Netflix is launching “Ransom Canyon,” an all-American series in the vein of “Yellowstone,” and even with touches of the romance of “Virgin River.” Set in the Texas Hill Country, get your cowboy hats ready for a series with true American flavor.
The first season consists of 10 episodes, and from its opening scenes, it’s clear what it aims to deliver: a family-focused romance with a Texas twist, and an ensemble story with interconnected character arcs. Yes, it’s a classic character-driven series, this time with a ten-gallon hat and plenty of romance and heart to satisfy more sensitive viewers.
It doesn’t try to trick the audience with false expectations.
Plot Synopsis
“Ransom Canyon” plunges viewers into the heart of Texas, where three prominent ranching families are locked in a fierce battle for control of their land, their cherished legacy, and the affections of their loved ones. Staten Kirkland, played by Josh Duhamel, is a stoic rancher grappling with deep sorrow after the loss of his wife and son. The series begins a year after his son’s tragic death. Haunted by these personal tragedies, he embarks on a quest for vengeance while fiercely protecting his sprawling Double K Ranch from encroaching outside forces. Amid this turmoil, a ray of hope appears in the form of Quinn O’Grady, played by Minka Kelly. Quinn, a longtime family friend and owner of the local dance hall, returns to Ransom Canyon after a career as a concert pianist in New York. Her presence offers Staten a chance to heal and a potential romance, as she was also his late wife’s best friend. However, their budding relationship is complicated by the arrival of a mysterious cowboy who stirs up long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel the fabric of the community. Adding to the external pressures, a powerful corporation seeks to infiltrate Ransom Canyon, aiming to seize control of the land, forcing Staten to defend not only his own legacy but also the way of life of the entire community. The narrative skillfully interweaves Staten’s personal journey, marked by grief and vengeance, with the broader conflicts surrounding land ownership and community preservation. The introduction of the enigmatic cowboy injects a classic Western element of suspense, suggesting that the past has a significant influence on the present in “Ransom Canyon.”

“Ransom Canyon”: The Cast and Their Characters
Leading the cast is Josh Duhamel, known for his roles in the “Transformers” saga, the romantic drama “Safe Haven,” and his early days on the soap opera “All My Children.” He embodies Staten Kirkland, the determined owner of the Double K Ranch. Opposite him is Minka Kelly, recognized for her work in the acclaimed series “Friday Night Lights,” “Parenthood,” and the recent hit “Euphoria.” She plays Quinn O’Grady, Staten’s longtime friend and potential love interest. Also starring is the legendary James Brolin, father of actor Josh Brolin, who takes on the role of Cap Fuller, a seasoned ranch owner with a military past, known for his extensive career, including the original “Westworld” (1973) and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” Eoin Macken, familiar to audiences from “Merlin,” “Resident Evil: The Final Chapter,” and “La Brea,” plays Davis Collins, a rival ranch owner and another suitor for Quinn.
Lizzy Greene, known for her roles in Nickelodeon’s “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” and “A Million Little Things,” plays Lauren Brigman, the ambitious daughter of the town sheriff. Garrett Wareing, who has appeared in “Manifest” and “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” plays Lucas Russell, a young man who has feelings for Lauren. Jack Schumacher, best known for his role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” is Yancy Grey. Marianly Tejada, recognized for “One of Us Is Lying,” plays Ellie Catawnee, who manages the local dance hall. Philip Winchester takes on the role of Sheriff Dan Brigman, Lauren’s father, who also investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of Staten’s son. Andrew Liner, known for his work in “Vampire Academy” and “Grown-ish,” plays Reid Collins, Davis’s son and Lauren’s on-again, off-again boyfriend. Finally, Meta Golding, who appeared in “The Hunger Games” series, plays Paula Jo, a perceptive newcomer to Ransom Canyon.
