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Western-themed entertainment transcends the boundaries of time and location, often evoking a sense of adventure that resonates with audiences everywhere. Netflix

We're diving into the nine best Western series currently available on Netflix, each offering its unique twist on the genre.

Godless (2017)Netflix

Set in 1884, Godless stars Jack O'Connell as Roy Goode, a wounded outlaw fleeing the wrath of his mentor, the dangerously unpredictable Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). Roy finds refuge in La Belle, N.M., a town predominantly inhabited by women. Here, he surrenders to the sheriff (Scoot McNairy) and the stories of La Belle's inhabitants unfold. With its stronger female presence, this series carves out a fresh perspective in the Western landscape. If you're not hooked within the first four minutes, you might want to hit the trail!

Cast: Jack O'Connell, Michelle Dockery, Scoot McNairy, Merritt Wever, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Sam Waterston, Jeff Daniels

Watch Godless: On...

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Sullivan’s Crossing is a Canadian romantic drama series created by Roma Roth. Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, the CTV series follows Maggie Sullivan, a neurosurgeon who decides to move back to her hometown after facing some legal trouble. When she gets back, she finds it hard to reconnect with her estranged father, but things soon change when she meets the mysterious newcomer, Cal Jones. Sullivan’s Crossing stars Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, Tom Jackson, Andrea Menard, and Scott Patterson. So, if you loved the small town vibe, feel-good drama, and likable characters in Sullivan’s Crossing, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Virgin River (Netflix) Credit – Netflix

Virgin River is a romantic drama series developed by Sue Tenney. Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, the Netflix series follows Melina “Mel” Monroe,...

There's some exciting news for Ransom Canyon fans who have been looking forward to casting updates for season 2. The hit Netflix original Western romantic drama series was unsurprisingly renewed for a second season following its successful debut earlier this year, and we're beginning to learn more details about what to expect before filming commences this fall.

Obviously, we already knew that Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly will be back to reprise their roles as star-crossed lovers Staten Kirkland and Quinn O'Grady. The vast majority of the cast will be back for season 2, save for any characters who happened to die in season 1. As with any new hit series, some promotions are in store for recurring characters, and the best one was just promoted.

Deadline reports that Casey W. Johnson, who plays Kit in the series, will be a series regular in Ransom Canyon season 2. Not only is Kit the troubled...

Netflix's romantic Western drama Ransom Canyon has promoted a cast member to series regular status for season 2. Based on the series of novels by Jodi Thomas, Ransom Canyon premiered on Netflix on April 17, 2025, and follows three ranching families as they battle for control of their lands and legacies, against a backdrop of romance, revenge, and recriminations.

In June 2025, Ransom Canyon season 2 was renewed by Netflix, with the show set to expand on its 10-episode first season. The cast of Ransom Canyon is headed up by Transformers star Josh Duhamel, opposite Minka Kelly in the female lead role, with a supporting cast including James Brolin, Jack Schumacher, and Lizzy Greene.

Per Deadline, the show has promoted recurring star Casey W. Johnson to a series regular role for Ransom Canyon season 2. Johnson had a recurring role as Kit Russell in season 1, a troubled man taking on a paternal role for his younger brother Lucas,...

Exclusive: Ransom Canyon fans will see more of Casey W. Johnson in Season 2. The actor has been promoted to series regular following one season in the recurring role of Kit Russell, sources close to production tell Deadline.

Production on the Western’s sophomore season is expected to begin this fall in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Created, written and executive produced by April Blair, and based on Jodi Thomas’ book series, Ransom Canyon is a romance-fueled family drama and contemporary western saga that follows three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies. They are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.

At the center of it all is stoic rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance. Staten’s only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of...

Exclusive: Lizzy Greene (Ransom Canyon) and Harry Collett (House of the Dragon) have been confirmed as the leads in coming-of-age love story Easy, an adaptation of the bestselling novel by Tammara Webber.

Australian director and producer Luke Eve, who is known for the web-series Low Life and High Life as well as the 2020 feature film I Met A Girl, directs the movie which recently wrapped principal photography in Malta.

Producers are Ryan Hamilton, Addam Bramich and Volodymyr Artemenko as well as author Anna Todd (Shiver), whose writing credits include the YA romance series After.

Greene, who also serves as an executive producer, stars as Jacqueline Wallace, a college freshman forced to rebuild her life after a traumatic event, while Collett plays Lucas Maxfield, the enigmatic classmate with a troubled past who becomes an unexpected source of strength and connection.

