Which Ransom Canyon Stars Will Return for Season 2, and Who Won’t?

Netflix’s popular series Ransom Canyon has officially been renewed for a second season — though not all cast members will return.

Based on Jodi Thomas‘ book series, Ransom Canyon invites viewers into a town brimming with drama, romance, and hope. The first season followed the stoic rancher Staten (Josh Duhamel) as he dealt with significant losses while forming an undeniable bond with his childhood friend Quinn (Minka Kelly), who also caught the eye of Staten’s brother-in-law and rival, Davis (Eoin Macken).

Newcomer Yancy (Jack Schumacher) had secrets he kept from Ellie (Marianly Tejada), while audience members were drawn into a love triangle involving high school students Lucas (Garrett Wareing), Lauren (Lizzy Greene), and Reid (Andrew Liner).

With many questions lingering at the end of season 1, fans are excited for new episodes after Netflix’s recent green light for a second season.

“We’ve already started the writers’ room, even though the show hasn’t been officially picked up for season 2 yet,” creator April Blair said to TV Insider in April 2025 regarding their plans for the new season. “Quinn’s heading to New York and coming back. How will Staten win her back if he’s still haunted? I believe he can’t truly move on until the mystery surrounding his son’s death is resolved.”

Blair confirmed that the season 1 finale revelations will impact season 2’s plot. “We wanted closure on that, plus the mystery of who was behind it and what truly happened creates a new level of relational drama between Lucas and Lauren,” she said. “This gives us a lot of opportunities for further storytelling.”

Continue reading to find out which stars will return for season 2 — and who won’t:

Josh Duhamel

“I know they’ve been writing,” Duhamel revealed to Us Weekly in June before the renewal announcement. “They’ve spent several months in the writer’s room for the second season. April Blair does an incredible job running the show, so I imagine they’re crafting something exciting.”

Expected to return, Duhamel praised the show’s narrative direction. “The romantic elements [involving Kelly’s character Quinn] are engaging, but I want to maintain an unpredictable vibe. We need a bit of danger; some choices the audience may not always favor,” he added.

Minka Kelly

Although Kelly will reprise her role, audiences won’t witness Quinn’s experiences in New York.

“We have to avoid New York because I want Quinn to focus on her ranch,” Blair noted in April 2025 during an interview with TV Line. “We need to explore the consequences of that punch Davis encourages Staten to throw and the ongoing tension between Davis and Staten’s father, the senator.”

She concluded, “I believe we’ll go with the idea of a six-month time jump since Quinn mentions she’ll be away for six months. Though nothing’s set in stone, that’s the current plan.”

Eoin Macken

For the love triangle to unfold, Macken must return as Davis; however, his role has been highly sought after in Hollywood. Wilson Bethel shared with Us in July 2025 that he auditioned for a role in the love triangle and remarked, “I never say never [to a cameo]. I’m thrilled for them; the show has succeeded impressively and who knows what roles may come up in season 2].”

By September 2025, news surfaced that Macken would not be coming back as a series regular.

Lizzy Greene

After Lucas and Lauren’s happy ending in season 2, Greene hinted to Us that possibilities remain open for the future.

“Season 1 set up a love triangle that lets the audience voice their preferences,” she said regarding the series. “And we hope for another season. This allows writers to gauge viewer preferences and dive deeper in season 2.”

Greene expressed optimism about the future of Lucas, Lauren, and Reid.

“The bond among them remains strong; there’s no ill will toward anyone involved. Their history of caring leads to successful outcomes, and that’s why their initial conflicts evolve into admiration,” she explained.

Garrett Wareing

Wareing supported Lucas and Lauren’s storyline, telling Us in April 2025, “We witnessed their happiness in season 1. What happens when they’re not happy, facing real-world issues? How does their connection evolve?”

He continued, “Lucas seeks to explore beyond Ransom Canyon, but he questions whether it’s worth pursuing without his love. That’s a crucial question we may delve into in season 2 if we’re lucky. Lucas treasures Lauren, so his dreams feel incomplete without her.”

Marianly Tejada

Last we saw in Ransom Canyon, Ellie was preparing to marry Yancy until his estranged wife (played by Erica Dasher from Jane by Design) arrived.

“An interesting tidbit nobody knows is that the actress portraying Yancy’s wife was initially the lead in my first show, Jane by Design, which aired on ABC Family. Erica Dasher was just visiting, and I asked, ‘Will you portray the back of his wife’s head? She agreed as long as I let her audition for the role,’” Blair shared with Deadline in April 2025 about how this plot will unfold. “We’re yet to confirm who will play her, but it’s shaping up to be a compelling character with a rich backstory.”

Jack Schumacher

Yancy’s personal saga was one of the major cliffhangers at the season’s end, indicating it will be explored further. Schumacher shared his excitement about joining Ransom Canyon, being a fan of Westerns.

“The show is often referred to as a mix between Yellowstone and Virgin River. That’s an accurate description. The beauty lies in its emphasis on romance, making it stand out,” he stated in April 2025 during an interview with Us.

Schumacher highlighted the show’s commitment to romance.

“The female perspective is more pronounced here compared to most Westerns, and I’m a huge fan of the genre,” he elaborated. “In modern dialogue, you’d have to be out of touch not to recognize Yellowstone and its spinoffs’ popularity. They’re exceptional, but then there’s this romantic aspect akin to shows like Virgin River.”

Andrew Liner

Liner hinted that Reid may take a darker turn in season 2, telling Us in April 2025, “He shouldn’t have gone against his family. He tries to do the right thing but grapples with understanding what is truly right for him.”

He added, “The most intriguing dynamics will revolve around his family, especially since we didn’t see much of that in season 1. Their stories are glimpsed but not fully explored; that fascinates me.”

Following the start of production for season 2, it was reported that Liner would be exiting the show.

James Brolin

Since his character, Cap, died in the season 1 finale, there’s been fan speculation about bringing in James’ son, Josh Brolin, to portray the family patriarch in future installments. Wareing expressed his enthusiasm for the idea, saying, “I’d be all for it.”

Patricia Clarkson

Season 2 of Ransom Canyon will see Clarkson stepping in as Quinn’s mother on her return from New York.

Steve Howey

Netflix confirmed in November 2025 that Howey will make guest appearances throughout season 2 as Staten’s half-brother, Levi, portrayed as “a mountain man of sorts who lives off the land.”