Ransom Canyon, Netflix’s upcoming Western romantic drama series, is set to premiere on April 17, 2025. The series, created by April Blair and based on Jodi Thomas’ book series, is a romance-fueled family drama and contemporary Western saga. It follows the intersecting lives of three ranching families in the fictional Ransom Canyon, set against the rugged expanse of Texas Hill Country.
The show stars Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland, a stoic rancher, and Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady, a dancehall owner, alongside a cast that includes James Brolin, Eoin Macken, and Lizzy Greene.
At NetFilming, we’ve got the full scoop on the Ransom Canyon filming locations that bring this Texas Hill Country tale to life. Spoiler: it’s not all filmed in Texas!
What’s Ransom Canyon All About?
Ransom Canyon, created by April Blair and based on Jodi Thomas’ bestselling book series, is a Western romantic drama that is like Virgin River meets Yellowstone. It dives into the messy, heartfelt lives of three ranching families in the fictional Ransom Canyon, all tangled up in love, land disputes, and deep-rooted loyalty. Josh Duhamel portrays Staten Kirkland, a resilient rancher grappling with a devastating loss and prepared to fight valiantly to safeguard his home. Minka Kelly plays Quinn O’Grady, a dancehall owner and Staten’s longtime friend, who’s got her own dreams and struggles.
Then, a mysterious cowboy with shady secrets arrives in town, causing trouble and upending the families’ way of life. With a killer cast—think Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, James Brolin, and Philip Winchester—the show’s packed with drama, romance, and those big Texas vibes.
The show, set against the stunning Texas Hill Country, explores themes of love, loss, and the importance of standing your ground. Whether it’s family feuds, steamy connections, or dark pasts, Ransom Canyon hooks you with its raw emotion and cowboy swagger. Trust me, you’ll want to binge this one!
Ransom Canyon Filming Locations
While Ransom Canyon is set in Texas Hill Country, the series was primarily filmed in New Mexico to capture the rugged landscapes and wide-open spaces needed for its Western aesthetic. Filming kicked off on January 30, 2024, and wrapped on June 17, 2024, with over 700 locals, including 380 crew, 40 actors, and 300 extras, bringing it to life. Here’s the breakdown of the key spots.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Much of the production was based at Albuquerque Studios, a Netflix-owned facility since October 2018, which is currently being expanded. Albuquerque, or “Burque,” as locals call it, was a major hub for Ransom Canyon filming. The city’s mix of dusty deserts and modern downtown areas gave the show its gritty yet vibrant feel. This location, with its potential for further expansion, is ideal for large-scale productions such as this one.
The crew hit up spots like the Emmanuel Rosenwald Building for some historic nighttime shots. This old-school gem added a touch of Western charm. For Minka Kelly, filming here was personal. She grew up in Albuquerque and told Tudum, “Shooting here was wild. I hadn’t been back since my childhood, which was rough. Coming back for this show felt like facing my fears. It was like, ‘Wow, little Minka would never believe I’m here filming!’ It was super healing.”
Albuquerque’s semi-arid shrublands doubled as the show’s endless tundras, and its downtown gave a modern twist to some scenes. If you’re ever in town, you can feel the Ransom Canyon vibes just walking around!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe brought the Western soul to Ransom Canyon. The stunning landscapes of this city, nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, made it an obvious choice for the show. The crew set up at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a legendary movie ranch on Bonanza Creek Road. This place is Western royalty, having starred in classics like Silverado and Lonesome Dove. With sets like the Pond House, Atomic Avenue, and a full-on Western Town, it was the perfect spot for ranching scenes.
Santa Fe’s crimson mesas and wide-open spaces matched the show’s “rolling rivers and unending tundras” vibe. Cinematographer Erick Oretz shared epic behind-the-scenes shots on social media, showing off the jaw-dropping scenery. If you’re a fan, add Bonanza Creek to your road trip list—it’s a must-see for Western buffs!
Las Vegas, New Mexico
Don’t mix it up with Nevada—this Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a cozy town that added small-town heart to Ransom Canyon. The crew filmed key exterior scenes here, especially around the Emmanuel Rosenwald Building at 205 Plaza Street. This spot, right by the Las Vegas Plaza, popped up in several shots, giving that authentic Western backdrop. The town’s quiet streets and historic buildings made it a wonderful stand-in for the fictional Ransom Canyon. Locals probably loved seeing their home on screen!
Ribera, New Mexico
For some of the show’s most intimate moments, the crew headed to Blame Her Ranch in Ribera, about 45 minutes from Santa Fe. This 2,000-acre stunner, owned by Steve and Linda Blamer, sits at 7,000 feet and offers insane views, privacy, and Western-themed rooms. It’s no wonder the Ransom Canyon team picked it for emotional family scenes and dramatic showdowns. The ranch’s four unique venues and natural beauty made every shot feel special.
Fun fact: Blame Her Ranch isn’t just for filming. It’s a hot spot for weddings, family gatherings, and parties. If you’re planning a Western-themed bash, this place has Ransom Canyon energy written all over it.
Why New Mexico Instead of Texas?
It’s all about logistics and vibes. New Mexico’s deserts, plains, and ranches nail the Texas Hill Country look without the hassle. Plus, the state’s film industry is booming, thanks to spots like Albuquerque Studios and incentives from the New Mexico Film Office. Over 700 locals worked on Ransom Canyon, proving the state’s got the talent and the scenery. As Tatanka Means, who plays Jake Longbow, posted on social media, “That’s a wrap on season one! The love and energy on set were unreal. So grateful for this crew.”
New Mexico’s also a Netflix favorite, hosting hits like Stranger Things and The Harder They Fall. Fans can check out more filming spots for many TV shows & movies on Netfilming.com.
Got questions about the show or its locations? Drop ‘em below, and we’ll keep the Ransom Canyon love flowing!
Read More: The Studio Filming Locations: Where Hollywood Magic Happens
