7 TV Series Similar to ‘Ransom Canyon’ for those Wanting More Dramatic Stories or Shows Set in Small Communities

Get ready with your cowboy gear because Netflix has a hot new show in town. Ransom Canyon is currently ranked No. 2 on the platform’s top 10 list, captivating viewers with its intense love stories, territorial disputes, and attractive cowboys.

Adapted from a book series by Jodi Thomas, this popular Western series is set in the stunning Texas Hill Country (though filmed in New Mexico). The story revolves around Staten Kirkland (played by Josh Duhamel), a strong and resilient rancher dealing with profound sorrow while fighting to protect his land and heritage. Kirkland finds solace in his feelings for his longtime friend Quinn O’Grady (portrayed by Minka Kelly), the owner of a local dance hall. As the town faces challenges, including land conflicts and romantic entanglements, the plot unfolds over 10 gripping episodes.

The stellar cast includes James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Garret Wareing, and more. Although a second season for the series is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful for a continuation. With a thumbs up from Decider in the form of a “STREAM IT” recommendation, Season 1 promises an engaging watch for viewers.

Gotten through those 10 episodes and baffled by the shocking season finale cliffhangers? Looking for more small-town romance or Texas-centered tragedies? Here are 7 similar shows to stream in the meantime:

1. Wanting another watch starring a member of the Brolin family also playing a rancher striving to protect his land after the arrival of a mysterious drifter? Then you’re today’s lucky winner because the logline for Prime Video’s Outer Range matches that almost exactly. Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) owns Abbott Ranch and struggles to cope with the mysterious disappearance of his daughter-in-law all while facing tension when a rival family vies to take over his family’s land. The arrival of a strange traveler coincides with the discovery of a black, bottomless void on the Abbott pasture. This half science fiction series satisfies the itch for more Western territory disputes while adding a supernatural twist. The stacked cast also features Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry), Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek), Lili Taylor (Mystic Pizza) and more. 

   watch outer range on prime video

2. Was the small-town romance your favorite part of Ransom Canyon? Or are you simply a really big fan of book-to-screen adaptations? If yes to either of those, then you’ll have a blast binging Virgin River on Netflix. Nurse practitioner Melinda “Mel” Monroe moves from LA to the remote Northern California town of Virgin River to escape the painful memories of her own personal tragedies. Based on a series of novels by Robyn Carr, Mel’s attempt at a fresh start turns out to be infinitely harder than she thought. Soapy show fans can rejoice because the six completed seasons, with a seventh on the way, promise lots of drama, not just cutesy romance. There’s plenty of deceit, heartbreak and secrets in store.

   watch virgin river on netflix

3. For another Western watch with a superior cast list, run, don’t walk to stream the miniseries Godless. Gang leader Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels) hunts down his former protege Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell– a big name in the headlines right now for his dark role as the Irish-jigging vampire in Sinners). After a mining accident killed the majority of its male population, Goode finds refuge in the now predominantly women-run town of La Belle, New Mexico. As Frank’s pursuit leads him to La Belle, the women prepare to stand up against his murderous band of criminals. Emmy award winner Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey) and Thomas Brodie-Sangster (The Maze Runner) also star.

   watch godless on netflix

4. If you want more of the small-town charm and angsty vibes, then you’re in luck — as are those book-to-screen lovers. Also based on the books by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows the perfect life of neurosurgeon Maggie Sullivan being rapidly turned upside down after she’s sued for negligence. Returning to her teeny hometown in Nova Scotia to reflect — this author definitely has her preferred writing niche — Maggie reconnects with her father Sully (Scott Patterson) and a handsome new stranger Cal (Chad Michael Murray). A CW reunion for some fan favorite actors! 

   watch sullivan’s crossing on the cw

5. If you loved watching hunky Josh Duhamel play a rancher, may I suggest checking out The Hunger Games heartthrob Tom Blyth as an American Frontier gunslinger in the interim of a potential Ransom Canyon renewal? As a child, Billy travels with his family to the Old West following the assurance of a better life, but is met with tragedy and empty promises. With two seasons released and a third on the way, audiences follow Billy from his early days as an Irish immigrant, to becoming an outlaw and eventually a pivotal person in the Lincoln County War.

   watch billy the kid on mgm+

6. Drama in a rural Texas town, football games, romance in the air for both the high schoolers and local adults…all these elements of Ransom Canyon remind us of another classic. Perhaps it’s time to revisit those Friday Night Lights. In fictional Dillon, Texas, winning the state football championship takes top priority above all else. Coach Eric Taylor (Kyle Chandler) leads his team through the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of highs and lows of high school football (anyone who knows that reference, time to go outside). With a high school and small town backdrop, the five season show portrays other cultural issues like school funding and racism. A great melting pot of a show to watch next — or again.

   watch friday night lights on apple tv+

7. watch tell me lies on hulu

   Looking for a lot more steam and provocative plots? Is it okay if there’s no cowboys? If the spice of Ransom Canyon is what you’re after, and the absence of raunchy ranchers is acceptable, then Tell Me Lies is your next binge. In the beginning of her freshman year at Baird College, Lucy Albright falls into the tempting arms of Stephen DeMarco after a sudden tragedy leaves her reeling. The pair embark on a tumultuous torrid affair that spans eight years. Twists, turns, secrets, deception– this sudsy soap is a perfect next watch for the more explicit leaning drama queens and kings. 

Claire Waheed is a recently graduated freelance writer currently based in Texas. She loves all things pop culture and new adventures.