, calling it a destructive trend for both Hollywood and investors.

Mixed Reception and Weak Critical Response

While The Abandons attracted nearly 19.8 million views, that was apparently not enough for Netflix to continue the series. Critics were largely unimpressed, giving the show a 30% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience reactions were divided, with strong opinions on both sides.

Despite its high production value and star-studded cast, Netflix ultimately decided to cancel the show, leaving the story unresolved and ending on a cliffhanger.

Sutter’s Message After the Cancellation

After editing his initial post, Sutter shared several powerful quotes from famous figures like James Baldwin, George Orwell, and Charlie Chaplin. These quotes reflected themes of artistic freedom, truth, and speaking out—clearly aimed at reinforcing his disagreement with Netflix’s approach.

One quote stood out as a clear reflection of the situation:

“I suppose that’s one of the ironies of life — doing the wrong thing at the right moment.” — Charlie Chaplin

Another Example of Netflix’s Fast Cancellations

The Abandons now joins a growing list of Netflix shows cancelled after a single season. Many viewers continue to criticize the platform for ending series too quickly, even when they show potential or attract strong viewership.

For fans of Western dramas, the cancellation is a disappointment. For creators, it raises ongoing concerns about creative control in the streaming era.