Netflix Just Released An Addictive New Contemporary Western Series & It’s Already Better Than Yellowstone Season 1

Netflix’s new Western series Ransom Canyon is already drawing comparisons to Taylor Sheridan’s beloved Yellowstone series, with some viewers calling it even better. Ransom Canyon, which released its entire 10-part first season on Netflix on Thursday, April 17, 2025, takes place in a small but affluent West Texas town just outside of Lubbock. Although the town and characters in Ransom Canyon are fictitious, the series is deeply rooted in the various intertwining relationships between Ransom Canyon’s ensemble cast that hit close to home with Southern charm. These qualities have some audiences and critics alike calling it a Yellowstone replacement.

Interestingly, both Yellowstone season 1 and Ransom Canyon have similar Rotten Tomatoes scores of 58% and 55%, respectively, resulting in “Rotten” designations based on mixed reviews from critics. Yellowstone season 2, however, skyrocketed up to 89% and made the Kevin Costner-led series prestige TV, with season 3 earning a perfect 100% score. Such could be the case for Ransom Canyon, whose great cast, multilevel storylines, and immersive setting have laid a strong foundation to become Netflix’s own version of Yellowstone. While there are certainly differences between the two series, there’s a lot to like about Ransom Canyon so far.

Ransom Canyon Season 1 Is More Immersive & Enjoyable Than Yellowstone Season 1

Ransom Canyon’s Likable Characters & Small-Town Setting Make It Addictive TV

Ransom Canyon, which has yet to be renewed for a second season, is more immersive and enjoyable than Yellowstone season 1. While getting introduced to John, Beth, and the Dutton family was compelling, albeit slow-moving, in Yellowstone season 1, Ransom Canyon is frankly easier to get into because of its superior characters. As a Sheridan show, which has arguably gotten better over time, Yellowstone feels like it caters to a masculine audience, which makes it less accessible, even though most, if not all, of Sheridan’s shows are still great. Ransom Canyon casts a wider net off the bat to allow more viewers in.

Yellowstone and Ransom Canyon both have soap opera elements, but the romantic twists and tensions in the new Netflix series are surprisingly well-crafted and are part of what makes the show so addictively suspenseful. Ransom Canyon still has a long way to go to achieve the full critical acclaim and legacy of Yellowstone, and I’m not saying that it has even come close. However, based on its first season, which also received mixed reviews from critics, it has undoubtedly set itself up to improve, refine, and mature in future seasons, especially considering how the ending of Ransom Canyon sets up a potential season 2.

How Ransom Canyon Differs From Yellowstone (For The Better)

It Blends Multiple Genres Such As Drama, Murder Mystery & Action/Adventure

Apart from the consistency of the romantic elements at the forefront of Ransom Canyon’s plot, which walk a fine line between being meaningful and ridiculous, Ransom Canyon is better than Yellowstone season 1 because it has a sharper pace and more storylines for viewers to sink their teeth into. While Yellowstone has been famously called a “dad show”, Ransom Canyon appeals to a younger demographic without boxing out certain demographics and target audiences. Ransom Canyon never dives too deeply into soap opera territory but indulges just enough that it rivals the betrayals and gossip of any popular reality TV show.

The drama of Ransom Canyon is not only rooted in romance, but also in business disputes, real estate battles, athletic college dreams, and even rodeo competitions. Not to mention that a riveting murder mystery exists at the backbone of the 10-part series, which ties in naturally with the other small-town happenings.

One of the later Ransom Canyon episodes actually features some action/adventure elements as well, seemingly inspired by last year’s blockbuster hit Twisters. Viewers could argue that Ransom Canyon feels overly formulaic. If that’s the case, then Netflix succeeded in finding the right algorithm for a promising future.

Will Ransom Canyon Be As Successful As Yellowstone?

The Real Pressure Will Be On Its Potential Second Season

While Ransom Canyon has proven itself out of the gate, the real test of whether it can truly stack up to the entire Yellowstone franchise will be its second season, if it reaches that point. As it currently stands, Ransom Canyon seems to have what it takes to make a multiple-season run on Netflix. Of course, quality alone won’t determine whether it gets picked up for season 2, and viewership is the true currency of the streaming age.

Ransom Canyon is surely fighting an uphill battle in the wake of Yellowstone’s success. It should be supported by the multiple books in the Ransom Canyon series written by Jodi Thomas as well. It’s tough to predict whether a Ransom Canyon franchise has the type of legs to spawn off multiple spinoffs and prequels, which is less likely. That said, Ransom Canyon is more than worthy of a binge-watch and a second season.