Netflix adding modern Western series for Virgin River and Yellowstone fans
Netflix have announced a new series which is a romance-fuelled family drama
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Ransom Canyon Netflix series trailer
Netflix is adding a brand new modern Western series which is already being described as perfect for fans of Virgin River.
The streamer has unveiled the first details of Ransom Canyon, a heady mix of romance, family drama, and contemporary Western saga, delving into the intertwined lives of three ranching dynasties in the sprawling Texas Hill Country.
Born from the pages of Jodi Thomas's acclaimed novels—penned under her nom de plume, Jodi Koumalats, and honoured with a spot in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 2006—the series spans 10 books, including two prequels published from 2015 to 2019.
The series should be perfect for fans of Virgin River (
Image:
Netflix)
April Blair, who made waves writing for hit shows like Wednesday, Gossip Girl, and You, is helming the adaptation. Speaking to Netflix's Tudum website, Blair expressed her excitement: "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 reveals the star-studded cast and how their various roles will weave into the narrative. The series is headlined by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Duhamel portrays the unwavering, stoic Staten Kirkland, the sole resident and owner of the vast Double K Ranch. Staten is at the forefront of resisting external forces that threaten his lifestyle and the land he cherishes, reports Surrey Live.
Meanwhile, Kelly takes on the role of Quinn O'Grady, a character often overshadowed by others. After attempting to establish a career as a concert pianist in New York, Quinn returns to Ransom Canyon to forge a new path.
But there's more, James Brolin (Josh's father) plays a former Army captain and owner of Fuller Ranch who is grappling with sorrow following his son's death. His once-famed ranch has consequently deteriorated, forcing him to employ a new foreman Yancy, portrayed by Top Gun Maverick's Jack Schumacher, to prevent selling out.
Former child star Lizzy Greene is all grown up and taking on the role of Lauren Brigman, the ambitious head cheerleader of Ransom Canyon, in the hotly anticipated new series. As the daughter of the town sheriff and the girlfriend of the arrogant quarterback Reid Collins, it looks like she's got it all.
But beneath the surface, Lauren is itching to escape small-town life. With dreams of cheering her way to the University of Texas at Austin, she's got to juggle her father's wish for her to stay local, and complicate matters further with a love interest that's sure to ruffle feathers.
Fans are already adding the series to their watchlist (
Image:
Netflix)
Netflix's teaser trailer has set anticipation high as fans gear up for the release, with many already slotting the title onto their must-watch lists. The show is drawing parallels to TV favourites, with one YouTube commenter sparking intrigue by saying: "So Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone? Ok, I'm in."
Another chimed in with excitement: "I saw Josh Duhamel in the thumbnail and I knew that I'd want to watch this, it looks so good! " Social media is abuzz too, with fans expressing their eagerness; one remarked: "I love this! I read the novel based on this series. I can't wait! " And another neatly nailed the show's vibe, declaring: "When Virgin River meets Yellowstone."
Ransom Canyon is streaming on Netflix from April 17.