Netflix released the second season of the Western series Ransom Canyon on July 23. The show, based on Jodi Thomas's book series, stars Josh Duhamel as troubled rancher Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly as local dance hall owner Quinn.
Season 1 recap and season 2 setup
The first season ended with Staten and Quinn realizing they were meant for each other, but their romance was cut short when Quinn took a job as a pianist for the New York Philharmonic to save her dance hall. Season 2 picks up with the couple trying to make their relationship work, but new arrivals in town threaten to change everything.
Audience and critical reception
The first season holds a 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. One user called it 'a charming and emotional Western romance,' while another said they were 'hooked.' A third viewer wrote: 'Brilliant writing and directing that left me unwilling to wait for the next day to find out what was happening. I binged the whole season in 3 days.' On IMDb, a user said: 'If you’re a fan of emotionally rich dramas like Yellowstone and Virgin River, [Ransom Canyon] is about to become your next obsession.'
Early reviews for season 2 have been less favorable. Screen Rant called it 'derivative, plain, and mostly uninspired,' while Digital Mafia Talkies claimed the show had 'taken a nose dive in an attempt to become more interesting and twisty.' However, some viewers have been kinder. One X user said: 'Ransom Canyon was the mature love story I needed! A lil more realistic than most. Love that show.' Another wrote: 'it’s good to be back,' and a third claimed: 'The first episode of Ransom Canyon is full of revelations. Oh my god.'
Ransom Canyon is streaming now on Netflix.