“Ransom Canyon” has been renewed for a second season at Netflix, the streaming service recently announced.

Starring “All My Children” alum Josh Duhamel, the Western drama premiered in April and spent four weeks on the streamer’s Global Top 10 list, reaching the Top 10 in 77 countries.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon,” said April Blair, showrunner and executive producer of the series, in a statement. “Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride.”

Set in Ransom Canyon, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country, the series follows a stoic rancher named Staten Kirkland (Duhamel), who is healing from a heartbreaking loss and is on a quest for vengeance.

With...

Netflix’s romantic-Western series Ransom Canyon has been greenlit for a second season. This news, while music to the fans’ ears, poses a threat to Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone. While the two shows have been heavily compared, with many looking down on Ransom Canyon in the past, this news confirms its frontier legacy.

Based on the bestselling novels of Jodi Thomas and with a stunning cast led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, the show received lukewarm reviews. However, that did not stop it from topping Netflix charts and riding on the waves of high viewership success. Now, as Ransom Canyon begins writing its next chapter, Sheridan’s long-claimed position on the throne in the neo-Western arena might face a challenge.

Ransom Canyon Has Officially Been Renewed for a Second Season

In a press release on June 24, 2025, Netflix confirmed Ransom Canyon will be returning with a 2nd season only two months after Season 1’s premiere.

“Ransom Canyon”, the new ‘modern Western’ drama TV series, starring Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, Garrett Warning and Jack Schumacher, has been renewed for Season 2 streaming on Netflix:

“…welcome to ‘Ransom Canyon’, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of ‘Texas Hill Country’.

“With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land…

“…their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.

“At the center of it all is stoic rancher ‘Staten Kirkland’ (Duhamel)…

“…who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance.

“Staten's only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of ‘Quinn O'Grady’ (Kelly), longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall.

“But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past…...

One of Netflix's most divisive series of 2025 has successfully secured a new season order. Ransom Canyon will officially return for Season 2, despite getting mixed reviews from both critics and audiences.

Netflix shared news of Ransom Canyon's renewal on X (formerly Twitter), posting a photo of the series leads captioned "Ransom Canyon Season 2? Yee-haw!" The romantic western drama hit Netflix on April 17, 2025 to a mixed reception. It stars Josh Duhamel as lonely rancher Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly as Quinn O'Grady, his longtime family friend and the owner of a local dance hall.

Ransom Canyon's plot revolves around three ranching families, telling the story of their lives and legacies as their way of life becomes threatened. When a mysterious cowboy arrives in town, Staten must fight to save the land he calls home while dealing with his past in the process. Ransom Canyon's supporting cast includes Resident Evil's Eoin Macken,...

Netflix has greenlit a second season for the modern Western series Ransom Canyon, about three rival ranching families in Texas Hill Country.

Josh Duhamel will returns as stoic rancher Staten Kirkland, with Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady. “As the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past. Vise tightening, Staten fights to protect the land he calls home — and the only love that can pull him back from the demons that haunt him,” a logline from the series producers states.

The rookie romantic drama, coming the wake of the success of Paramount+’s Yellowstone, made it to the global top 10 TV (English) list for Netflix and reached Top 10 TV in 77 countries.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon! Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold,...

Josh Duhamel as Staten and Minka Kelly as Quinn in ‘Ransom Canyon’ season 1 (Photo Cr. Anna Kooris/Netflix © 2024)

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly will return for a second season, after the first season made the streamer’s Global Top 10 TV list for four weeks. Season one premiered on April 17, 2025, but the renewal announcement did not include a target date for season two.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon! Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride,” stated series creator, showrunner, and executive producer April Blair.

In addition to Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, season one starred James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, and Andrew Liner. Garrett Wareing, Jack Schumacher, and...

Netflix's Western drama series Ransom Canyon is officially returning for season 2. After its 10-episode first season was released in mid-April 2025, Ransom Canyon became one of the most-watched new original series on Netflix. Ransom Canyon is set in a small town in West Texas and chronicles the intertwining lives of a group of storied locals. Ransom Canyon is developed by April Blair based on a book series of the same name written by Jodi Thomas. Josh Duhamel leads the cast of Ransom Canyon alongside Minka Kelly, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, and Jack Schumacher.

