Netflix's New Western Romance Series Is Perfect Escapism

Netflix has made a name for itself with expensive, show-stopper shows like Stranger Things and Squid Game and is racking up awards through dramas such as The Crown and Beef — yet its newest comfort drama, Ransom Canyon, is a craveable escapist adventure for 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 Canyon may be more easily comparable to the likes of Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias, but this Western soap is another stellar example of Netflix’s growing library of cozy dramas that deserve more attention.

What Is ‘Ransom Canyon’ About?

Ransom Canyon centers around Texas ranchers who are trying to maintain their rustic way of life in the modern era. Josh Duhamel stars 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 one as 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 makes Ransom Canyon so fun is that there 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 Canyon is also steamier than the other shows in the Netflix “cozy drama” catalog. It’s got great vistas like Virgin River, southern charm like Sweet Magnolias, and wild family secrets like Ginny & Georgia, but series creator April Blair also makes sure to emphasize the female gaze. The Netflix standards and practices are used to deliver Bridgerton-level love scenes and plenty of slow-motion horse-wrangling scenes for future TikTok and Tumblr thirst edits.

best-romantic-shows-on-netflix-social-feature

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, but Ransom Canyon makes 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 allows Ransom Canyon to seriously sing.

Josh Duhamel Was Born To Play a Cowboy in ‘Ransom Canyon’

Josh Duhamel wears a cowboy hat and calms a horse in 'Ransom Canyon' — Image via Netflix

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, but Ransom Canyon argues 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, but Duhamel 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 because Macken 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 making Ransom Canyon work. Philip Winchester may not be on the series poster, but he’s a scene-stealer as the county sheriff and 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

Josh Duhamel in Ransom Canyon — Image via Netflix

For years, the cozy drama genre has been dominated by the likes of Hallmark and Lifetime, but Netflix has been putting in work when it comes to well-made, reasonably budgeted shows. They don’t bring in the headlines like Stranger Things or Wednesday, nor do they get the recognition of more prestigious offerings like Ozark, but they’re a valuable and important part of the Netflix catalog.

There’s an entirely separate essay to be written about how shows like Virgin River and Ginny & Georgia don’t get the due they deserve because they’re primarily female audiences. It’s unlikely that Ransom Canyon will 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 Canyon represents the best of what TV has to offer in 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 Canyon may not be the flashiest show on Netflix or the biggest title being released this month, but it’s arguably the most fun as an engaging drama with characters you can, 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 Canyon is a worthy investment of your time and energy, and there’s really no better endorsement than that.

Ransom Canyon premieres April 17 on Netflix.