Ransom Canyon: Netflix’s Contemporary Western Drama Returns for More Family Feuds and Romance
Netflix’s Ransom Canyon has quickly become one of the streaming platform’s standout dramas of 2025. Premiering on April 17, 2025, the series is adapted from Jodi Thomas’s bestselling book series and dives deep into the heart of Texas ranch country—where family legacies, forbidden romance, and long-standing rivalries collide.
About Ransom Canyon
Created by April Blair, Ransom Canyon blends contemporary Western, romance, and family drama into a high-stakes story. At its heart are three ranching dynasties battling not only for control of their land, but for survival against forces that threaten their way of life.
The Premise
The series follows Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), a stoic rancher haunted by the tragic loss of his son. Staten struggles between grief and a second chance at love with Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), a longtime family friend and dancehall owner.
As tensions rise, secrets emerge, and rivalries deepen, the ranching families of Ransom, Texas, must fight for both survival and the people they love.
Main Cast & Characters
- Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland
- Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady
- Eoin Macken as Davis Collins
- Philip Winchester as Sheriff Dan Brigman
- Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman
- Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell
- Marianly Tejada as Ellie Estevez
- Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey
- Andrew Liner as Reid Collins
- James Brolin as Cap Fuller (Season 1)
Season 2 Update: Casey W. Johnson (Kit) has been promoted to series regular, expanding his role in the upcoming season.
Episodes & Storyline Highlights
Season 1 set the tone with high drama: Staten’s fractured bond with his late son Randall drives the narrative, while the Kirkland, Collins, and Brigman families clash over land, love, and legacies. From forbidden romances to mysterious accidents and betrayals, each episode delivers the tension of a modern-day Western soap opera.
Who Are the Casting Directors?
Bringing the world of Ransom Canyon to life required a sharp eye for both authentic Western grit and soap-opera-ready emotional depth.
- Lyndsey Baldasare is an experienced casting director whose credits include The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) and You (2018). Known for pairing young, rising talent with emotionally demanding roles, Baldasare brings a keen sense of realism and relatability to ensemble casts.
- David Rapaport is one of the industry’s most in-demand casting directors, recognized for hit shows like Gossip Girl (2007), Riverdale (2017), and The Flash (2014). Rapaport specializes in casting layered, charismatic performers who balance vulnerability with star power—an essential fit for a series where ranch feuds and romance take center stage.
Together, Baldasare and Rapaport shaped Ransom Canyon’s cast into a dynamic mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, ensuring the show resonates with both Western fans and modern streaming audiences.
Production Details
- Order: Netflix confirmed a 10-episode first season in December 2023.
- Filming: Shot in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas, New Mexico between February and June 2024.
- Creative Team: April Blair serves as creator, writer, and executive producer, with Amanda Marsalis directing the first two episodes.
- Renewal: In June 2025, Netflix officially renewed Ransom Canyon for Season 2.
Release & Reception
The series premiered globally on April 17, 2025.
- Rotten Tomatoes: 44% approval rating.
- Metacritic: 56/100 (“mixed or average reviews”).
While reviews are mixed, the series has already built a loyal fan base, particularly among viewers who enjoy rustic dramas and slow-burn romances.
Why Fans Should Watch
With sweeping Texas landscapes, family drama, and steamy romantic tension, Ransom Canyon offers the best of both worlds: a modern Western wrapped in binge-worthy drama. The cast—anchored by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly—delivers performances that pull audiences into the complex world of land feuds, legacies, and forbidden love.
Casting Opportunities
With Netflix renewing Ransom Canyon for Season 2, new casting opportunities will emerge, from ranch hands and background extras to supporting characters that flesh out the small-town community.
👉 For the latest updates on auditions and how to join the cast of Ransom Canyon, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you posted as soon as jobs become available.
Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon’ Season 2 Open Casting Call
Background Actors for Ransom Canyon Season 2
Job Description
The hit series Ransom Canyon is back for Season 2 and casting background actors of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Filming will take place across New Mexico, offering an exciting opportunity to be part of a major television production.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform as background actors in various scenes for Season 2
- Contribute to creating authentic and engaging environments on screen
- Follow direction from the production team while maintaining professionalism on set
- Represent diverse characters that bring the series to life
Requirements
- Open to all ages, genders, and ethnicities
- Must be available for scheduled filming dates between mid-September and mid-January
- Professional attitude and ability to take direction on set
Compensation
- Paid background acting roles
- Opportunity for recurring background appearances throughout the season
