The upcoming “Dutton Ranch” is facing a major behind-the-scenes change just weeks before its debut.
According to Puck, the “Yellowstone” spinoff has “quietly let go” of showrunner Chad Feehan ahead of the series premiere.
The reported change comes as the series prepares to launch on May 15, with anticipation building around the next chapter in the “Yellowstone” universe.
‘Dutton Ranch’ Showrunner Exit Reported Ahead of Premiere
Feehan joined the project as showrunner for season 1 of “Dutton Ranch,” which continues the story of Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler following the conclusion of Yellowstone.
According to Puck, the reported exit follows alleged on-set tension. Insiders told the outlet that Feehan “clashed on set” with series stars and executive producers Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly, who portray Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton.
The report added that “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan and 101 Studios executive David Glasser were also reportedly dissatisfied with Feehan’s work on the first season.
Despite the reported change, Puck noted that Paramount remains “confident in the show,” with concerns centered on how production was managed rather than the overall project.
‘Yellowstone’ Legacy Continues With Beth and Rip
“Yellowstone,” which aired from 2018 to 2024, followed the Dutton family as they ran their powerful Montana ranch. The story focused on John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, and his children — Kayce (Luke Grimes), Jamie (Wes Bentley), and Beth (Reilly) — along with Beth’s husband and John’s right-hand man, Rip Wheeler (Hauser).
By the end of the series, the family had gone through major changes. John and Jamie were both killed, while Beth and Rip left to start a new chapter together. Kayce’s story continues in the spinoff “Marshals,” which airs on CBS and has already been renewed for a second season.
“Dutton Ranch” focuses on Beth and Rip as they attempt to build a new life away from Montana, expanding the story into a new setting and new challenges.
David Glasser Shares ‘Dutton Ranch’ Vision Ahead of Premiere
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the March 2026 premiere of “Marshals,” Glasser described the direction of “Dutton Ranch” and how it builds on existing characters.
“It’s a way to explore the characters, but also mature the characters,” Glasser said. “I think that’s the nice thing. We all want to be with them on the ride, but we also want to see them grow.”
He added that the series will continue the franchise’s high-stakes storytelling.
“These shows always, for us, are a lot of dead bodies, a lot of people getting shot, a lot of crazy stuff happening, and just when you think we can’t turn it up a notch, we do,” Glasser said.
‘Dutton Ranch’ Plot Teases New Setting and Conflict
While the original “Yellowstone” series concluded with Beth and Rip settling on a large ranch property, “Dutton Ranch” will follow the couple as they relocate to Texas.
The updated logline outlines a shift in tone and setting, with new challenges ahead.
The series follows Beth and Rip as they “fight to build a future together” while facing “brutal new realities and a ruthless rival ranch that will stop at nothing to protect its empire.”
“In South Texas, blood runs deeper, forgiveness is fleeting, and the cost of survival might just be your soul,” the logline continues.
“Dutton Ranch” is set to premiere May 15 at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount Network and Paramount+.