Ransom Canyon, Netflix’s modern Western romance drama that captivated audiences with its sweeping Texas landscapes, tangled family legacies, and heartfelt romances, returned stronger than ever in its second season. Premiering in April 2025, Season 1 introduced viewers to the rugged town of Ransom Canyon, where ranchers battle for land, love, and redemption. The series quickly climbed the Global Top 10 charts, amassing hundreds of millions of viewing hours thanks to its blend of drama, steamy relationships, and authentic cowboy vibes—earning a renewal just months after launch.
Now, with production on Season 2 wrapped in early 2026 (filming took place in New Mexico from late 2025), fans are buzzing about the cast changes. While core stars like Minka Kelly and Josh Duhamel saddle up again, the ensemble sees exciting newcomers—including Oscar-nominated Patricia Clarkson—and some notable departures. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the Ransom Canyon Season 2 cast, highlighting who’s returning, who’s new, who’s leaving, and what it means for the story ahead.
Returning Main Cast: The Heart of Ransom Canyon
The backbone of the series remains intact, with most key players reprising their roles for more drama in the Texas Hill Country.
- Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland The stoic, grieving rancher at the center of the story returns as the owner of the Double K Ranch. Duhamel’s charismatic performance drove much of Season 1’s emotional weight, as Staten navigated loss, rivalry, and a slow-burn romance. Expect even more intensity in Season 2, with teasers describing it as “sexier and steamier.”
- Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady The talented musician and dance hall owner is back, bringing warmth and strength to the community. Kelly’s chemistry with Duhamel remains a highlight, and she recently shared that the shorter eight-episode season (down from ten) allows for tighter, more impactful storytelling. “We’re all like, ‘I think I like the season even better,'” she told Entertainment Tonight.
- Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman The sheriff’s daughter and love interest for young ranch hand Lucas continues her arc of young love and family pressures.
- Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell The hardworking teen helping on the ranch, caught in an on-again-off-again romance, is back. Wareing has teased that Season 2 ramps up the drama and sensuality.
- Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey The troubled newcomer from Season 1 returns, likely deepening his ties to the community.
- Marianly Tejada as Ellie Estevez (or Ellie Catawnee) A key supporting player in the ensemble stories of legacy and romance.
- Casey W. Johnson as Kit Russell Promoted to series regular after recurring in Season 1, adding more depth to the family dynamics.
Other recurring or guest returns include Philip Winchester as Sheriff Dan Brigman, Tatanka Means, Justin Johnson Cortez as Kai Flores, Kenny Miller, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Niko Guardado as Tim O’Grady, and more. These characters help maintain the interconnected web of ranch rivalries and personal struggles.
Who’s Leaving Ransom Canyon?
Not everyone is riding back into town. Two notable exits from the main cast have been confirmed:
- Eoin Macken as Davis Collins — The rival rancher and brother-in-law to Staten, whose family tensions drove much of Season 1’s conflict, will not return as a series regular. His departure opens new storylines, possibly shifting focus to other family legacies and external threats.
- Andrew Liner as Reid Collins — Similarly exiting his recurring/regular role, this change affects the Collins family arc and allows fresh dynamics to emerge.
These departures are bittersweet but common in ensemble dramas, giving room for new blood and character growth elsewhere.
New Faces Joining the Cast: Fresh Drama Awaits
Season 2 introduces several recurring guest stars to shake up the established world:
- Patricia Clarkson as Quinn’s Mother The acclaimed actress (known for Sharp Objects, Six Feet Under, and her Emmy and Golden Globe wins) joins as a self-involved mother returning to New York ties. Her presence promises emotional depth and family revelations for Quinn (Minka Kelly), adding layers to the dance hall owner’s backstory.
- Steve Howey as Levi The Shameless and Reba alum plays Levi, Staten Kirkland’s half-brother—a rugged “mountain man” living off the land. This addition brings sibling rivalry, hidden family secrets, and more tension to Josh Duhamel’s storyline.
- Ben Robson Known for Vikings and Animal Kingdom, Robson appears in a recurring role, likely bringing intensity to the Western setting.
- Heidi Engerman The Candyman actress joins for multiple episodes, contributing to the expanding ensemble.
Additional recurring names mentioned in updates include Tatanka Means, Kenny Miller, Philip Winchester (expanding his role), Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, and others, enriching the town’s interconnected tales.
These newcomers inject fresh energy, with Clarkson and Howey particularly poised to elevate the drama through family secrets and personal conflicts.
What to Expect from Ransom Canyon Season 2
While no official release date has been confirmed (some reports suggest early 2027 due to post-production), the season promises heightened stakes. With filming wrapped in January 2026, expect more romance, land disputes, and emotional payoffs. The reduced episode count to eight allows for focused storytelling, and stars have hinted at steamier moments and deeper character development.
Ransom Canyon continues to stand out as Netflix’s answer to modern Westerns like Yellowstone, blending romance with rugged realism. The cast evolution—balancing beloved returns with bold additions—keeps the series dynamic and unpredictable.
Whether you’re drawn to the slow-burn chemistry of Duhamel and Kelly, the family sagas, or the stunning scenery, Season 2 looks set to deliver. Saddle up and stay tuned for updates—Ransom Canyon isn’t done telling its stories yet.