According to Netflix's Tudum, Ransom Canyon season 2 has been renewed by Netflix after season 1 became a streaming hit, generating 2.6 billion views in its finale episode, despite receiving mixed reviews. Ransom Canyon earned just a 45% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes but accrued a much more positive audience score of 73%. Initially marketed as Netflix's answer to Yellowstone,...

Netflix has announced that the hit modern western drama Ransom Canyon has been renewed for a second season. The first season spent four weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (English) list and reached the Top 10 TV list in 77 countries.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon! Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride,” said creator, showrunner, and executive producer April Blair.

Netflix describes Ransom Canyon as “comfort entertainment,” noting that it has a growing audience that prefers easy-to-watch stories. The streaming service is home to a slate of “blue skies” shows, movies, and games.

Netflix offers new seasons of beloved shows such as Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, The Lincoln Lawyer, and My Life with the Walter Boys,...

A return to Ransom Canyon is officially in order at Netflix. After a long wait spanning over two months since its premiere, the romantic modern western series has finally been granted a Season 2 renewal on the platform. The news feels a bit overdue considering the Josh Duhamel-led show debuted to widespread viewership success, earning comparisons to Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone along the way despite only garnering a 45% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. After spending four weeks in the streamer's global Top 10 for English television series, charming audiences with a 73% score, and being hailed as another worthy comfort watch, it's now time for Staten Kirkland to start looking towards the horizon.

Based on the series of books by Jodi Thomas, Ransom Canyon unfolds amid the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country, where three ranching dynasties are caught in a power struggle over land as outside forces threaten to upend their way of life.

Netflix is lassoing a second season of rodeo drama Ransom Canyon, TVLine has learned. A release date is not yet known.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon,” showrunner April Blair says in a statement. “Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride.”

More from TVLineCasting News: Chicago Fire Adds On Call's Brandon Larracuente, Shane Gillis to Host Espys and MoreNetflix's Perfect Match Adds a Former...

“Ransom Canyon” has been renewed for Season 2 at Netflix.

The news comes roughly two months after the show’s debut, with all 10 episodes of Season 1 dropping on April 17. Netflix officially announced the renewal on their social media channels on Tuesday. The show is based on the Jodi Thomas book series of the same name.

The official description of the show states:

“Welcome to Ransom Canyon, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country. With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life. At the center of it all is stoic rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance. Staten’s only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of Quinn O’Grady...

“Ransom Canyon” will be returning to Netflix.

The Western drama series starring Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel has been renewed for a second season, the streamer announced on Tuesday. The news comes just over two months after the show debuted on Netflix on April 17.

Production on Season 2 will return to Netflix’s Albuquerque Studios, which expanded to include four new soundstages across 108 acres last summer.

The series, which follows three ranching family dynasties as they vie for the land of Texas Hill Country, spent four weeks on Netflix’s top 10 English-language TV list and reached the top 10 in 77 countries.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for ‘Ransom Canyon!'” creator, showrunner and EP April Blair said in a statement. “Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans.

Netflix has given a Season 2 pickup to Ransom Canyon, its freshman romantic Western drama starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.

The news comes more than two months after the 10-episode first season of the series, an adaptation of Jodi Thomas’ books, was released. At the time, a Season 2 writers room, led by executive producer/showrunner April Blair, already was up and running. Filming on the new season is eyeing a September start, I hear. Set in Texas Hill Country, Ransom Canyon films in New Mexico, with production set to return to Netflix Studios Albuquerque, where Season 1 was based.

“I couldn’t be happier that Netflix is ready to get back in the saddle for Ransom Canyon,” Blair said. “Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride.”

Related:...

It’s now been over a month since the first season of Ransom Canyon premiered in its entirety on Netflix. The series spent the better part of the last month in the Netflix top 10, but fans have still not been gifted the Season 2 renewal that they’ve been waiting for. Enough time has now passed that Ransom Canyon has slipped out of the Netflix top 10. Despite cast members giving updates on what they’d like to see in a second season, Netflix has stayed eerily quiet on the Ransom Canyon renewal front. The show, which has been dubbed as Netflix’s version of Yellowstone, is a romance-fueled family drama following three intersecting ranching families. It’s set against the sweeping tundras and beautiful landscapes of Texas Hill Country.

Starring in the lead role of Staten Kirkland in Ransom Canyon is Josh Duhamel. Duhamel is also known for his role as...

