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Josh Duhamel knows what you are thinking.

Heck, he was once thinking the same exact thing.

On the latest episode of of the “Not Skinny But Not Fat” podcast, Duhamel delved into his past and present with wife Audra Mari.

Who is 21 years younger than the actor is.

Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari attend the “Buddy Games 2” photocall during the 62nd Monte Carlo TV Festival on June 18, 2023 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Due to Mari being a successful beauty pageant contestant, Duhamel says he was familiar with her.

However…

“It was truly platonic for years before that because I was like, ‘No, she’s too young for me. I’m not even going to go there,’” Duhamel said on this episode of how and when he met his now-spouse. “Then, we started DMing back and forth.”

From there, a mutual friend got involved,...

'Tis the season for renewals and cancellations! Every May, the major networks and streamers give their Upfronts presentations, which teases their upcoming slate of content, and that usually comes hand in hand with shows being renewed, shows being canceled, and shows left precariously on the bubble. We've recently learned a lot of news about what's to come for Netflix!

While some networks remain tight-lipped about renewals, Netflix didn't waste the opportunity to make lots of announcements. The streamer's Upfronts presentation in May 2025 brought the exciting reveals of newly announced shows and movies, as well as the renewals of six hit and fan-favorite scripted series and two unscripted series. These are the six scripted comedies and dramas the streamer renewed:

Bridgerton season 5 and 6Forever season 2My Life with the Walter Boys season 3Survival of the Thickest season 3The Diplomat season 4The Four Seasons season 2

Unfortunately, the fates of three recent series weren't revealed,...

Josh Duhamel as Staten in episode 101 of the Ransom Canyon. Cr. Anna Kooris/Netflix © 2024

Netflix has a number of shows currently awaiting a big renewal, and fingers crossed, the upfronts this week will deliver some positive news. One such show is Ransom Canyon, the soapy Texas-based drama starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. What’s going on with season 2? Duhamel spoke on a new podcast about the show’s future, which is still up in the air.

Speaking on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast (Spotify link – YouTube link) hosted by Amanda Hirsch, actor Josh Duhamel discussed numerous subjects, including family life, his career journey, his wellness company, working on a new film that he’s directing and starring in called Preschool, and, of course, Ransom Canyon.

Duhamel describes Ransom Canyon as a “really good show” that blends romance and rugged cowboy vibes, saying it’s “basically like a romance kind of cowboy vibe,...

Exclusive: Red Sea Media arrives in Cannes with international sales rights to the horror thriller Skillhouse starring starring social media personalities Bryce Hall and Hannah Stocking, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Neal McDonough, Leah Pipes, and Emily Mei.

Josh Stolberg, whose credits include Saw X and Jigsaw, wrote and directed the film from GenTV, in which ten influencers are lured into Skillhouse, a sinister content house, and forced to compete in lethal social media challenges.

Producers are Ryan Kavanaugh, Shane Valdez, and Brad Baskin. “We have blended the most compelling elements of modern horror with authentic influencer integration – both within the...

It’s been almost a month since all episodes of Ransom Canyon began streaming on Netflix, and the streamer’s answer to Yellowstone has remained a hit. It didn’t take Josh Duhamel’s new Western series long to lasso a spot in the Netflix top 10. While most new arrivals quickly fade into the void before being forgotten, Ransom Canyon has carved out a different path for itself. Despite other new arrivals like The Eternaut hitting the platform after Ransom Canyon, it has remained one of the most popular projects on Netflix, sitting at #4 on TV charts at the time of writing. The show earned a “rotten” score of 45% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, but the audience-driven Popcornmeter tells a different story, where it sits at a modest 72%.

In addition to Josh Duhamel, who stars in the lead role of Staten Kirkland, Ransom Canyon also stars Minka Kelly as Quinn...

Exclusive: Range Media Partners is launching new divisions with the hiring of three industry veterans: Jeff Jernigan, Randie Adler and Jeff Speich.

Jernigan will help launch a Composer division within Range Music, which has already been active at the intersection of music & TV through the representation of talent like music supervisor Andrea von Foerster. Meanwhile, Adler is launching an IP/Media Rights capability within Range’s Film & TV division, with Speich to oversee the launch of Range Literary Publishing, an imprint with Central Recovery Press, which has specialized in the full spectrum of behavioral health topics since 2012.

Range Literary Publishing, in particular, will serve as a boutique, author-forward imprint committed to publishing high-quality works across genres including memoir, fiction, and non-fiction. With a focus on creative freedom and editorial excellence, the imprint aims to support both emerging and established voices while identifying projects with strong potential for adaptation in film and TV.