Genre Blend: What to Expect from This Western Romance Drama
“Ransom Canyon” falls primarily into the Western and romance genres, with a strong dramatic undercurrent. The series embraces the “romantic Western” label, skillfully weaving together classic elements of the Western genre, such as ranches, land disputes, and the iconic figure of the cowboy, with heartfelt romantic storylines and intricate character relationships. This blend aims to offer both the rugged charm of the American West and the emotional resonance of a compelling love story. The narrative also delves into significant family dramas, exploring deep-seated intergenerational conflicts and the personal challenges faced by members of the three ranching families. According to creator April Blair, the intention is to create a series that combines the passionate romance of “Bridgerton” with the small-town dynamics and characters of “Friday Night Lights.” This vision suggests a focus on passionate relationships and strong community bonds, potentially offering a different flavor compared to the more intense and gritty portrayal often seen in series like “Yellowstone.” The emphasis on emotional depth and relationship dynamics could be a key differentiating factor for “Ransom Canyon” within the broader Western genre.
The Setting: Texas Hill Country
The fictional town of Ransom Canyon is nestled beneath the stunning crimson plateaus and across the vast, sprawling tundras of Texas Hill Country. This evocative landscape serves as a crucial backdrop for the unfolding drama, reflecting both the harshness of the characters’ lives and the beauty of their home. Although the story is set in Texas, the series was filmed in various locations in New Mexico, including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas.
The production utilized Netflix’s production hub in Albuquerque, as well as real-life ranches near Santa Fe, such as Blame Her Ranch and Bonanza Creek Ranch. These locations provided an authentic Western setting for the series. Interestingly, lead actress Minka Kelly has a personal connection to Albuquerque, as she grew up there. Kelly shared her experience of filming in her hometown and highlighted the surreal feeling of returning to her childhood haunts in a professional capacity. The selection of specific locations, including established film ranches, demonstrates a commitment to visually capturing the essence of a Texas ranching community.
The Creators Behind “Ransom Canyon”
The vision for “Ransom Canyon” is led by April Blair, the series’ creator, writer, and executive producer. Blair brings her experience from previous television projects such as “Wednesday,” “All American,” and “The Shannara Chronicles.” The series is an adaptation of the popular “Ransom Canyon” book series by Jodi Thomas.
Directing the first two episodes is Amanda Marsalis, known for her work on critically acclaimed series like “Ozark” and “Umbrella Academy.” In addition, Dan Angel and Brian Gott are listed as executive producers, and Laura Nava also appears as a writer for the series. Having a singular creative force like April Blair at the helm, overseeing both the writing and executive production, suggests a strong and unified vision for the series’ direction. Furthermore, the involvement of Jodi Thomas, author of the original material, as a creator (as indicated in 1 and 2) implies a potential dedication to faithfully translating the essence of the books to the screen, which could greatly appeal to fans of the original series.
From Page to Screen: The Source Material
“Ransom Canyon” is based on the acclaimed “Ransom Canyon” book series, written by New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas. As of April 2025, the series comprises eight novels and one prequel book. The first season of the Netflix adaptation will primarily draw inspiration from the first book in the series, also titled “Ransom Canyon,” published in 2015. This initial novel introduces the main characters and the central conflicts of the town, focusing on rancher Staten Kirkland and the solitary Quinn O’Grady, as well as the intertwined lives and ambitions of other families in Ransom Canyon. The existence of a substantial book series provides rich narrative material for potential future seasons of the television adaptation, suggesting the possibility of a long and evolving storyline if the initial season is well-received by viewers. Additionally, the adaptation is likely to attract existing fans of Jodi Thomas’s novels, while also potentially introducing her literary work to a new audience, creating a synergistic relationship between the books and the series.
About the Series
This is a series that doesn’t deceive and seeks its audience from the very beginning: Do you like romance in the American style? This is clearly a choice for your taste. Are you not into romantic dramas and prefer a less television-style approach? Then this won’t be to your liking.
“Ransom Canyon” has good production values, a good setting, and characters built for a predetermined audience, that type of audience that expects to stay in their comfort zone and doesn’t expect the genre to be turned on its head a thousand times: they know what they want and what they expect, and that is precisely what the series gives them, a good dose of romance, intrigue, jealousy, tensions between the characters, and attractive protagonists configured in a simple way that provide the narrative game that is expected and that, surely, will please the audience.
Enjoy it.
Where to Watch “Ransom Canyon”