Ransom Canyon, a new contemporary Western series that is basically Netflix's answer to Yellowstone, only debuted on the streaming platform a month ago, but the team behind the romance-fueled drama are already saddling up for Season 2. Showrunner April Blair is not ready to let the series ride off into the sunset just yet, as she has already set up a writers' room to expand the stories from the first season, which is based on Jodi Thomas' novels of the same name, even though Netflix hasn't renewed it for a second season as yet.

Blair expressed her confidence in Ransom Canyon's future during a recent interview with TV Insider, as she confirmed that the team has already started work on the scripts for Season 2. She explained why the writers felt it was important to bring closure to certain storylines, such as the Randall death mystery, despite their plans (and...

Netflix is certainly taking its time to decide the fate of Ransom Canyon. The hit series has consistently proven itself as a top performer on the platform and yet the streamer hasn't officially renewed it for Season 2. During an interview with TV Insider, however, showrunner April Blair (All American) gave very good news to fans and revealed that the wheels are already turning to bring new episodes to life.

Blair commented on several aspects of the explosive Season 1 finale, from Yancy's (Jack Schumacher) shocking reveal to that death that we still have to get over. In order to discuss the long-term effects of all that happened, though, the Ransom Canyon boss had to delve a bit into Season 2 and where we will find the characters if and when we meet them again. She stated:

"We’ve already started the writers’ room, even though the show hasn’t been picked...

It’s been almost a month since all episodes of Ransom Canyon began streaming on Netflix, and the streamer’s answer to Yellowstone has remained a hit. It didn’t take Josh Duhamel’s new Western series long to lasso a spot in the Netflix top 10. While most new arrivals quickly fade into the void before being forgotten, Ransom Canyon has carved out a different path for itself. Despite other new arrivals like The Eternaut hitting the platform after Ransom Canyon, it has remained one of the most popular projects on Netflix, sitting at #4 on TV charts at the time of writing. The show earned a “rotten” score of 45% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience-driven Popcornmeter tells a different story, where it sits at a modest 72%.

In addition to Josh Duhamel, who stars in the lead role of Staten Kirkland, Ransom Canyon also stars Minka Kelly as Quinn...

Since making its premiere on Netflix in April, Ransom Canyon has become a breakout sensation and a new fan-favorite romantic drama series that has everyone shipping. Between Staten and Quinn, Ellie and Yancy, and Lauren and Lucas, there's so much romance to root for, but there's also plenty more possibilities for love triangles and new combinations to bloom.

Throughout the first season, Lauren (Lizzy Greene) was already in a love triangle between her rich, star athlete boyfriend Reid Collins (Andrew Liner) and secret wrong-side-of-the-tracks beau Lucas Russell (Garrett Warening). However, the tornado episode proved that Lauren had chemistry with another eligible bachelor in town: Lucas' troubled brother Kit (Casey W. Johnson).

After binge-watching the first season, Ransom Canyon fans have been shipping Lauren and Kit, and it's completely understandable. There was something between them as they rode out the storm together and got to know each other better. Of course,...

As Season 1 of Ransom Canyon wrapped, fans of the new Netflix series were left with some loose threads that a new season would need to tie up. One of the characters that has the most to deal with is Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), who presents himself as one kind of person throughout the episodes, only to reveal that he had a big secret that he conveniently forgot to tell his new lover, Ellie (Marianly Tejada). In a recent interview, Schumacher talked about his character's path in a potential Season 2.

During the interview with Swoon, Schumacher commented on the fact that we did know that Yancy is a con artist, so lying is "just second nature" to him. At the same time, the actor mentioned that he does believe that Yancy is trying to start from scratch and be a new person, but apparently, old habits die hard. If the series comes back for more episodes,...

Netflix’s new Western series has been drawing comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, and despite being poorly received by critics, the show has still been a huge hit for the streamer. Ransom Canyon, which stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, remains the second-most-popular project on Netflix at the time of writing, 12 days after its premiere. The series has earned a 44% score from critics on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, but general audiences have been higher on the contemporary Western series, rating it at 73%. Ransom Canyon is a romance-charged family drama set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country. The show follows the intersecting work and personal lives of three ranching families. Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, and Garrett Wareing also star in the Netflix series.

Ransom Canyon is based on the novel of the same name by Jodi Thomas, and April Blair adapted the book into a television series with Paul Haapaniemi,...

If you’ve two-stepped your way through all 10 episodes of Ransom Canyon’s first season, you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting Lucas Russell. Now, get to know the man behind the boy next door.