Netflix has officially released the first trailer for Ginny & Georgia Season 3, releasing on June 5. It’s been well over two years since Netflix released the last batch of episodes for Ginny & Georgia — Season 2 premiered in January 2023 — and while the wait has been grueling, it’s almost time to catch up with our favorites once more. Season 3 follows Georgia and Georgia more than ever. Now that push has come to shove, Ginny has to decide if this is the life she wants for herself.

Ginny & Georgia was written and created for television by Sarah Lampert, with Mike Gauyo, Briana Belser, Anvil K. Foreman, and more all contributing to the writer’s room in the hit Netflix series. In addition to Howey and Gentry, Felix Mallard also stars in Ginny & Georgia as Marcus Baker, and Sara Waisglass features alongside him as Maxine Baker. Mallard is also famous for...

On Thursday May 8 2025, NBC broadcasts Today With Jenna & Friends!

Season 1 Episode 83 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “Today With Jenna & Friends” promises an exciting mix of fun and heartfelt moments. Set to air on NBC, this episode features Matt Rogers stepping in as co-host alongside Jenna. Viewers can expect a lively atmosphere as the duo engages with their guests and shares stories that resonate with many.

One of the highlights of the episode is a special appearance by actor Josh Duhamel. Known for his charming personality and impressive acting skills, Duhamel will likely share insights about his latest projects and perhaps some personal anecdotes that will entertain the audience. His presence is sure to add a touch of star power to the show.

In addition to the entertaining conversations, the episode will celebrate Mother’s Day with delicious treats. Chef Christina Tosi, renowned for her creative desserts, will...

Minka Kelly and Dan Reynolds are enjoying some laid-back quality time together!

The cute couple was seen holding hands while on a morning coffee run on Tuesday (May 6) in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.

The sighting comes a few weeks after the debut of Minka‘s steamy new western TV show Ransom Canyon, which has been successful on the Netflix charts.

The series debuted with 7.2 million views and landed in the number 2 spot on the Netflix most-watch TV shows of the week list. In its third week, the show is still at number 3 and it added another 4.2 million views.

Here’s the show’s synopsis: “Welcome to Ransom Canyon, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country. With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.

Matt Rogers is back as co-host Thursday on “Today with Jenna & Friends.” The show starts with the latest celebrity news and gossip from The Scoop with Nessa Diab. Actor Josh Duhamel will be on hand to discuss his new crime thriller, “Ransom Canyon,” and for those looking for style inspiration, celebrity stylist Chris Appleton […]

Today with Jenna & Friends: Matt Rogers, Nessa Diab...

Actor Josh Duhamel joins the ladies of The View this Wednesday to talk about his latest project, “Ransom Canyon.” Expect some insights into the show and what drew him to the role. Adding a touch of nostalgia – and vital health information – former View co-host Star Jones returns to the table. She’ll be discussing […]

The View: Josh Duhamel, Star Jones...

The Studio Season 1 Episode 7, “Casting,” is a comedic grilling of Hollywood executives who fail to understand the nuances of racism in their industry, and here, co-creator Alex Gregory explains how this is a recurring problem in real-life Hollywood. In the April 30 episode, Continental Studios was preparing to announce the casting for its Kool-Aid movie: Ice Cube was picked to voice the animated Kool-Aid man with Sandra Oh as his wife, while Josh Duhamel and Jessica Biel were set to play a live-action couple. As studio head Matt Remmick (Seth Rogen) was preparing to make the casting announcement at Comic-Con, he and his team panicked as they tried to decide if casting a Black man as the Kool-Aid man was playing into racial stereotypes — and they were concerned more about whether their casting choices could appear racist, rather than if they actually were racist. Quinn (Chase Sui Wonders) then tried to...

We’re nearly halfway through the year, and Netflix has already delivered a wave of incredible new and returning shows. While some might've captured your interest right away, others might've slipped under the radar for you. That doesn't mean they're any less worth watching. Netflix just has so much content that it's easy for some shows to get overlooked, regardless of their popularity. But let's change that right now.

We want to get you caught up on some of the best Netflix shows to come out this year that you might've missed. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, we’ve put together a mix of six must-watch Netflix series released in 2025 that will keep you hooked from the very first episode.

(L to R) Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho Moon, Anna Cathcart as Kitty Song Covey in episode 201 of Xo, Kitty | Netflix Xo, Kitty season 2

One of the first...

