Netflix’s “Virgin River meets Yellowstone” series begins filming

Jasmine Valentine
Book artwork for new Netflix series Ransom Canyon

Netflix’s latest original series has been dubbed “Virgin River meets Yellowstone,” and has now officially begun filming.

If you’ve ever thought that you can’t get enough of soap opera-style shows such as Virgin River or Yellowstone – not least because of the long wait for new episodes – Netflix might have the perfect antidote on its way.

Similarly based on an existing book series, new show Ransom Canyon has been hailed as a cross between both popular shows, meaning that fans are already hyped for what’s to come.

Now that more details have been confirmed for the series, production is officially off the ground as Ransom Canyon begins filming.

Netflix’s “Virgin River meets Yellowstone” series begins filming

Netflix’s new series Ransom Canyon – which has been billed as a cross between Virgin River and Yellowstone – has begun filming as of January 30, 2024. Shooting is set to end in June.

The show, thought to be filming in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been greenlit for 10 60-minute episodes for the streaming platform. Set in Texas, it will follow the book series of the same name written by author Jodi Thomas.

Back in August 2022, Netflix’s Head of Drama Jinny Howe described Ransom Canyon [via Deadline] as “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.”

Since then, numerous more details have been revealed, including a cast that’s set to be led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, with additional appearances from James Brolin, Lizzy Greene, Eoin Macken, Jack Schumacher, Marianly Tejada, and Garrett Wareing.

Justin Johnson Cortez, Kate Burton, Jennifer Ens, Brett Cullen, Niko Guardado, Casey W. Johnson, Jaren K. Robledo, and Kenneth Miller also make up the supporting cast.

Netflix has apparently optioned the entire series of Ransom Canyon books, which include:

  • 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

April Blair and Amanda Marsalis will be spearheading the show’s creation.