Netflix's new romantic western series, Ransom Canyon, debuted on April 17, 2025, and stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. The show has drawn comparisons to popular series such as Yellowstone and Virgin River, but both Duhamel and Kelly are keen to emphasize that while they share thematic elements, their show is distinct.
During an interview with Extra, Minka Kelly described the similarities, stating, "I would say they’re in the same sandbox. I don’t know how actually similar we would be to ‘Yellowstone,’ so I don’t wanna get anyone’s hopes up looking for ‘Yellowstone.’ We’re really our own entire world." She added that the series features the same backdrops of ranches and cowboys, along with family drama. Josh Duhamel chimed in, noting, "There’s a lot of family dysfunction, too," and highlighted the complicated dynamics between their characters, Staten Kirkland and Quinn O’Grady.
Duhamel plays Staten, a rancher dealing with profound grief after losing his wife and son. He explained, "This dude is broken. He lost his wife a couple years ago and he lost his son, I think, the day the series actually starts." The emotional weight of this backstory is something Duhamel found engaging as an actor, saying, "For me as an actor, it was really fun, especially with somebody like her."
Kelly portrays Quinn, who also faces her own challenges as she navigates relationships and personal growth. She expressed her excitement about playing a character that evolves, stating, "One of the things I loved about this character and coming onto the show was just the complexities of a woman coming into her own power and navigating these, you know, relationships and recognizing unhealthy patterns and learning how to step out of them." Kelly elaborated on the relatable struggle of choosing between emotional desires and rational decisions, remarking, "I think every woman I know has been in this dynamic with, like, ‘Which one am I gonna choose? Am I gonna choose the one that my heart wants or am I gonna go with the one that my mind wants?’"
Filming for Ransom Canyon took place in New Mexico despite its Texas setting, with production occurring across various locations from February to June 2024. Over 700 New Mexicans were involved in the making of the show, which has been described as a blend of action, romance, and cowboy fare. Duhamel noted that the production environment was refreshing, saying, "I just love it out there. I think there’s something about reconnecting to nature and reconnecting the basics."
The series also features a love triangle involving Quinn, Staten, and Davis Collins, played by Eoin Macken. This dynamic adds layers to the narrative, as Quinn finds herself torn between her feelings for Staten and the charm of Davis, a thrice-divorced single father. As the plot unfolds, viewers witness the struggle for control over the land, with outside forces threatening the ranching families' way of life.
In discussing his new role, Duhamel humorously acknowledged the pressure of being compared to Kevin Costner, saying, "That’s too much to live up to! Kevin is the man." He has met Costner several times at the Pebble Beach Golf Tournament, and while he respects the legacy of Yellowstone, he aims to carve out his own space in the genre.
Critics have had mixed reactions to Ransom Canyon. USA Today rated the series one and a half stars, stating, "Peek underneath the jean jackets and cowboy hats and you'll find there's very little substance to Canyon." However, some viewers are embracing the show, with social media comments highlighting the romantic tension and character dynamics. One fan tweeted about the chemistry between the characters, saying, "I LOVE THE DRAMA."
As the series has just premiered, it remains to be seen how audiences will continue to react. The show is adapted from a series of books by Jodi Thomas and created by April Blair, known for her work on Netflix’s Wednesday. The series aims to capture the essence of family, love, and loss against the backdrop of Texas ranch life.
For those interested in a story that intertwines romance with the rugged realities of ranching life, Ransom Canyon is now streaming on Netflix. The show promises to deliver a mix of escapism and emotional depth, appealing to fans of the genre.