Marvel’s Thunderbolts* is looking to rejuvenate the MCU, which continues to struggle with creative fatigue and what seems like endless franchise bloat. With initial reviews rolling in, Thunderbolts* feels like a make-or-break sort of deal for the franchise – one that many believe has been coasting on fumes since Endgame. For it, Marvel’s using the “dirty half-dozen” – a scrappy lineup of antiheroes, battered operatives, and familiar side characters who find themselves suddenly pushed into the spotlight.

As the final film in Phase 5, Thunderbolts* follows Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, hesitantly stepping into a leadership role against a CIA handler who’d happily throw her under the bus. Initial reactions to the film, nonetheless, suggest that it’s messier than your average Marvel outing, but the silver lining is that it is more character-driven. And while the asterisk in the title may feel like a punchline, the cast brings enough...

Netflix just shared the latest viewership numbers for Ransom Canyon, and things are looking great! It seems very likely that Ransom Canyon season 2 is going to happen now.

According to Netflix, Ransom Canyon is officially the second-most popular show on this week's Netflix Top 10. From April 21-27, fans racked up 9.4 million views of Ransom Canyon season 1. That's up from 7.2 million views during the show's first week on Netflix. The series premiered on Thursday, April 17.

Only one show was watched more than Ransom Canyon on Netflix last week, and that was You season 5, the final season of the Netflix series starring Penn Badgley. It's No. 1 on the Netflix Top 10 with 10.1 million views in its opening week.

This is a lot of numbers coming at you, but the point is Ransom Canyon didn't fall off after its first week on Netflix. In fact, more people tuned in, and that's obviously a great...

As Season 1 of Ransom Canyon wrapped, fans of the new Netflix series were left with some loose threads that a new season would need to tie up. One of the characters that has the most to deal with is Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher), who presents himself as one kind of person throughout the episodes, only to reveal that he had a big secret that he conveniently forgot to tell his new lover, Ellie (Marianly Tejada). In a recent interview, Schumacher talked about his character's path in a potential Season 2.

During the interview with Swoon, Schumacher commented on the fact that we did know that Yancy is a con artist, so lying is "just second nature" to him. At the same time, the actor mentioned that he does believe that Yancy is trying to start from scratch and be a new person, but apparently, old habits die hard. If the series comes back for more episodes,...

Exclusive: Jessica Alba (Trigger Warning) has signed on to lead action thriller The Mark, a spy flick set to begin production in Australia in July.

In the film from director Justin Chadwick (Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom), Alba plays Eden, an enigmatic spy on a covert and dangerous mission. When Eden pulls single father Ben Dawson into her world of high-stakes espionage, his life is turned upside down. Mistaken for the world’s deadliest assassin, Ben becomes the perfect decoy for Eden. She uses the mix-up to expose a powerful network of corrupt politicians, placing Ben in the crosshairs of the CIA, Interpol, and ruthless crime syndicates. With enemies closing in from all sides, Eden must keep Ben alive long enough to complete her mission — while Ben must summon his inner action hero to stay alive and return to the person who matters most: his daughter.

Ronnie Christensen penned the script.

I didn’t think I’d ever be into ranch dramas, and then Yellowstone rode in, courtesy of Taylor Sheridan. Moral ambiguity, land and conquest, family dynamics and power struggles, betrayal. For someone who’s a certified simp for Game of Thrones, I loved Yellowstone. But then Netflix dropped Ransom Canyon, and folks, I’m questioning all my life choices. I can’t pay my money for this now.

Where Yellowstone gave me GoT–level stuff, Ransom Canyon delivers Hallmark vibes in cowboy boots and not the good kind. It’s way too sanitized for a genre built on grit and grime. If this is Netflix’s answer to Yellowstone, in true Barbara Corcoran style, I’m out.

Yellowstone roped me in, but Ransom Canyon ran me off A still from Ransom Canyon | Credits: Netflix

Let’s cut to the chase: I love a good ranch drama. Yellowstone was an instant obsession.

Netflix’s new Western series has been drawing comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone, and despite being poorly received by critics, the show has still been a huge hit for the streamer. Ransom Canyon, which stars Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, remains the second-most-popular project on Netflix at the time of writing, 12 days after its premiere. The series has earned a 44% score from critics on the aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes, but general audiences have been higher on the contemporary Western series, rating it at 73%. Ransom Canyon is a romance-charged family drama set against the backdrop of Texas Hill Country. The show follows the intersecting work and personal lives of three ranching families. Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, and Garrett Wareing also star in the Netflix series.