“Playing Lucas, I got to become the cowboy that I’ve always dreamed of being,” actor Garrett Wareing tells TVLine. The full-circle role also brought him back to Texas, having grown up in College Station before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. “Funny enough, this dream brought me right back to my roots, which I think is pretty cool,” he says.

As much as we instantly think about Yellowstone when we take a look at the fresh neo-western series Ransom Canyon, we can't deny that the show managed to find its own rhythm and identity in Season 1. For one, the Netflix series has a much less cynical approach to love — even though its romantic storylines have their share of twists. In a new interview, series star Jack Schumacher (Top Gun: Maverick), who plays cowboy Yancy Grey, talked about his character's secret, which is revealed by the end of the season.

The storyline of Yancy in Ransom Canyon is pretty compelling because he wasn't exactly looking for the love of his life. Initially, he comes to Texas Hill Country wanting to make money fast and then move on to the next town. He just didn't count on meeting Ellie Estevez (Marianly Tejada) and falling head over heels for her. It all looks...

Actress Lizzy Greene (“Ransom Canyon”), poses for the Spring 2025 issue of “Vestal” magazine, wearing Zimmerman and Chanel, photographed by Kevin Sinclair:

Greene is noted for her role as ‘Dawn Harper’ in the Nickelodeon sitcom “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn” (2014 - 2018)…

…as the only girl among triplets.

She starred as ‘Sophie Dixon’ …

….in the ABC family drama “A Million Little Things” (2018 - 2023).

She currently stars in the ‘modern Western’ TV series…

…. “Ransom Canyon”, now streaming on Netflix.

Click the images to enlarge…...

“Ransom Canyon” is a new ‘modern-Western’ drama TV series, starring Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, Garrett Warning and Jack Schumacher, now playing on Netflix:

\“…welcome to ‘Ransom Canyon’, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of ‘Texas Hill Country’.

“With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land…

“…their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.

“At the center of it all is stoic rancher ‘Staten Kirkland’ (Duhamel)…

“…who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance.

“Staten's only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of ‘Quinn O'Grady’ (Kelly), longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall.

“But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past…...

The success of Yellowstone is undeniable — the Paramount+ series repeatedly brings in big viewing numbers, and it's no wonder that other platforms are trying to replicate the format. Netflix's latest attempt at the neo-western genre is Ransom Canyon. For a new and unknown series, the title resonated pretty well with Netflix subscribers, and with just one week it shot up all the way to #2 among the most-watched shows on the platform — it only failed to outperform the new season of Black Mirror.

Ransom Canyon is set in Texas and chronicles the feud between three families that own ranches and are fighting to control the land. Yes, it's a pretty similar situation to what the Duttons deal with in Yellowstone, but the story managed to rope viewers in: the series accumulated 7.2 million views in less than seven days, which is more than Adolescence did this week (6M) and more than...

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Ransom Canyon is a Western romantic drama series created by April Blair. Based on the book series of the same name by Jodi Thomas, the Netflix series is set in a small Texan town, and it follows a blooming romantic relationship between widower Staten Kirkland and family friend Quinn O’Grady while a power struggle rages on between the three ranching dynasties. Ransom Canyon stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Lizzy Greene, Eoin Macken, Garrett Wareing, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Andrew Liner, and James Brolin. So, if you loved the Western setting, relationship drama, and compelling characters in Ransom Canyon, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Heartland Credit – CBC Television

Heartland is a family drama series created by Murray Shostak. Based on the book series of the same name by Lauren Brooke, the CBC Television...

This post contains spoilers from Netflix's Ransom Canyon from this point forward.

It's no wonder that Ransom Canyon immediately debuted in the peak of the Netflix top 10 most popular shows ranking in the United States. The modern Western romantic drama really is that good and that much of a must-watch! Between its various love triangles and complicated family business dynamics, it's the kind of show that has you invested in every single storyline.

Throughout the first season of Ransom Canyon, viewers are left wondering what's the actual truth about what happened the night Staten's son Randall died. Who killed him in the car accident? Meanwhile, so many more questions arise by the season finale, including the fate of Staten and Quinn's relationship, whether she's going to New York, and wait... Yancy has a [Spoiler]?!

After watching the Ransom Canyon season finale, you might need a bit of a refresher on what just happened,...

