Netflix has made a name for itself with expensive, show-stopper shows likeStranger ThingsandSquid Gameand is racking up awards through dramas such asThe CrownandBeef— yet its newest comfort drama,Ransom Canyon, isa craveable escapist adventurefor all those currently trying to distract themselves from increasing grocery prices and nonstop news intake.
Cowboys and small-town shenanigans make this new series instantly addictive, and its rustic charm centers a world that fans will want to stay inside for as long as possible.Ransom Canyonmay be more easily comparable to the likes ofVirgin RiverandSweet Magnolias, but this Western soap isanother stellar example of Netflix’s growing library of cozy dramasthat deserve more attention.
What Is ‘Ransom Canyon’ About?
Ransom Canyoncenters around Texas ranchers who are trying to maintain their rustic way of life in the modern era.Josh Duhamelstars as Staten Kirkland,a widower trying to save his ranch, as well as his hometown, from the clutches of the evil Austin Water & Power while drowning in his personal grief. The only ray of light in Staten’s life is Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), a lavender farmer who also happens to be his late wife’s best friend.Despite their emotionally fraught past, Staten can’t stay away from Quinn, even though he can’t bring himself to give her the relationship she desires either.
Staten and Quinn’s relationship is complicated by Staten’s brother-in-law, Davis (Eoin Macken), who is already in bed with Austin Water & Power and wouldn’t mind cozying up with Quinn either.The two ranchers go head-to-head in more ways than oneas new arrivals in town and old family secrets threaten the future of the entire canyon.
‘Ransom Canyon’ Has a Little Something for Everyone
The main thing that makesRansom Canyonso fun is thatthere is truly a little something for everyone. There’s the central love triangle for romance trope lovers (complete with a big storm/power outage episode that changes everything), as well as a young love subplot for more idealistic viewers. There’s some crime drama, as Staten struggles to understand the full scope of a recent family tragedy. There’s warring family and ranch drama, as Austin Water & Power pits ranchers against each other in their quest for land to build a controversial pipeline. There’s also a mysterious stranger in town, whose backstory changes with every new person he encounters — and yes, because this is a Western soap, there is a big group line dance number that does not disappoint.
Ransom Canyonisalso steamier than the other shows in the Netflix “cozy drama” catalog. It’s got great vistas likeVirgin River, southern charm likeSweet Magnolias, and wild family secrets likeGinny & Georgia, but series creatorApril Blairalso makes sure to emphasize the female gaze. The Netflix standards and practices are used to deliverBridgerton-level love scenes and plenty of slow-motion horse-wrangling scenes for future TikTok and Tumblr thirst edits.
The 26 Best Romance Shows on Netflix Right Now, Including ‘Emily in Paris’ (August 2024)
Love is in the airwaves.
Balancing so many genres and subplots can turn a show into a mess very quickly, butRansom Canyonmakes it work.The storylines have enough room to breathe on their own, but the writers also connect them enough to ensure each plot feeds into or supports another. Everyone has something to do, and you feel invested in each individual journey, whether it’s the main adults like Staten and Quinn, or the high school lovebirds Lauren (Lizzy Greene) and Lucas (Garrett Wareing). Each character has their part to play, and they do it like a well-rehearsed ensemble, which allowsRansom Canyonto seriously sing.
Josh Duhamel Was Born To Play a Cowboy in ‘Ransom Canyon’
Josh Duhamel has had many phases to his career, some of which are criminally underrated (looking at you,Las Vegas). He’s been a rom-com heartthrob and a go-to military dude, and has even grown into a stumbling dad trying his best, butRansom Canyonargues that a weary cowboy was the role that Duhamel was born to play. He leans into stoic and grouchy territory as Staten Kirkland, and he’s never been hotter than when he’s jumping on and off horses and herding cattle. In less adept hands, Staten Kirkland could come off as an emotionally stunted jerk, butDuhamel makes Staten’s quiet suffering feel palpable and intriguing. Even when it’s obvious that Quinn should stay far away from this man, Duhamel makes sure the audience understands why she can’t.
Of course, the best love triangles only work when all sides can make the case for themselves. Duhamel can shine becauseMacken is also bringing his A-game to Staten’s foil, Davis. He’s cavalier and charming, while Staten is reserved and brooding. Davis would be the perfect guy if he could ditch the chip on his shoulder, and his dichotomy with Staten when the two should really be best friends is one of the most intriguing parts of the show.
The two romantic leads are not the only people makingRansom Canyonwork.Philip Winchestermay not be on the series poster, buthe’s a scene-stealer as the county sheriffand Lauren’s overprotective father. He’s fighting demons just like Staten, but has less latitude to allow him to act out. Winchester has an equally astute scene partner in Lizzy Greene as the sheriff’s daughter, Lauren, a headstrong cheerleader in the throes of young love while trying to establish independence from her parents' toxic dynamic.
Netflix’s Cozy Drama Dominance Deserves More Attention
For years, the cozy drama genre has been dominated by the likes of Hallmark and Lifetime, butNetflix has been putting in work when it comes to well-made, reasonably budgeted shows. They don’t bring in the headlines likeStranger ThingsorWednesday, nor do they get the recognition of more prestigious offerings likeOzark, but they’re a valuable and important part of the Netflix catalog.
There’s an entirely separate essay to be written about how shows likeVirgin RiverandGinny & Georgiadon’t get the due they deserve because they’re primarily female audiences. It’s unlikely thatRansom Canyonwill break that troubling pattern, but it should be enough for people to notice the quality, quantity, and high entertainment value of these dramas on Netflix.Ransom Canyonrepresents the best of what TV has to offerin so many ways. There’s solid acting across the board, it looks beautiful, and most importantly, it allows the audience to blissfully escape into another world for an hour at a time.
Ransom Canyonmay not be the flashiest show on Netflix or the biggest title being released this month, butit’s arguably the most fun as an engaging drama with characters you’re able to, and want to, root for.It’s also a show that Netflix could easily continue making for years to come, rather than becoming another flash in the pan after two or three seasons. In this emotionally fraught economy,Ransom Canyonis a worthy investment of your time and energy, and there’s really no better endorsement than that.
Ransom Canyonpremieres April 17 on Netflix.
Ransom Canyon
Netflix’s Ransom Canyon is a bingeable Western romance that deserves your attention.