Ransom Canyon is based on the novel of the same name by Jodi Thomas, and April Blair adapted the book into a television series with Paul Haapaniemi,...

April was a sneaky good month for new Netflix shows to watch!

Looking at the list of new Netflix shows, You starring Penn Badgley is the obvious choice to be the most-watched of the month. The final season of the Netflix original series was added on Thursday, April 23. We also had a new season of Black Mirror released on April 10.

With most viewers' attention going to those two returning shows and March hits like Adolescence and more, it's easy for a few of the best Netflix shows of April 2025 to slip through the cracks. To make sure you saw all of the good Netflix shows, we shared a list of the five best Netflix shows you probably missed this month.

Pulse Pulse. (L to R) Willa Fitzgerald as Danny Simms and Colin Woodell as Xander Phillips in Episode 109 of Pulse. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 | Netflix

Medical dramas are all the rage on TV right now!

Exclusive: Josh Duhamel has signed with UTA and Range Media Partners for representation.

Duhamel can currently be seen on the hit Netflix series Ransom Canyon. The show also stars Minka Kelly and since its April 18th premiere as been one of the top shows on the streamer in recent weeks.

He also recently directed and stars in the dramedy Preschool. The cast also includes Michael Socha, Antonia Thomas, Charity Wakefield, Fenella Woolgar and James Cosmo.

He also recently starred and directed the Buddy Games pic, Buddy Games: Spring Awakening.

He continues to be repped by Adam Kaller at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hobreman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller< Gellman, Meigs and Fox.

Creating an interesting TV soap that generates millions of viewers is an art in itself. It requires a great evolving plot (often based on a book or a series of books), an unusual location, and something that can carry it. Such a concept was a great success for Yellowstone, and Virgin River did well, too.

Now, following this concept, starting April 17, 2025, Netflix began showing Ransom Canyon, another such series. The 10-episode series is created, written, and executive produced by April Blair and features a big-name cast starring Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, and many others.

The first two episodes were directed by Amanda Marsalis. While the initial critics' opinions are mixed, the audiences don’t seem to be bothered much so far, as it is topping or is close to the top of viewers' lists in many countries.

What is Ransom Canyon about?

The comparisons with Yellowstone abound here,...

As much as we instantly think about Yellowstone when we take a look at the fresh neo-western series Ransom Canyon, we can't deny that the show managed to find its own rhythm and identity in Season 1. For one, the Netflix series has a much less cynical approach to love — even though its romantic storylines have their share of twists. In a new interview, series star Jack Schumacher (Top Gun: Maverick), who plays cowboy Yancy Grey, talked about his character's secret, which is revealed by the end of the season.

The storyline of Yancy in Ransom Canyon is pretty compelling because he wasn't exactly looking for the love of his life. Initially, he comes to Texas Hill Country wanting to make money fast and then move on to the next town. He just didn't count on meeting Ellie Estevez (Marianly Tejada) and falling head over heels for her. It all looks...

Note: The following contains “Ransom Canyon” spoilers for the finale on Netflix

There’s no shortage of conflicts in Netflix’s new contemporary Western series “Ransom Canyon,” but there is one mystery at the heart of everything that spans across the season: who killed Randall?

It wasn’t murder, technically. At the start of the series, we learn that Staten’s (Josh Duhamel) son Randall left his dad in anger after his birthday party, and wound up flipping his car on the road, killing him. The news is devastating to the town, especially after losing Randall’s mother recently too.

Though the police say otherwise, Staten is convinced that there was another car on the road that night, one that either forced his son off the road or collided with teenager, causing the accident. And, in the end, Staten is right.

After discovering a piece of a truck buried near the accident site,...

Taylor Sheridan has been expanding the contemporary Western genre with his Yellowstone universe, but the genre is getting more additions. Netflix has just joined the game with a new contemporary Western romance, Ransom Canyon.

The show debuted on Netflix on Apr. 17, and it has already become a hit, per Tudum. Starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, Ransom Canyon comes from April Blair, and is based on Jodi Thomas' book series of the same name, which she published between 2015 and 2017.

Following its premiere on Apr. 17, Ransom Canyon didn't take long to enter the charts. For the week between Apr. 14 and 20, Ransom Canyon debuted in second place afterBlack Mirror: Season 7, which topped the charts in its second week since its release.