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, adapted from the first novel in Jodi Thomas’s ten-book series, introduces a revised version of the story through a grounded ensemble cast and several reimagined character arcs. Showrunner April Blair worked from the original book while restructuring several plotlines to suit an ongoing serialized format.

Blair said the writers only used the first book to build the foundation for the show and chose to keep one consistent cast, diverging from the anthology-like approach in the novels. Among the most notable additions is what Blair described as the “mystery spine,” centered around Randall’s accident, which plays a major role in the series but occurs off-page and years earlier in the novel.

Josh Duhamel’s Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly’s Quinn O’Grady share a complicated history in both versions, but the pacing of their relationship varies. In the show, their romantic tension plays out over several episodes,...

Spoiler Alert: This piece spoils Ransom Canyon on Netflix.

Netflix’s new contemporary Western romance and drama series Ransom Canyon is based on the first book in a ten-book series by Jodi Thomas.

Showrunner and creator April Blair stuck to the first book, which shares its title with the show while also expanding the world and ensemble to include more for certain characters only briefly mentioned in the book.

“We only used the first book, and it’s really the foundation of the series, a very important one, and we have retained, a lot of easter eggs for fans of the book series, but we definitely made it our own,” Blair told Deadline in an interview ahead of the series launch on Netflix. “In Jodi’s series, each novel introduces a whole new cast of characters. It’s almost kind of anthology like, and some...

[Warning: This post contains Major spoilers for Ransom Canyon Season 1.] Everyone has secrets in Ransom Canyon. The new Netflix series, based on Jodi Thomas’ book of the same name, explores the complicated lives of those living in the small Texas town. In just the first few minutes of the premiere, Ransom Canyon hurls a devastating twist at viewers: the tragic death of Staten Kirkland’s (Josh Duhamel) teen son, Randall (Hubert Smielecki). A year later, Staten is still convinced someone else was involved in the car accident that killed his son, which kicks off a season-long mystery. Eventually, it’s revealed that Margaret Brigman (Sarah Minnich), Sheriff Brigman’s (Philip Winchester) wife and Lauren Brigman’s (Lizzy Greene) mom, was behind the wheel of the car that ran Randall off the road. However, she wasn’t alone. Kit Russell (Casey W. Johnson), Lucas Russell’s (Garrett Wareing) older brother, was having an affair with Margaret. This revelation...

The weekend has arrived, and for some of us, it's a long weekend in celebration of the Easter weekend. While that means spending lots of time with family and loved ones, that can also mean a bit more time at home catching up on Netflix shows. There are so many great new Netflix shows to binge-watch this weekend, including those burning up the streamer's top 10 ranking.

Right now, Ransom Canyon rests at the peak of the daily top 10 ranking in the U.S., only one day after its series premiere on April 17. The modern Western romantic drama is closely followed by Black Mirror season 7, which debuted last week and has been the talk of the town ever since. It's definitely worth catching up on if you haven't yet begun watching the six new episodes.

Young Sheldon has also reentered the top 10 with the arrival of its seventh and final season on Netflix,...

This post contains spoilers from Ransom Canyon season 1 episode 6 from this point forward.

The rodeo revealed a lot of secrets, but Ransom Canyon season 1 episode 6 barrels on forward with plenty more secrets to tell. In the opening sequence, someone ran out of the blue pickup truck to look at Randall dead in his overturned car. We don't know exactly who it is just yet, but the answer's sure to deliver some shocks.

Now that he can keep his rodeo earnings, Yancy looks to buy a new tractor for Cap and his ranch. Paula Jo's also looking to get what she wants in another way when she asks Quinn to close Gracie's to the public for a private happy hour she's throwing. There's those strings, Quinn! She doesn't stop there. Paula Jo also throws sleeping with Staten at the rodeo in her face.

Right after the big reveal, Davis and Staten...

If you need some new Netflix shows to watch right now, we have the perfect list for you! We shared the list of the best Netflix shows coming this spring.

Spring has already sprung, and while we've seen some good Netflix shows released so far, there are some excellent new Netflix shows and new seasons of returning shows coming this spring! And, we haven't even learned about all the new Netflix shows yet. We'll share the full list when we find out, but these are the eight best Netflix shows for you to watch this spring.

Let's get the list started with the new Netflix show everyone is talking about, Ransom Canyon.

Ransom Canyon Ransom Canyon. Josh Duhamel as Staten in Episode 102 of Ransom Canyon. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 | Netflix Release date: April 17 Created by April Blair Cast: Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Lizzy Greene, and more

Ransom Canyon...

