I laughed, I cried, and I did a lot of both. Netflix’s original series, “The Ranch,” is the perfect combination of a feel-good sitcom that still pulls at the heartstrings. 

Ashton Kutcher stars as Colt Bennett, who comes back after his football dreams fall apart to help his father (Sam Elliott) and brother (Danny Masterson), whom he hasn’t seen in years, run the family ranch in Colorado. The series follows the lives of the Bennett family and the trials they are put through. Airing in April of 2016, the series just ended with part eight being released in January of 2020.

The entire series is wildly profane, packed with inappropriate humor and colorful language, so, you were warned. But it makes for great comedy.

The series also starts out rather light and fun, not a lot of conflict. However, the show takes a dramatic shift around season three and while there is still plenty of comedy, there is also quite a bit more heavy content that takes more of an emotional toll. 

In my personal opinion, the extra drama was necessary. The best way to draw in viewers is to leave them wanting to know what happened next. If every episode ends on a happy note without any anticipated direction, people will quickly become uninterested. 

I do think they laid it on pretty thick towards the end though. It shifted from a sitcom to more of a drama in the last couple seasons, but do not let that deter you! Regardless, it is still an amazing show and it still has an amazing capacity for comedy, even in the midst of all the conflict. Which can in turn, teach a valuable lesson of positivity for the viewers.  

“The Ranch” can definitely be referred to as redneck humor. Most of the characters hold rather conservative views, except for the father’s die-hard liberal ex-wife. And while it is not over the top political, many popular issues are brought into it such as immigration laws and abortion.

Their obvious republican roots shine through, but what is so interesting about this show is that often they’ll face a problem that challenges their beliefs. After finding out more facts about the situation and having a personal experience, it will sometimes change their perspective. This idea of open-mindedness is important to recognize and promote.  

Making this show appeal to all ages, there are different generations represented and the contrast between them is extremely funny to watch. You have the father who is very old-fashioned and stuck in his ways. While the two boys share most of the same views, they also possess knowledge of modern culture and have a fun time trying to teach their dad, who isn’t having it. 

All in all, this is a great show. There are some southern stereotypes that are a little hokey and some jokes that are bordering on off-limits, but if you are a fan of crude humor and like to get attached to fictional characters, this show is for you. 9/10 Greenfield’s for sure. Plus, the theme song is a Waylon Jennings song. Can’t go wrong with Hoss.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the GENESIS staff. Email Rayna Minix at [email protected].