Ransom Canyon attracted 7.2 million views and 56.6 million hours viewed for its 10 episodes. The Western romance entered the Top 10 in 59 countries, and became the No. 1 show in two of them: the U.

On Thursday April 24 2025, Bravo broadcasts The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Season 6 Episode 137 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” promises to be an exciting one, airing soon on Bravo. Fans can look forward to a special performance during the popular segment known as Kellyoke. This time, Kelly Clarkson will be singing “Anything For You,” showcasing her incredible vocal talent and heartfelt emotion.

In addition to the music, the episode will feature two well-known guests, Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Both actors have made a name for themselves in Hollywood, and their appearance on the show is sure to bring some fun conversations and interesting stories. Viewers can expect to hear about their latest projects and personal experiences, adding an engaging dynamic to the episode.

Another highlight of the show will be Jennifer Beals, who is also set to join the conversation. Known for her roles in various films and television series,...

On Thursday April 24 2025, E! broadcasts The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Season 6 Episode 137 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” promises an exciting lineup that fans will not want to miss. Airing soon on E!, the episode features a special “Kellyoke” segment where Kelly Clarkson will perform the heartfelt song “Anything For You.” This segment is always a highlight, showcasing Kelly’s incredible vocal talent and ability to connect with the audience through music.

In addition to the musical performance, the episode includes appearances from popular actors Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Both guests are known for their charm and charisma, and their presence is sure to bring some fun and engaging conversations. Viewers can expect to hear about their latest projects and maybe even some behind-the-scenes stories from their careers.

Jennifer Beals, another notable guest, will also join the show. Known for her impressive work in film and television,...

Young Sheldon may have wrapped up its final season last year, but the hit CBS series has found new life on the world’s biggest streaming service. The first six seasons of The Big Bang Theory prequel series had been streaming on Netflix, but the final season joined the rest in the middle of April. This led to Young Sheldon experiencing a swift run on the Netflix charts, where it currently resides at #4 at the time of writing. The show earned a score of 84% from general audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, and it stars Iain Armitage as young Sheldon Cooper, Zoe Perry as Mary Cooper, Lance Barber as George Cooper Sr., Montana Jordan as Georgia Cooper, Raegan Revord as Missy Cooper, Wallace Shawn as Dr. John Sturgis, and even Jim Parsons as older Sheldon Cooper.

Young Sheldon was written and created for television by Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro, with others such as Steve Holland,...

On Wednesday April 23 2025, NBC broadcasts The Kelly Clarkson Show!

Season 6 Episode 137 Episode Summary

The upcoming episode of “The Kelly Clarkson Show” promises to be an exciting one, featuring a mix of music, celebrity guests, and fun segments. Airing on NBC, this episode will showcase Kelly Clarkson’s signature style, blending entertainment with heartfelt moments.

One of the highlights of the episode will be Kellyoke, where Kelly will perform “Anything For You.” This segment is always a fan favorite, as it allows Kelly to showcase her incredible vocal talent while connecting with the audience through music. Many fans look forward to seeing which song she chooses and how she puts her unique spin on it.

The episode will also feature special guests Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly. Both actors are well-known for their work in film and television, and their appearance is sure to bring some lively conversation and laughter. The...

“Ransom Canyon” is a new ‘modern-Western’ drama TV series, starring Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Andrew Liner, Marianly Tejada, Garrett Warning and Jack Schumacher, now playing on Netflix:

\“…welcome to ‘Ransom Canyon’, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of ‘Texas Hill Country’.

“With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land…

“…their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life.

“At the center of it all is stoic rancher ‘Staten Kirkland’ (Duhamel)…

“…who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance.

“Staten's only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of ‘Quinn O'Grady’ (Kelly), longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall.

“But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past…...

The success of Yellowstone is undeniable — the Paramount+ series repeatedly brings in big viewing numbers, and it's no wonder that other platforms are trying to replicate the format. Netflix's latest attempt at the neo-western genre is Ransom Canyon. For a new and unknown series, the title resonated pretty well with Netflix subscribers, and with just one week it shot up all the way to #2 among the most-watched shows on the platform — it only failed to outperform the new season of Black Mirror.

Ransom Canyon is set in Texas and chronicles the feud between three families that own ranches and are fighting to control the land. Yes, it's a pretty similar situation to what the Duttons deal with in Yellowstone, but the story managed to rope viewers in: the series accumulated 7.2 million views in less than seven days, which is more than Adolescence did this week (6M) and more than...

