Netflix’s The Abandons has quickly become one of the most talked-about Western dramas, captivating audiences with its story of two powerful widowed matriarchs clashing over land in the 1850s Washington Territory.
The show’s central conflict, set against the backdrop of the American frontier, is brought to life through stunning visuals and gripping storytelling. However, viewers may be surprised to learn that the series was almost entirely shot in Alberta, Canada, with Calgary serving as the main production hub.
The sweeping plains, rugged terrain, and wide-open skies just outside the city provided the perfect canvas for the show’s frontier towns, requiring minimal digital enhancement to look authentic.
The production team made a deliberate choice to film in southern Alberta, drawn by its vast open spaces, long dirt roads, and historic towns that mirror the look and feel of the American West. Calgary’s surrounding areas, including Crossfield and Cochrane, were transformed into the fictional Angel Ridge, the central town of the series.
These locations were chosen not only for their visual appeal but also for the logistical advantages of filming in Canada, where crews can work on real sets with fewer restrictions and greater access to support services.
Indigenous Land and Authentic Casting
A standout aspect of The Abandons’ production was its commitment to authenticity, especially in its portrayal of Indigenous communities. The show was filmed on Indigenous lands, particularly in the Stoney Nakoda region west of Calgary.
Casting calls were specifically held in this area to recruit Indigenous extras, ensuring that scenes involving local communities reflected the true spirit of the frontier. This approach helped the series avoid the pitfalls of stereotypical representation, offering a more respectful and nuanced depiction of life in the West.
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The Nakoda Lakeside Lodge in Mînî Thnî, a remote village on land belonging to the Nakoda First Nation, became the set for the Abandons Ranch, where Fiona Nolan and her adoptive children live and work.
This location was chosen for its natural beauty and cultural significance, allowing the production team to create a setting that felt both authentic and respectful.
The Van Ness mansion, central to the series’ dramatic finale, was constructed at Stoney Park Campgrounds, located just across the Bow River from Mînî Thnî. The proximity to Calgary and the area’s natural beauty made it an ideal location for both intimate family scenes and large-scale action sequences.
The production team also utilized Kananaskis Country, known for its stunning mountain views and rough landscapes, to capture the epic scope of the show. These diverse settings helped to convey the vastness of the frontier and the isolation faced by the characters.
By filming on real ranches and in natural environments, the series was able to avoid the artificial look that sometimes plagues Westerns shot on studio lots.
Production Challenges and Creative Decisions
Filming The Abandons was not without its hurdles. The project was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, pushing principal photography to spring 2024. The five-month shoot required careful coordination, especially as showrunner Kurt Sutter left the project before filming wrapped, reportedly due to creative differences.
Despite these challenges, the cast and crew praised the Alberta locations for their versatility and the quality of local support, including restaurants and production facilities.
The series also filmed some scenes in Oregon, USA, to capture the gritty and rugged landscape of the American frontier. However, the bulk of the production remained in Alberta, where the natural scenery and established Western sets provided everything needed to bring the story to life.
The use of real ranches, such as the CL Ranch, allowed for diverse settings spanning the 1850s to the 1930s, enriching the show’s historical authenticity.
The decision to film in Alberta also had financial and logistical benefits. Canada offers generous tax incentives for film production, making it an attractive destination for international projects.
The local film industry in Calgary is well-developed, with experienced crews and state-of-the-art facilities that can support large-scale productions. This allowed The Abandons to maintain high production values while staying within budget.
The Impact of Location on Storytelling
The choice of filming location has a profound impact on the storytelling in The Abandons. By leveraging Alberta’s dramatic landscapes and engaging with local communities, Netflix has created a Western drama that feels both authentic and visually stunning.
The natural scenery provides a sense of scale and isolation that enhances the show’s themes of survival, conflict, and resilience. The use of real ranches and Indigenous lands adds depth to the narrative, grounding the story in a specific place and time.
As the series looks ahead to a potential second season, fans can expect more of the same breathtaking scenery and compelling drama, rooted in the real frontier of Canada’s wild west.
The Abandons stands as a testament to the power of location in storytelling, proving that the right setting can elevate a series from mere entertainment to a truly immersive experience.
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