Spoiler Alert: This piece contains spoilers for the entirety of Ransom Canyon on Netflix.

In the Western world of Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, showrunner, creator and executive producer April Blair took the bones of Jodi Thomas’ book, the first in the series which shares its title with the show, and expanded the ensemble cast and plots that weave together.

Apart from the three big ranching families and their stories that intersect at the heart of the romance drama adaptation, three love stories sprout — two if you count the obvious history between Josh Duhamel’s Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly’s Quinn O’Grady, who have known each other since high school.

“I always viewed these relationships through this lens of, it’s kind of like a choose your own adventure. We’ve all had one of these — the Staten kind of romance, from Quinn’s point of view, is the man you want to fix.

“Ransom Canyon” is now on Netflix, taking fans into the Lone Star state for a new adventure — and you’re going to recognize a lot of the characters on the journey.

Now streaming, the series takes place in a small Texas town called Ransom Canyon, and follows the residents of the town as they battle over the takeover by a massive company. Where some want to sell their ranches and cash in, others definitely do not.

All the while, romances flare, secrets are revealed and, yes, people die. Here’s who you need to know.

Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) Josh Duhamel in “Ransom Canyon.” (Netflix)

Staten Kirkland runs the Double K Ranch, and is decidedly against selling his land to the mega corporation looking to take over. He’s played by Josh Duhamel, who you’ll recognize from movies like the “Transformers” franchise, “When In Rome,” “Shotgun Wedding” and a whole lot more.

Netflix’s “Ransom Canyon” was never going to be revolutionary. The new drama, set in rural Texas and based on a series of books by Jodi Thomas, will naturally remind you of “Yellowstone” with its land-loving cowboys dedicated to keeping their ranches out of the hands of corporations and their water out of corporate pipelines. Its love triangles and small town soap plots give a bit of “Virgin River” and a million other small town soaps, and it’s not just the presence of Minka Kelly that will make you think of “Friday Night Lights,” because the local teens are embroiled in their own cheerleading-adjacent drama.

Everybody’s hot, everybody’s got secrets, and everybody’s in love with somebody whether that somebody loves them back or not. Sometimes there’s not much more you could ask for from a TV show.

“Ransom Canyon” shares its name with the small town it’s set in,...

[Warning: This post contains Major spoilers for Ransom Canyon Season 1.] All ten episodes of Ransom Canyon are now streaming on Netflix, and the show wrapped up the main mystery of the first season perfectly. Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) was on a mission to find out who was driving the blue pickup truck that caused his late son Randall’s (Hubert Smielecki) car accident, and Sheriff Brigman (Philip Winchester) finally delivered the answer and made an arrest — even though it broke his heart to do so. It turns out it was Brigman’s own wife, Margaret (Sarah Minnich), an alcoholic, who was behind the wheel of the car (and likely drunk). The season exposed Margaret’s affair with Kit (Casey W. Johnson), whose brother, Lucas (Garrett Wareing), happened to be dating Margaret and the Sheriff’s daughter, Lauren (Lizzy Greene). Netflix Still following along? Kit was with Margaret on the night of the accident and called Reid (Andrew Liner...

This post contains spoilers from Ransom Canyon season 1 episode 1 from this point forward.

Netflix's new Western romantic drama series Ransom Canyon, which debuted with its full 10-episode first season on April 17, doesn't waste any time dropping us right into the center of its story. The series follows the highs and lows of three interconnected ranching families in the midst of a fight for control of their sweeping Texas land, but secrets, heartbreak, grief, and love triangles are equally controlling them.

In the opening sequence of the first episode, titled "Don't Let Me Fall," Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhmel) rides his horse during sunrise. He was expecting his teenage son Randall (Hubert Smielecki) to join him for a morning ride, but it's Randall's birthday and he's already out of the house. Staten later joins Randall at his uncle Davis Collins' (Eoin Macken) house for a birthday party. Davis was the brother of Staten's late wife,...

Ransom Canyon made its premiere on Netflix on April 17, and the new modern Western romantic drama series isn't one to be missed. Based on the novels by Jodi Thomas, the series stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly and centers on three ranching families in Texas as they battle for land, grieve the past, and fight for the future. There's feuding cowboys and love triangles galore!