After its first weekend of release on Netflix, new Western romantic drama series Ransom Canyon has already made quite the mark and could be lassoing up a successful run. On April 22, less than a week after the series made its premiere on April 17, Netflix shared its latest batch of viewership numbers, and there was some exciting news for the romantic drama, but less exciting news for Pulse.

Ransom Canyon debuted at No. 2 on Netflix's weekly top 10 most watched English shows ranking with 7.2 million views, which translates to 56.6 million hours viewed. The freshman drama came in behind Black Mirror, which easily took No. 1 with 10.6 million views, rising from 7 million views the previous week. Nothing on Netflix is beating Adolescence's numbers, though.

Still, the romantic drama series made a strong debut, an ever so slightly stronger one than medical drama series Pulse, which arrived earlier this month with 6.5 million viewers in...

There are multiple reasons Netflix’s drama series Ransom Canyon — starring Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly and James Brolin in the story of three rival ranching families in Texas Hill Country — is about to have its moment in the sun.

For starters, the streaming show that launched April 17 is aiming to tap into a wave of viewer demand for soapy Westerns following the massive success of Paramount+’s Yellowstone. But more importantly, as the first Netflix production to power its base camp and catering almost entirely by the sun, Ransom Canyon is helping to expand the ways in which Hollywood projects can reduce their carbon footprints.

Based on author Jodi Thomas’ book series that debuted in 2015, the show from creator April Blair (All American) filmed much of its 10-episode first season at ranches scattered across 150 miles throughout New Mexico. Filming on location made the shoot an ideal fit for solar power,...

Netflix’s new western and family drama, Ransom Canyon, has already captured hearts.

The drama was adapted from the first book in Jodi Thomas’s Ransom Canyon book series, and it provided Netflix with a wealth of material. Still, her series reads more like an anthology.

It introduced new characters in each book, and a few characters like Lucas, Lauren, Reid, and Yancy reappeared in several.

(Courtesy of Netflix © 2025 )

Despite Netflix adapting the first book, like many other book-to-screen adaptations, it changed a lot.

It still had the angsty romance from the novels, but showrunner and creator April Blair added characters and evolved their storylines. She also raised the stakes by adding family drama, a mystery, and feuding ranches over land.

Paradise Season 1 Episode 3 Upends Entire Series With A Chilling Revelationby Paul Dailly NCIS: Origins Season 1 Episode 17 Has Us Worried a Character Won’t Survive the Finaleby Joshua Pleming...

Come to Ransom Canyon for the stunning landscapes, stay for the irresistible love stories and layered small-town drama — there’s something for everyone in the series created by April Blair.

The addictive first season revolves around local dance hall owner Quinn (Minka Kelly) and grief-stricken rancher Staten (Josh Duhamel) as they make sense of the past, present, and future of their small Texas hometown, Ransom Canyon. The former classmates have been friends forever, but could never be together. After years of pining after Staten, Quinn decides to move on — only for Staten to come out of hibernation and make things a little more complicated.

Staten is mourning the deaths of both his wife, Amala (Quinn’s best friend and another high school classmate), and his teenage son, Randall. But even in his bereavement, he’s determined to prove there was foul play involved in the car accident that...

Ransom Canyon has quickly become a popular binge-watch on Netflix, just days after its debut.

Now, fans are already wondering about a second season of the Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly-starrer. Netflix has not officially renewed the show at this time.

However, showrunner April Blair is speaking out about the possibility.

Keep reading to find out more…

April shared with TV Insider about the possibility of future seasons, “We’ve already started the writers’ room, even though the show hasn’t been picked up to series yet for Season 2.”

And she confirmed, if there is a season 2, there’s be a time jump: “We would need to because I don’t want to do anything in New York. Quinn needs to go away and save her ranch, and we need to see what the implications are for that punch that Davis goads Staten into doing and what that plot...

On April 17, 2025, Netflix released the first season of its western romance Ransom Canyon, starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, to solid reviews. The series has 10 episodes so far, and while the future is still uncertain, the fans want more.

The series has had its interesting moments, but also one major controversial moment that, while not unusual for Westerns, was somewhat unexpected for a show focusing on romance and drama as well.

In light of that, showrunner April Blair talked to the press about that Episode 10 twist and she explained how and why it had to happen. Be careful, as there will be spoilers for Episode 10 in the paragraphs that follow.

Related: Netflix Releases Trailer for Upcoming True Crime Docuseries ‘Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story,’ Premieres in May

One of the most popular characters in the series was Cap Fuller, who was played by veteran actor James Brolin,...

