It is already a must watch for many fans of Western dramas.
Netflix will soon be adding a series that has already been dubbed ‘Virgin River meets Yellowstone’ and the good news is that there isn’t too long to wait before it starts streaming.
According to the first details released by the streamer on the show’s synopsis, Ransom Canyon is a romance-fuelled family drama and contemporary Western saga that charts the intersecting lives of three ranching families, all set against the rugged expanse of Texas Hill Country.
It is an adaptation of a series of novels written by Jodi Thomas, the pen name of Jodi Koumalats, who was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 2006. There are 10 books in the Ransom Canyon series including two prequels which were published between the years of 2015 and 2019. April Blair is in charge of bringing these tales to the screen having served as a writer for Wednesday, Gossip Girl and You.
Ransom Canyon is an adaptation of a series of novels (Image: Netflix)
Blair told Netflix’s Tudum website: “At its core, Ransom Canyon isn’t just a town. It’s an idea. It’s the painful longing for your first love. It’s the burning desire to protect your family. It’s cowboys and lovers, grifters and thieves. Lust, deceit, heartache, home … Ransom has it all. I think people are going to fall in love with this little slice of Texas and the dramas and romances that we created there.”
The website also reports who is featured in the cast and how their many roles will intertwine within the story. Leading the series is Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Duhamel stars as the steadfast, stoic Staten Kirkland, owner and sole occupant of the sprawling Double K Ranch. Staten leads the charge to resist the outside forces threatening his way of life and the land that he loves. Meanwhile, Kelly plays Quinn O’Grady, who has often found herself in the shadow of others. After a stint in New York pursuing a career as a concert pianist, Quinn has returned to Ransom Canyon to carve out a new path.
But that’s not all, James Brolin (father of Josh) plays an ex-Army captain and owner of Fuller Ranch who is struggling with grief after the death of his son. His once renowned ranch has fallen into disrepair as a result and he is forced to hire a new foreman Yancy, played by Top Gun Maverick’s Jack Schumacher, to avoid selling up.
There’s also former child star Lizzy Greene who takes on the role of Lauren Brigman, Ransom Canyon’s ambitious head cheerleader. She is also the daughter of the town sheriff and girlfriend of arrogant quarterback Reid Collins, Lauren appears to be living her best life but she is more than ready to leave this small town behind her. With her sights set on making the cheer team at UT Austin as her ticket out, Lauren must navigate her strict father’s desire that she remain in Ransom. Her only reprieve comes in the form of a new, unexpected love interest who her father and her friends do not approve of.
A teaser trailer released by Netflix has given viewers an idea of what they can expect when the series is eventually released. Many have already responded by sharing their excitement and declaring that they are already adding the title to their watchlists. It has already received some comparisons to other popular shows.
Fans have claimed the news series looks like a mix of Friday Night Lights, Yellowstone and Virgin River. (Image: Netflix)
One person, commenting on the trailer on YouTube said: “So Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone? Ok, I’m in.” Another added: “I saw Josh Duhamel in the thumbnail and I knew that I’d want to watch this, it looks so good!”
Fans also responded to the announcements on social media, with one posting: “I love this! I read the novel based on this series. I can’t wait!” While person summed up the style of the show by saying: “When Virgin River meets Yellowstone.”
Ransom Canyon is streaming on Netflix from April 17.