Netflix’s hit modern Western romance Ransom Canyon took the streaming world by storm in 2025 with its gripping tales of rival ranching families, forbidden love triangles, and high-stakes drama in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Adapted from Jodi Thomas’ bestselling book series, the show quickly became a fan favorite, often dubbed “Netflix’s Yellowstone killer.” Starring Josh Duhamel as the brooding ranch owner Staten Kirkland and Minka Kelly as the fierce Quinn O’Grady, Season 1 delivered steamy romances, family feuds, and shocking cliffhangers that left viewers begging for more.
But as production ramped up for Ransom Canyon Season 2, explosive behind-the-scenes news shook the fandom: two major series regulars, Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner—who played the ambitious father-son duo Davis and Reid Collins—are exiting the show ahead of the new season. This unexpected cast shake-up has sparked intense speculation about the future direction of the series, potential storyline shifts, and how the writers will handle the absence of these key antagonists. In this in-depth article, we’ll dive into the details of the departures, explore the impact on Ransom Canyon Season 2, and break down everything we know so far about the upcoming episodes.
What Happened: The Shocking Exits of Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner
The bombshell dropped in September 2025 when Deadline exclusively reported that Eoin Macken (Davis Collins) and Andrew Liner (Reid Collins) would not return as series regulars for Ransom Canyon Season 2. Sources close to the production confirmed the news, though Netflix declined to comment officially, leaving fans in a frenzy across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit.
Eoin Macken, best known for his roles in Merlin, The Night Shift, and Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, portrayed Davis Collins—a charming yet ruthless Ivy League-educated rancher who owned the modern Bar W Ranch. Davis was a central villain in Season 1, relentlessly scheming to control the valuable aquifer beneath the land and rivaling Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel) not just for territory but also for Quinn O’Grady’s heart. His complex love triangle with Staten and Quinn added layers of tension and passion that kept viewers hooked.
Andrew Liner, a rising star with credits in Grown-ish and Vampire Academy, played Reid Collins, Davis’ rebellious son and the star quarterback of Ransom High. Reid’s storyline involved a messy love triangle with Lauren Brigman (Lizzy Greene) and Lucas Russell (Garrett Wareing), blending teen drama with the larger ranch wars. The father-son dynamic between Davis and Reid was one of the show’s most intriguing elements, showcasing generational conflict, ambition, and family loyalty amid betrayal.
While the exact reasons for their departures remain undisclosed, industry insiders speculate it could stem from creative decisions to refresh the narrative or scheduling conflicts for the actors. There’s no indication of on-set drama or bad blood—both Macken and Liner have stayed silent on social media about the exit. However, some fans theorize that the writers wanted to pivot away from the Collins family’s dominance to explore new threats and deepen existing relationships.
This isn’t uncommon in long-running series; similar cast changes have revitalized shows like Yellowstone (with Kevin Costner’s exit) or Virgin River. But for Ransom Canyon, losing two main actors who were deeply woven into the core conflicts feels like a bold risk.
How Will the Exits Impact Ransom Canyon Season 2 Storylines?
Season 1 ended on multiple jaw-dropping cliffhangers, many involving the Collins family. Davis was plotting a major scheme against Staten, potentially involving land grabs and sabotage. Reid, meanwhile, was torn between his father’s expectations and his budding romance, with his arc hinting at rebellion or redemption.
Without Macken and Liner as regulars, showrunner April Blair and the writing team face the challenge of writing out these characters convincingly. Possibilities include:
- Tragic Exits: Davis and Reid could meet untimely ends off-screen (e.g., an accident or rival attack), mirroring the high-stakes dangers of ranch life.
- Relocation or Exile: The Collins duo might sell the Bar W Ranch and leave Texas Hill Country, opening doors for new owners or conflicts.
- Reduced Roles: While not returning as series regulars, there’s a slim chance they could appear in guest spots or flashbacks.
The departures will undoubtedly reshape power dynamics in Ransom Canyon. The show revolves around three ranching dynasties battling for control—the Kirklands, the O’Gradys, and previously the Collins. Removing the Collins threat could shift focus to external forces, like corporate developers or new rivals, allowing deeper exploration of Staten and Quinn’s will-they-won’t-they romance.
Fans are particularly worried about the love triangles. Davis’ pursuit of Quinn was a major source of jealousy and drama—how will Staten and Quinn’s relationship evolve without that tension? Similarly, Reid’s absence simplifies the Lauren-Lucas-Reid triangle, potentially giving more screen time to younger cast members like Lizzy Greene and Garrett Wareing.
