Netflix's upcoming drama Ransom Canyon is set to explore the intertwined lives of three families in a fictional Texas community, drawing comparisons to the popular series Yellowstone. While the show is based on the bestselling novels by Jodi Thomas, its depiction of a rugged Texas landscape and a community named Ransom Canyon has prompted discussion, particularly from residents of the real town sharing the same name.

The series aims for an emotional narrative focused on relationships, family legacies, and community secrets, presenting a softer approach than the high-stakes land wars and action sequences seen in Yellowstone. It follows characters navigating love, loss, and the challenges of life in a small, isolated Texas setting. Actor Josh Duhamel has been reported as potentially joining the cast of the upcoming Netflix series, adding a familiar face to the ensemble.

Filming for the show took place around Las Vegas, New Mexico, rather than in the actual state of Texas. This choice aligns with the show's portrayal of the setting as a sprawling ranch area, consistent with Thomas's books, which used the poetic name but did not specifically detail the real locale.

The real Ransom Canyon is an incorporated town located east of Lubbock, Texas. A resident highlighted the disconnect, noting the actual town has a city hall, churches, emergency services, and over a thousand residents, bearing little resemblance to the wide-open prairie shown in the series.

Author Jodi Thomas is known for imbuing her work with authentic West Texas flavor and style, despite the fictional liberties taken with the town's depiction in the show. Her books provide the foundation for the series' characters and emotional depth. The adaptation brings her Texas saga to the screen, focusing on themes of connection and holding onto what matters.

Residents describe the real Ransom Canyon as an oasis adjacent to Buffalo Springs Lake, known for its wildlife and scenic beauty, particularly at night when street lights are absent to maintain a country feel. It is a place where deer graze in backyards and diverse bird species are common.

"So I’m pretty sure Ransom Canyon is real," one resident wrote. "Either that, or I’m living a dream."

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