Dutton Ranch, the highly anticipated Yellowstone spin-off featuring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser is scheduled to premiere in May, but has already experienced a significant setback.
Creator, executive producer and showrunner Chad Feehan is departing the series before its debut.
It remains uncertain at this point whether he will be replaced should the Yellowstone spin-off receive a second season renewal.
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The star-studded spin-off tracks Beth Dutton (Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Hauser) as they “collide with brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire”.
Taking place in South Texas, the series promises “blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul”.
Finn Little from Yellowstone, who portrays Beth’s adopted son Carter in the original series, is also reprising his role for the spin-off.
A roster of fresh talent has joined the cast, including Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, J.R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca and Natalie Alyn Lind.
The nine-episode season launches on Paramount+ on May 15 with two episodes and will simultaneously broadcast on Paramount Network.
Feehan has not yet commented publicly on his reasons for leaving the series prior to its launch.
His departure was initially reported by Variety, who stated: “Variety has confirmed that Chad Feehan, who served as showrunner on the show’s first season, will not return in that role should it get renewed for Season 2.”
“Given Yellowstone mastermind Taylor Sheridan’s successful track record at Paramount+, that renewal seems more than likely.”
Earlier in April, country music artist Morgan Wade was also confirmed to have joined the cast in a recurring capacity.
Filming commenced in August 2025, with production taking place in Ferris, Texas.
Fans have already flocked to X to express their reactions to the recent development.
One wrote: “Dutton Ranch already losing its showrunner. Season 2 in trouble already?”
Another commented: “This is going to be awful.” A third posted: “Hollywood always implodes right before launch.”