But what can prospective viewers expect from the new Netflix original series? The last thing you want when starting a new show on Netflix is to be surprised by any sex scenes, nudity, heightened language, or shocking violence. Fortunately, we're sharing the content that rules out this family ranching drama for family television night. Take a closer look at the TV-ma age rating below!

Ransom Canyon. (L to R) Lizzy Greene as Lauren and Garrett Wareing as Lucas in Episode 106 of Ransom Canyon | Cr. Anna Kooris...

With Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone coming to a conclusion last year, Western fans have been looking to fill the gap left in its wake, and Netflix may have them covered thanks to Ransom Canyon. The new series starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly launches April 17 on the streaming platform, and it's based on the novels by Jodi Thomas. Though every Western these days is going to be compared to the Sheridan series, creator April Blair says that's not exactly what she's going for with Ransom Canyon, which she instead says combines some of the steamy elements of Bridgerton with a dash of Friday Night Lights.

Speaking to the New York Post, Blair had high praise for Sheridan as a creator, calling him a "once-in-a-generation writer that redefined contemporary westerns." That being said, Ransom Canyon is something she's always wanted to do, and while Sheridan's hit show may have given her the push to move forward,...

Minka Kelly does not plan to reprise her role as Lyla Garrity in the upcoming Friday Night Lights reboot being developed by Peacock. While promoting her new Netflix series Ransom Canyon, the actor commented on the future of her character from the original football drama, suggesting her time in Dillon, Texas is finished.

“I think it’s always best leaving people — if even they do — wanting more,” Kelly told Deadline. “I think leaving that where it was is probably the right thing to do. Maybe too much sometimes is too much. I don’t know that they need more Lyla.”

Kelly starred in Friday Night Lights from 2006 through 2009. Her character, Lyla, was first introduced as the Panthers’ head cheerleader and girlfriend to quarterback Jason Street. After Street was paralyzed during a game, Lyla’s storyline shifted dramatically, including a breakup and a brief relationship with Tim Riggins. By the time she left Dillon for college,...

Friday Night Lights star Minka Kelly does not have plans to participate in Peacock’s reboot of the famous football series.

Deadline first reported the streamer landing the reboot in December. In the original show, Kelly starred as Lyla Garrity, head cheerleader for the Panthers football team. While discussing her upcoming Netflix series Ransom Canyon, in which she stars alongside Josh Duhamel, Kelly seemed to indicate an unlikely return to Dillon, Texas, to reprise her role.

“I think it’s always best leaving people — if even they do — wanting more. I think leaving that where it was is probably the right thing to do,” Kelly told Deadline. “Maybe too much sometimes is too much. I don’t know that they need more Lyla.”

The actress also said she sees a lot of her Ransom Canyon character in her former Friday Night Lights role.

“I think Quinn is maybe Lyla 20 years later,...

Saddle up for a new Western show that has a little bit of everything on Netflix. Ransom Canyon, based on the book by Jodi Thomas, will capture stories of a small town in the wild west.

Led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, the Netflix series arrives mid-April. Read on for everything we know about Ransom Canyon:

When does Ransom Canyon come out?

Ransom Canyon arrives on Netflix Thursday, April 17.

Who is in the cast of Ransom Canyon?

The show will be headlined by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly as characters from the book Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher, and Quinn O’Grady, a pianist who keeps to herself.

Deadline exclusively reported the castings of James Brolin as ex-Army captain and now rancher Cap Fuller, La Brea star Eoin Macken as Davis, owner of Bar W ranch which is the main...

Fashion parties are few and far between in Santa Monica, so it feels like a moment when one happens.

Louis Vuitton delivered that moment on Thursday evening by hosting a cocktail party to introduce its new Lv Sneakerina at a location that helped draw many stylish stars, fashion insiders and influencers to the Westside. San Vicente Bungalows’ new(ish) Santa Monica outpost hosted the affair on what felt like one of those beautiful summer nights (even though it’s early April).

Checking out the scene and slipping into the new sporty Sneakerinas — featuring a hybrid design that looks almost like a sneaker mixed with a ballet flat with signatures such as the monogram pattern, monogram canvas and Lv Circle — were Haim sisters Danielle, Este and Alana (fresh from releasing their new track “Relationships”), Phoebe Dynevor, Devon Ross, Ryan Destiny, Sasha Calle, Charlotte Lawrence, Lizzy Greene, Lorraine Nicholson, Reign Judge, Lily Chee,...