On the bright side, these changes create opportunities for fresh stories. Ransom Canyon Season 2 has been confirmed to have only 8 episodes (down from 10 in Season 1), as revealed by Minka Kelly in interviews. This tighter format could lead to more focused, intense plotting without the Collins filler.
Who’s Returning for Ransom Canyon Season 2?
Thankfully, the core cast remains intact, ensuring continuity for loyal viewers:
- Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland – The rugged fifth-generation rancher at the heart of the series.
- Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady – The independent dancehall owner and Staten’s love interest.
- Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman – The cheerleader navigating teen romance and family secrets.
- Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell – The young ranch hand caught in drama.
- Marianly Tejada as Ellie Catawnee – Involved in her own romantic twists.
- Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey – Dealing with shocking revelations from Season 1.
- Casey W. Johnson – Promoted to series regular as Kit Russell.
Other returning faces include Philip Winchester, Tatanka Means, Justin Johnson Cortez, and more in recurring or guest roles.
Exciting New Additions to the Ransom Canyon Season 2 Cast
To fill the void left by Macken and Liner, Netflix has bolstered the ensemble with talented newcomers:
- Steve Howey (Shameless, Reba) joins in a recurring role, reportedly as a brother figure or new ally/rival to Staten.
- Patricia Clarkson (Sharp Objects) plays Quinn’s sophisticated, self-involved mother, adding family drama from New York.
- Ben Robson (Animal Kingdom) and Heidi Engerman (Candyman, Chicago Fire) are set for multi-episode arcs in undisclosed roles—speculation points to Robson as a potential new love interest for Quinn or a business threat.
- Other additions include Brett Cullen, Jennifer Ens, and Kenny Miller in supporting capacities.
These casting choices suggest Season 2 will introduce urban vs. rural conflicts, more family secrets, and perhaps new romances to keep the sparks flying.
Production Updates and Release Date Speculation for Ransom Canyon Season 2
Filming for Ransom Canyon Season 2 kicked off in September 2025 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, standing in for Texas. By January 2026, production wrapped, with cast members like Garrett Wareing and Justin Johnson Cortez sharing emotional farewell posts on social media.
As of early 2026, Netflix hasn’t announced an official premiere date, but insiders predict a late 2026 or early 2027 release. The reduced episode count and post-production needs (including VFX for ranch landscapes and action sequences) point to a potential slot in Netflix’s fall or holiday lineup.
Showrunner April Blair expressed excitement in a Netflix Tudum statement: “Our dreamy little corner of Texas Hill Country is full of stories still untold, and we can’t wait to bring them to our incredible fans. Get ready for another ride.”
Minka Kelly has teased that the shorter season will make it “tighter and more intense,” focusing on unresolved cliffhangers like Quinn’s big decision about New York and Yancy’s mysterious wife reveal.
Fan Reactions to the Ransom Canyon Cast Changes
The news of Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner’s exits ignited heated discussions online. On Reddit’s r/RansomCanyonSeries, threads exploded with theories, from disappointment (“The Collins were the best villains!”) to optimism (“This could make room for more Staten/Quinn scenes!”).
On X, hashtags like #SaveTheCollins and #RansomCanyonSeason2 trended briefly, with fans praising Macken’s charismatic performance while wishing Liner luck in future projects. Some compared it to Yellowstone‘s cast turmoil, arguing that bold changes keep shows fresh.
Overall, while there’s sadness over losing beloved (or hated) characters, excitement for new blood dominates. Ransom Canyon Season 1 spent weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10, proving its dedicated fanbase will likely stick around.
Why Ransom Canyon Remains Must-Watch TV Despite the Drama
Despite the behind-the-scenes upheaval, Ransom Canyon Season 2 has all the ingredients for another addictive binge: scorching romances, cutthroat family rivalries, stunning Texas vistas, and twists that rival any modern Western. The departures of Eoin Macken and Andrew Liner mark the end of an era but the beginning of bolder storytelling.
If you haven’t caught Season 1 yet, now’s the perfect time to saddle up on Netflix. And for die-hard fans, mark your calendars—the ride back to Ransom Canyon promises to be wilder than ever.
Will the loss of the Collins family derail the series, or elevate it? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for more Ransom Canyon Season 2 updates, trailers, and release news as they drop.
