‘Netflix’s Yellowstone’ finally drops trailer but Taylor Sheridan fans won’t be happy

Netflix has been teasing its own version of Yellowstone since last year, and now a full trailer is finally here. But there’s a good reason why Taylor Sheridan fans will be left feeling a little disappointed.

When you think of a Sheridan show, you think of macho cowboy wranglers, hard-hitting drama that usually isn’t comfortable to watch, and most likely a cameo from Sheridan himself. In short, these binge-worthy TV shows are typically gritty and straight to the point.

Question is, could Netflix ever replicate his magic? Sure, the streaming service now hosts plenty of his past seasons (Yellowstone and 1883, to name a few), but it’s not tried to make an original inspired by him… until now.

Netflix pitched a Yellowstone-themed series midway through 2024, and now we’re finally starting to see what it looks like. However, fans should be wary of the trailer.

Ransom Canyon is Virgin River in a cowboy hat, not Yellowstone

Titled Ransom Canyon, the trailer gives us the impression the new TV show is actually a lot more like Netflix other hit, Virgin River. Why? The level of soap opera drama involved, of course.

Remember, Yellowstone was all about the Dutton family holding onto their ranch and legacy, with characters often beating the crap out of each other on top of that. People were murdered, ambushed, and assaulted along the way. Basically, it was absolutely grim.

Already, Ransom Canyon isn’t showing those same signs. Sure, our main man Staten Kirkland has his hands full trying not to be talked out of selling his own ranch, but we’re focusing more on his on/off romance with Quin. She’s started seeing Staten’s arch-rival Davis in the meantime, so we’ve got a love triangle on our hands.

If that doesn’t give off the same vibes as early days Mel, Jack, and Charmaine for you, we’ve then got Yancy and Ellie. From the trailer, the pair appears to be getting incredibly intimate, with Yancy our mysterious drifter. He’s giving the same bad boy vibes as Brady, meaning we’ve got another Brie and Brady style relationship on the cards too.

Essentially, the ranches are just serving as the backdrop for something Netflix knows how to do incredibly well: tell the dramas and stories from people’s day-to-day lives, focusing on their connection first and foremost. There’s enough Western to pique Yellowstone fans’ interest, but it’s Virgin River lovers who should keep a close eye on this.

Ransom Canyon is on Netflix from April 17. In the meantime, catch up with updates for Virgin River Season 7, 1923 Season 2, and more new TV shows streaming this month.