There's a new Mighty Ducks movie just waiting to be made by the original star, too! Too bad Disney doesn't want to make it!

The Mighty Ducks may be one of the odder franchises in Disney history. It all started with 1992's movie of the same name starring Emilio Estevez as Gordon Bombay, a cocky hotshot lawyer. After a DUI arrest, Gordon is forced to do community service coaching a junior hockey league.

Gordon hates this as he's loathed hockey ever since he failed to score a winning goal in a championship game when he was a kid. It's not helped that the team (who he nicknames the Ducks) is the worst in the league.

Slowly but surely, Gordon builds these misfits (which included a young Joshua Jackson) into a team that ends up winning the championship. Released in October of 1992, the movie turned into a sleeper success with a...

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Ransom Canyon is a Western romantic drama series created by April Blair. Based on the book series of the same name by Jodi Thomas, the Netflix series is set in a small Texan town, and it follows a blooming romantic relationship between widower Staten Kirkland and family friend Quinn O’Grady while a power struggle rages on between the three ranching dynasties. Ransom Canyon stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, Lizzy Greene, Eoin Macken, Garrett Wareing, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Andrew Liner, and James Brolin. So, if you loved the Western setting, relationship drama, and compelling characters in Ransom Canyon, here are some similar shows you should check out next.

Heartland Credit – CBC Television

Heartland is a family drama series created by Murray Shostak. Based on the book series of the same name by Lauren Brooke, the CBC Television...

Following the release of Ransom Canyon on April 17, Netflix hasn't confirmed future plans for the series with a season 2 renewal. It's too early for the streamer to decide on the new show's fate right after the premiere, but lately, Netflix has been granting early renewals for second seasons of breakout shows like Nobody Wants This and Running Point. Well, this should be their next safe bet.

The day after Ransom Canyon premiered, the series debuted at the #1 spot on Netflix's daily top 10 most popular shows ranking in the United States, and it's sure to stay put for quite some time, as well as pick up additional high chart placements worldwide. Even though it's an American modern Western, this is the kind of show, with the kind of cast, that's destined to become a global hit.

Its initial top 10 performance shows signs that Ransom Canyon will have staying power and continue...

Emilio Estevez has revealed that he wanted to reprise his role as Coach Gordon Bombay for a fourth feature film in The Mighty Ducks series, but the franchise seemingly got benched after The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. The actor, who headlined the original 1992 sports movie and picked up his hockey sticks for two more film sequels, in addition to the first season of the aforementioned Disney+ series in 2021, has admitted that he was game for a return and even wrote a script for The Mighty Ducks 4, but Disney iced it out.

Estevez spoke candidly about the status of The Mighty Ducks franchise during a recent appearance on Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast. He explained that he wrote a spec script for another feature film in the franchise to "make up" for the "disasters" of The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, which he exited before the second season. He didn't...

We've all seen it, and we love it. Ransom Canyon is the hit that Netflix hoped it would be. In the last decade, fans of Westerns (both throwbacks and modern) have gotten to see new breath breathed into the genre. In the 1950s, Westerns were huge. In the last few decades, the genre has been hit and miss.

Maybe any new Western owes some respect to Yellowstone. The Kevin Costner-led drama has led to a resurgence in high-quality series of the genre. That includes spin-offs, such as 1923, which stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. Heck, even if you don't traditionally like Westerns, you might love some of the new ones.

The truth is that it is not the setting of the story that matters, but the relationships. There is little emotional difference between a series like Downton Abbey and Yellowstone. Some characters represent good and evil in both series,...

If you needed another reason to be a proud Netflix subscriber, read on. We promise that you will be almost delighted with the news to come.

The truth is that while men and women can do most things equally well, many times the man still gets paid more. And not just a little bit more, but quite a lot. Is this fair? Of course not, but many industries have been set up that way. That includes the television and filmmaking industry.

When it comes to the new hit Netflix Western, Ransom Canyon, lead Josh Duhamel makes the most of any cast member. Exactly how much? Who knows? He was the first to be cast after having a long history of successes, including starring on Euphoria. He was the actor Netflix thought it needed to bring eyes to the screen.

Netflix subscribers should be happy with the new Ransom Canyon star...

This post contains spoilers from Netflix's Ransom Canyon from this point forward.

It's no wonder that Ransom Canyon immediately debuted in the peak of the Netflix top 10 most popular shows ranking in the United States. The modern Western romantic drama really is that good and that much of a must-watch! Between its various love triangles and complicated family business dynamics, it's the kind of show that has you invested in every single storyline.

