Ransom Canyon, based on Jodi Thomas’ 2015 novel, keeps the core concept of an idyllic rural town filled with family ties and melodrama, even with several differences from the book. Most characters are interconnected due to the town’s small size, while the series retains mainstream appeal through its engaging soundtrack and Southern charm. Despite this, critics have been largely negative, though audiences seem more forgiving, with a 74% approval rating.
Ransom Canyon’s Cast Steals the Show
Even critics who weren’t fond of Ransom Canyon agree that its ensemble cast is a standout feature. With only 15 reviews at the time of writing, each critique carries extra weight compared to larger releases like Sinners.
Aramide Tinubu of Variety praises the series, calling it “beautifully shot and boasting a stunning cast… a sexy, predictable, breezy viewing experience that delivers on its promises.”
In my own Screen Rant review, I noted, “Ransom Canyon, led by a lovable cast with undeniable chemistry, manages to surprise, make you laugh, and even break your heart.”
Ransom Canyon Struggles Under Comparisons to Yellowstone
From the start, Ransom Canyon has faced inevitable—and somewhat unfair—comparisons to Yellowstone. Even Yellowstone’s first season earned mixed reviews, with a critic score of 58%.
Chris Vogner of The Boston Globe observes that Ransom Canyon “has almost as much Friday Night Lights in its DNA as Yellowstone,” but adds, “where those shows were light on their feet, this one is merely lightweight.”
Michael Clark of The Epoch Times suggests that creator April Blair should “distance her show from Yellowstone as much as possible,” keeping only the essentials: thriller elements, adult romance, and turf wars, while trimming the rest.
Ransom Canyon’s Story Falls Short Compared to Other Westerns
While not aiming for awards, Ransom Canyon has faced criticism for its lack of narrative depth. Eric Deggans of NPR calls it “a western-flavored mash-up of predictable dramatics that makes [Taylor] Sheridan’s work look like Shakespeare.”
Angie Han of The Hollywood Reporter adds, “If you’re hoping to get fully swept up in a story, Ransom Canyon won’t be it; it’s too bland to command your notice for more than a few minutes at a time.”
Joel Keller of Decider, however, notes, “No one is going to mistake Ransom Canyon for prestige television. But it’s certainly a soapy, guilty pleasure.”
Ransom Canyon’s Romantic Storylines Divide Critics
The show’s soapy romance arcs have drawn mixed reactions. Rickey Valero of Fandomwire praises them, writing, “The romance of the story keeps you invested, along with Josh Duhamel being the perfect empathetic cowboy lost in his ways, making the series good enough to warrant a binge.”
Conversely, Ed Power of The Daily Telegraph notes, “The actors are gruffly charismatic, and their chemistry is genuine. But you wish their characters would just get a room and that Ransom Canyon busied itself with something more interesting than the dreariest will they/won’t they storyline…”
Ransom Canyon’s 10-Episode Length Draws Criticism
Some critics argue the series’ 10-episode run feels too long for its pacing and content. Archi Sengupta of LeisureByte writes, “Ransom Canyon is just so boring and unimpressive that it’s hard to sit and watch it for almost 10 hours.”
Kelly Lawler of USA Today adds, “Canyon may want to claim Texas, but it’s unclear if the state will want to claim this messy, and entirely skippable, series.”
Despite these critiques, audience reviews on Rotten Tomatoes remain more forgiving, enjoying the show for what it is rather than criticizing what it isn’t.
