‘Ransom Canyon’ Is Over: Why Netflix Canceled the Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly Drama

Just six weeks after fans got a second season to enjoy, Netflix has quietly closed the book on one of its more talked-about romantic dramas of the year.

“Ransom Canyon” won’t be returning for a third season after Netflix announced its cancellation, ending the two-season run of the Josh Duhamel-Minka Kelly romantic drama.

The announcement, reported by Deadline, came just six weeks after the Texas-set show based on Jodi Thomas’ novels premiered its second season on July 23. The show followed childhood friends turned on-and-off romantic partners Staten Kirkland (Duhamel) and Quinn O'Grady (Kelly), who could never find the right time to pursue their feelings.

Why the Show Didn’t Survive

While “Ransom Canyon” returned for a second season, it took more than two months after its season one premiere for Netflix to announce its renewal, with a reduced order of 8 episodes instead of 10, as well as storyline and cast changes.

The first season, as described by Deadline, had a “respectable but not massive viewership.” But come season two, which turned out better creatively, the numbers significantly dropped. According to the publication, it drew in 4.1 million views in its first week, 43% lower than season one’s 7.2 million on the week it premiered.

The second season also spent a week less in Netflix’s Top 10 list than the first season, which stayed on the list for four weeks. According to Deadline, the show’s costs, especially with two well-known leads, and the drop in viewership, may have contributed to the decision to terminate it.

The show wasn't alone in seeing a drop between seasons. Other Netflix shows with similar or bigger drops, like "Running Point," "The Four Seasons," and "The Gentlemen," still managed to get renewed. But for "Ransom Canyon," the numbers weren't enough.

Stills from season two of "Ransom Canyon" | Source: instagram/minkakelly

How the Show Ended

While season one ended with the breakup of Staten and Quinn, season two closed with the two back together and no major cliffhanger to resolve. The finale did tease a possible love triangle involving Ellie (Marianly Tejada) and hinted at a bigger role for Staten's half-brother Levi (Steve Howey) if the show had continued.

Minka Kelly's Reaction

Following the cancellation, Kelly shared an emotional Instagram post on September 11. "Appreciating this little trip down memory lane as we say farewell," she wrote. "All good things must come to an end. And so it is."

She also thanked fans for their support since the show debuted in 2025: "Thank you all for giving us two beautiful seasons! I love you forever my Ransom Canyon family!!" Her post included scenes from the show, highlighting the tension and passion between Staten and Quinn.

Fans responded with disappointment in the comments, many expressing hope that another platform might pick up the series. Duhamel has not yet publicly commented on the cancellation.

Kelly has previously described the show as something distinct from other ranch dramas like "Yellowstone." "I guess they're both in the same sandbox, but I think Ransom is a totally different thing," she told E! News last year. "It's family, it's romance, beautiful landscapes, it's cowboys, it's horses. It's love, loss and betrayal."

One notable moment from the show's run was Kelly's negotiation for pay closer to Duhamel’s. Though she didn't achieve full parity, she did come close.