Filming has begun on the new Netflix series combining Virgin River and Yellowstone

Ransom Canyon, the new Netflix original series presented as the meeting between Virgin River and Yellowstone, has just launched the cameras.

Stranger Things and other Wednesdays just have to watch out: because the series ordered by Netflix is already seen as the streaming giant’s next hit. However, the formula is simple. We take two big hits, and we bring them together. The atmosphere of Virgin River and its semi-tragic, semi-comforting intrigues will therefore intersect with the universe of Yellowstone, for an original story set in splendid landscapes.

Inspired by best-selling novels, Ransom Canyon will take up many themes from these particularly popular series: expect a change of scenery, a love story between two people from very different worlds, and family and generational intrigue.

And for those who are already impatient, Netflix announced the good news: filming has officially started. It was an opportunity for the platform to offer details on its new production.

The Netflix series Ransom Canyon, a mix of Virgin River and Yellowstone, has started filming

Netflix’s new series, Ransom Canyon – billed as a cross between Virgin River and Yellowstone – began filming on January 30, 2024. Cameras are expected to stay on until June.

ransom canyon meeting between yellowstone and virgin river — paramount+/netflix

It is in a city well known to series fans that the set is set: go to Albuquerque, a city in New Mexico already highlighted by Breaking Bad, where our heroes will meet.

In total, spectators will be treated to 10 episodes of approximately 60 minutes, to follow the adventures adapted from the novels of author Jodi Thomas.

Speaking to Deadline, Jinny Howe, head of drama and development at Netflix, previously said: “It’s a contemporary western romance series, we’re just looking to explore more of that niche of heartwarming love stories. It’s a multi-generational family story set on a ranch, and we like to say it’s Virgin River meets Yellowstone.”

“We think it’s going to offer complete romance and, again, it’s going to have a really beautiful setting and a very sweet ambiance. It’s still under development, but we’re very excited about it; It’s very promising at the moment.”

Ransom Canyon: The cast of the Netflix series revealed

Since then, many more details have been revealed, including a cast that will be led by Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly, with 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 round out the supporting cast.

Finally, Netflix has apparently acquired the rights to the entire Ransom Canyon books, which 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

At the helm of the series, we will find two people: April Blair, screenwriter on episodes of Wednesday and You for Netflix, and Amanda Marsalis, director of episodes for many other programs, including Umbrella Academy or Ozark.

At the moment, no release date has been given by Netflix for Ransom Canyon. But the start of production is a big step forward for a first broadcast on the platform.