Netflix has canceled the Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly-led series "Ransom Canyon" after two seasons, with low ratings reportedly serving as the catalyst for the decision. The Western romantic drama, which premiered its second season on July 23, saw a significant viewership drop.
Season 2 garnered 4.1 million viewers in its first week, a 43% decrease from the 7.2 million viewers who tuned in for Season 1's debut week, according to Deadline. The second season also featured eight episodes, two fewer than the first season's total.
"Ransom Canyon," created by April Blair and based on novels by Jodi Thomas, is set in Texas and follows three ranching family dynasties vying for control of their land and legacies. Duhamel, 53, portrayed ranch owner Staten Kirkland, while Kelly, 46, played his love interest, Quinn O'Grady, a concert pianist and lavender farmer. The series also featured Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Marianly Tejada, Jack Schumacher, Andrew Liner, Philip Winchester, Brett Cullen, Kate Burton, and Heidi Grace Engerman. James Brolin was part of the cast in Season 1 as Cap Fuller.
Prior to the cancellation, showrunner April Blair indicated that the Season 2 finale was merely the beginning of the characters' journey. Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Blair described the finale, where Quinn chose Staten over her British suitor, as "just the beginning." She elaborated that while falling in love was the easy part, the subsequent challenges of maintaining that love would be a central theme for future seasons.
Both Duhamel and Kelly had expressed optimism about the show's future, discussing potential storylines for a third season. Kelly told Decider in July that she was eager to explore the reality of building a life and home together with Staten. Duhamel echoed this sentiment, suggesting the couple should "have a baby" to explore domestic life.
"Ransom Canyon" is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Representatives for Netflix, Duhamel, and Kelly have been contacted for comment.