Netflix's latest original series, "The Abandons," has quickly climbed to become one of the most-watched shows on the platform. However, its success with viewers is being met with a decidedly mixed reception from professional critics.
A Western Drama Dividing Audiences and Critics
Set in the 1850s Washington territory, the series features Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey as the leaders of two starkly contrasting families. One family enjoys privilege and wealth, while the other is composed of orphans and societal outcasts. According to the official description, their destinies become intertwined through a combination of two crimes, a buried secret, a romance against the odds, and a valuable piece of land hiding silver deposits.
Despite securing a coveted spot in Netflix's public top 10 ranking, several television reviewers have published harsh assessments. The show has been described as a "half-hearted" effort and a "grab-bag of Western tropes," with some critics suggesting it exemplifies frustrating trends in today's television industry.
What Else Is Trending Across Streaming Platforms?
While "The Abandons" dominates on Netflix, other services are also boasting popular titles this season.
On Hulu, the award-winning mockumentary "Abbott Elementary" remains a major draw. Now in its fifth season, the sitcom about dedicated Philadelphia teachers aired a mid-season finale on December 10. The episode revealed a significant change in setting for the upcoming episodes, which are set to return on January 7. The series stars Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Over on HBO Max, the prequel horror series "IT: Welcome to Derry" recently claimed the number one position following its season finale. The show, which explores the origins of the terrifying Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgård), is set in the cursed town of Derry, Maine.
Apple TV subscribers are buzzing about the thriller "Down Cemetery Road." The series, which just concluded its season, features Ruth Wilson as a concerned neighbor and Emma Thompson as a private investigator searching for a missing girl after a mysterious explosion. Their investigation uncovers a deep conspiracy.
Finally, Disney+ is riding a wave of popularity with "Taylor Swift: The End of an Era," a six-part documentary series. It offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the global Eras Tour, featuring appearances from Travis Kelce, Sabrina Carpenter, and Ed Sheeran.
The Streaming Landscape in Focus
The simultaneous success and criticism of "The Abandons" highlights the often-divergent paths of audience taste and critical opinion in the streaming era. While algorithms and viewership numbers drive a show's visibility, traditional critical analysis continues to play a role in shaping the broader conversation about quality and originality in television.
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