Can’t Wait for Virgin River Season 7? Netflix Has a New Romantic Western Starring Josh Duhamel

Although it may be some time before Virgin River season 7 is released, Netflix has come out with a brand-new romance drama, Ransom Canyon, that is the perfect next watch to hold audiences over. Virgin River season 7 was confirmed even before season 6 of the show had been released, which means viewers have been eager to see what that new season will hold for quite some time. The Virgin River season 6 ending only intensified that curiosity with its massive cliffhangers, including what really happened to Charmaine.

At present, there is no confirmed release date for Virgin River season 7, although many are estimating the season will premiere in either late 2025 or early 2026. That may feel like quite a long time to wait, particularly given how many unanswered questions season 6 left behind. However, Netflix’s new show, Ransom Canyon, is the perfect show to watch if you’re impatiently waiting for Virgin River season 6.

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon Is Perfect For Fans Of Virgin River

Ransom Canyon Is A Romance Drama With A Charming Backdrop

Jack Schumacher about to ride a bull as Yancy Grey in Ransom Canyon

Josh Duhamel in a cowboy hat on the ranch in Ransom Canyon

Like Virgin River, Ransom Canyon is a romance drama that has plenty of charm. Ransom Canyon’s cast of characters stars Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland, a local rancher, and Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady, a musician and dance hall owner. In addition to the show’s focus on land owners and their complex dynamics in the Texas Hill Country, Ransom Canyon explores the long-running (and very complicated) romantic relationship between Staten and Quinn.

The touchpoints between this show and Virgin River are obvious—although one star defended these similarities, asserting that Ransom Canyon is not a knockoff. It’s true that the story is not a copy of Virgin River by any stretch, but it does share many of Virgin River’s themes.

Among those is the steamy romance between Quinn and Staten, which mirrors Mel and Jack’s relationship in Virgin River. The charming, beautiful backdrops of Virgin River and Ransom Canyon are yet another similarity, which should be particularly of interest to those who watch Virgin River because it’s so peaceful.

Like Virgin River, Ransom Canyon Is Also Based On A Book Series

Both Shows Are Adaptations (With Various Changes)

Jack and Melinda cuddle in Virgin River Season 3

Quinn smiles up at Staten as they stand in a doorway in Ransom Canyon

Quinn dances with Staten in Ransom Canyon season 1.

Ransom Canyon is also based on a book series, just as Virgin River is. However, as is always the case with books that become movies or TV shows, both Virgin River and Ransom Canyon deviate from the source material in various ways. Virgin River’s book changes in particular reveal some significant deviations, especially given the series changes focus from book to book, whereas the Netflix show is almost entirely focused on Mel and Jack. Likewise, Ransom Canyon is based on a book series written by Jodi Thomas.

Ransom Canyon has a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter.

Thus far, the show has stayed fairly true to the source material, although Ransom Canyon has a darker tone than the books. It’s also worth noting that, so far, Ransom Canyon has been based on the first book in the series. Presumably, if Ransom Canyon is renewed for season 2 (which remains to be seen), it would begin to pull from other books in the series as well. Although many are anxious to see Virgin River season 7, Netflix’s new show, Ransom Canyon, is the perfect watch in the meantime.

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Virgin River

Romance
Drama

6/10

9.2/10

Release DateDecember 6, 2019
ShowrunnerPatrick Sean Smith
DirectorsMartin Wood
WritersSue Tenney, Jackson Rock, Jackson Sinder, Amy Palmer Robertson, Tesia Joy Walker, Natasha M. Hall, Patrick Moss