Netflix is set to thrill modern Western fans with its latest addition, described as a must-watch for admirers of the beloved show Virgin River.
The streaming giant has rolled out the first details of Ransom Canyon, an intoxicating intersection of romance and family strife set against the backdrop of the vast Texas Hill Country, where three ranching families’ fates are tightly woven together.
Adaptively channelled from Jodi Thomas’s best-selling novels – written under her nom de plume Jodi Koumalats and earning her a prestigious position in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 2006 – the narrative stretches across 10 books, inclusive of pair of prequels that hit shelves from 2015 to 2019.
At the creative helm of this televised series is April Blair, whose credits boast impressive work on Wednesday, Gossip Girl, and You.
In conversation with Netflix’s own Tudum website, Blair didn’t hide her enthusiasm: “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 unveils the star-studded cast and how their various roles will intertwine in the storyline. The series is led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.
Josh plays the steadfast, unyielding Staten Kirkland, the sole inhabitant and owner of the expansive Double K Ranch. Staten is at the forefront of resisting external forces that threaten his way of life and the land he holds dear. Meanwhile, Minka assumes the role of Quinn O’Grady, a character often eclipsed by others, reports the Mirror.
After trying to carve out a career as a concert pianist in New York, Quinn returns to Ransom Canyon to chart a new course.
But there’s more, James Brolin (Josh’s father) portrays a former Army captain and owner of Fuller Ranch who is wrestling with grief after his son’s death. His once-renowned ranch has subsequently fallen into disrepair, forcing him to hire a new foreman Yancy, played by Top Gun Maverick’s Jack Schumacher, to avoid selling out.
Former child actress Lizzy Greene is all grown up and stepping into the role of Lauren Brigman, the ambitious head cheerleader of Ransom Canyon, in the eagerly awaited new series.
As the daughter of the town sheriff and the girlfriend of the arrogant quarterback Reid Collins, it appears she’s got it all.
Lauren appears to be living a tranquil small-town life, but she secretly yearns for something more. With aspirations to attend the University of Texas at Austin, she must navigate her father’s desire for her to stay close to home and a romantic interest that’s sure to stir up trouble.
Netflix has released an enticing teaser trailer that’s generated immense excitement among fans, who are eagerly anticipating the show’s release.
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Some have already added it to their watchlists, drawing comparisons to popular TV shows.
One YouTube commenter piqued interest by saying: “So Friday Night Lights meets Yellowstone? Ok, I’m in.” Another enthusiastic fan exclaimed: “I saw Josh Duhamel in the thumbnail and I knew that I’d want to watch this, it looks so good! ”
The buzz has also spread to social media, where fans are expressing their eagerness to watch the show. One fan remarked: “I love this! I read the novel based on this series. I can’t wait! ” Another fan aptly captured the show’s essence, stating: “When Virgin River meets Yellowstone.”
The show hits Netflix on April 17.