Parents' Guide to Ransom Canyon

TV Netflix Drama 2025
Ransom Canyon TV show poster: a White man and woman, both wearing cowboy hats, stand near each other with ranchland behind them

Common Sense Media Review

Joly Herman By Joly Herman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Underage drinking, romance, language in slow ranch drama.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 16+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

In RANSOM CANYON, Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) struggles to survive the death of his wife, managing to keep his Texas ranch running despite his loss. On the morning of his teen son's birthday, he rides to the edge of his property for a family celebration. His son (Hubert Smielecki) doesn't show, disappointing Staten, who becomes aware that his son is more entranced by his deceased mother's brother, Davis (Eoin Macken). Soon, Staten's family is delivered news of more tragedy, placing the rancher in a vulnerable position as other land owners vie for dominance in the small community. Can Staten find his way despite his grief? Or will his competitors gain the upper hand?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 2 ):
Kids say ( 1 ):

Predictable and clunky, this sleepy Western drama could use some plot twists to keep viewers intrigued. Ransom Canyon feels like a humorless attempt to create an answer to the popular Yellowstone series. Unfortunately, the dialogue, pacing, and acting fail to launch.

Teen and adult fans of soapy generational dramas can find more crave-worthy shows to binge. This one moves so slowly it can't keep pace with what's already out there.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about integrity in Ransom Canyon. A pipeline is on its way to the area, but ranchers don't all agree about whether to give way. When is greed more of a motivator than integrity?

  • Ranch life requires grueling work. Is perseverance a choice? Or is it a given?

  • Families in this show don't always agree on big-picture issues. What are some strategies for developing teamwork among unwilling participants?

TV Details

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Ransom Canyon TV show poster: a White man and woman, both wearing cowboy hats, stand near each other with ranchland behind them

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