Ransom Canyon book cover – Picture: Jodi Thomas
After having big success in the romance TV space with Sweet Magnolias, Firefly Lane, and Virgin River, Netflix is expanding further into the space with Ransom Canyon.
The project was first referenced in an interview with Netflix’s head of drama, Jinny Howe, back in August 2022, where it was cited as one of the big bets Netflix had in its ins upcoming lineup.
In the interview, Howe said, “It’s a multi-generational family show set on a ranch, and we say it’s Virgin River meets Yellowstone. We think that it’s going to deliver on all the romance and again it will be a really beautiful vista and setting, very escapist. It is in development in the early stages, but we’re very excited about it; it feels very promising.”
What’s on Netflix can reveal that Netflix has been developing the project since at least September 2021, when it optioned all 11 book entries via its Ice Cream Fridge unit.
What are the Ransom Canyon books about?
As mentioned, Netflix has optioned the entire library of the Ransom Canyon book series, which were released between 2015 and 2019 and includes:
- Ransom Canyon
- Winter’s Camp
- Rustler’s Moon
- Lone Heart Pass
- Sunrise Crossing
- Wild Horse Springs
- Indigo Lake
- Mistletoe Miracles
- A Christmas Affair
- Christmas in Winter Valley
Courtesy of GoodReads, here’s what you can expect from the adaptation should it largely follow the first book:
“Rancher Staten Kirkland, the last descendent of Ransom Canyon’s founding father, is rugged and practical to the last. No one knows that when his troubling memories threaten to overwhelm him, he runs to lovely, reclusive Quinn O’Grady… or that she has her own secret that no one living knows.
Young Lucas Reyes has his eye on the prize—college, and the chance to become something more than a ranch hand’s son. But one night, one wrong decision, will set his life on a course even he hadn’t imagined.
Yancy Grey is running hard from his troubled past. He doesn’t plan to stick around Ransom Canyon, just long enough to learn the town’s weaknesses and how to use them for personal gain. Only Yancy, a common criminal since he was old enough to reach a car’s pedals, isn’t prepared for what he encounters.
In this dramatic new series, the lives, loves and ambitions of four families will converge, set against a landscape that can be as unforgiving as it is beautiful, where passion, property and pride are worth fighting—and even dying—for.”
We’re told that Netflix’s adaptation will be set on a ranch in New Mexico.
Jodi Thomas is behind the series and has over 100 book credits to her name all while being a New York Times bestseller. Her new book series kicks off in April 2023 with Strawberry Lane described as a “heartwarming new series that’s the epitome of comfort reading.”
Jodi Thomas – Picture: jodithomas.com
Who’s behind Ransom Canyon for Netflix?
So far, we know Dan Angel is serving as a producer on the project through his Angel Family Entertainment, Inc banner.
Active in Hollywood since the mid-1980s, the producer worked recently on Netflix’s Rescued by Ruby but is best known for titles like Goosebumps, The X-Files, Gifted Hands, and Door to Door.
Other projects Angel has in development at the time of publishing include Out of My Mind for Disney+, If I Run and In 27 Days Sony, and Julie of the Wolves for Warner Bros.
In late May 2023, The Times interviewed various writers during the strike and revealed that Laura Nava was writing on the show. Previous credits include All American, Dollhouse, and Hart of Dixie.
When will production start on Ransom Canyon?
According to ProductionWeekly Issue 1354, the series is currently due to begin filming on September 12th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
It’s likely going to be filmed at Albuquerque Studios, owned by Netflix as of October 2018 with the complex currently being expanded.
We’ll be keeping you posted on everything we know about Ransom Canyon as and when we learn more.