Throughout the first season of Ransom Canyon, viewers are left wondering what's the actual truth about what happened the night Staten's son Randall died. Who killed him in the car accident? Meanwhile, so many more questions arise by the season finale, including the fate of Staten and Quinn's relationship, whether she's going to New York, and wait... Yancy has a [Spoiler]?!

After watching the Ransom Canyon season finale, you might need a bit of a refresher on what just happened,...

Netflix’s Ransom Canyon, adapted from the first novel in Jodi Thomas’s ten-book series, introduces a revised version of the story through a grounded ensemble cast and several reimagined character arcs. Showrunner April Blair worked from the original book while restructuring several plotlines to suit an ongoing serialized format.

Blair said the writers only used the first book to build the foundation for the show and chose to keep one consistent cast, diverging from the anthology-like approach in the novels. Among the most notable additions is what Blair described as the “mystery spine,” centered around Randall’s accident, which plays a major role in the series but occurs off-page and years earlier in the novel.

Josh Duhamel’s Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly’s Quinn O’Grady share a complicated history in both versions, but the pacing of their relationship varies. In the show, their romantic tension plays out over several episodes,...

Spoiler Alert: This piece spoils Ransom Canyon on Netflix.

Netflix’s new contemporary Western romance and drama series Ransom Canyon is based on the first book in a ten-book series by Jodi Thomas.

Showrunner and creator April Blair stuck to the first book, which shares its title with the show while also expanding the world and ensemble to include more for certain characters only briefly mentioned in the book.

“We only used the first book, and it’s really the foundation of the series, a very important one, and we have retained, a lot of easter eggs for fans of the book series, but we definitely made it our own,” Blair told Deadline in an interview ahead of the series launch on Netflix. “In Jodi’s series, each novel introduces a whole new cast of characters. It’s almost kind of anthology like, and some...

One of the ongoing mysteries in Netflix's Ransom Canyon was who killed Hubert Smielecki's Randall and what exactly happened leading up to his death. 

Randall is seen in the show as the son of Josh Duhamel's Staten Kirkland, a rancher living in the American who begins a love story with Quinn O'Grady's Kelly.

Did Randall Die In Ransom Canyon? Read full article on The Direct.

Spoiler Alert! This post contains spoilers for all ten episodes of Ransom Canyon on Netflix.

Ransom Canyon star Minka Kelly juggles a lot of layers and dynamics for her character Quinn O’Grady in April Blair’s 10-episode Netflix series, based loosely on the book by Jodi Thomas.

At the start of the show, a history between Quinn and widower Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) who has lost both his wife and his son, becomes clear, but Quinn also fields courtship from Staten’s late wife’s brother Davis Collins (Eoin Macken) as well as her growing businesses — Gracie’s Dance Hall which she runs with her righthand woman Ellie Estevez (Marianly Tejada) and her lavender farm. Her feelings for Staten have not dimmed despite giving it a go with Davis and putting everything she has into Gracie’s. Oh, and if that weren’t enough, Quinn also had a past...

This post contains spoilers from Ransom Canyon season 1 episode 10 from this point forward.

Following the shocking ending of the season's penultimate episode, Cap's death looms large over Ransom Canyon in the season finale. Putting his grief to work, Yancy builds a flowerbed and fountain on the ranch. Staten and Quinn drop by to ask Yancy how Ellie's doing. She's still bedridden with grief. Yancy plans to honor Cap's wish to sell the ranch, but he'll give the money to Ellie and Ruth.

Staten and Quinn arrive at an empty Gracie's to get things back up and running. In a stack of mail, Quinn finds a letter from Austin Water & Power, which asks to recoup their early-stage investment. She owes them $80K or they will pursue legal action. Staten offers to pay the bill, but Quinn doesn't want his help. Later, she talks to Davis about the truth. He's oddly friendly about the matter.

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All is fair in love and warring ranching families.

Netflix's latest series Ransom Canyon merges two popular genres — the Western and the romance — in this modern-day drama based on a series of novels by bestselling author Jodi Thomas. Josh Duhamel stars in the 10-episode first season as Staten Kirkland, a Texas rancher fighting a war on multiple fronts. As he battles outside forces for control of his family's land, his heart is at odds with his head over Quinn O'Grady (Minka Kelly), a classically trained pianist and lavender farmer who also runs the local dance hall. That Quinn was his late wife's best friend only complicates things that much more. Meanwhile — because this isn’t enough...