Share and Follow
Despite not having aired yet, “Dutton Ranch,” the anticipated spin-off of “Yellowstone,” finds itself embroiled in controversy. Ahead of its scheduled premiere on May 15, the show’s creator and showrunner, Chad Feehan, has been dismissed and is not expected to return if a second season is commissioned.
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
According to Puck News, the issue stemmed from “Dutton Ranch” being Feehan’s inaugural venture as a showrunner. While he boasts extensive experience in producing and scriptwriting for television, and despite the show’s scripts being well-received, Feehan ran into conflicts with key cast and crew members during production. This included lead actors Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), who also serve as executive producers on the series.
Puck News further reported that Feehan’s limited history with the “Yellowstone” franchise contributed to the situation. Before “Dutton Ranch,” his only involvement with a Taylor Sheridan series was “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” where he held roles as executive producer, creator, and writer. Ultimately, Sheridan himself was reportedly dissatisfied with Feehan’s approach, resulting in their professional split.
Interestingly, Taylor Sheridan’s involvement in “Dutton Ranch” has been more limited compared to his usual hands-on approach with his projects. Like the other ongoing “Yellowstone” spin-off, “Marshals,” his contributions to “Dutton Ranch” are confined to a “created by” credit and his role as an executive producer. He neither wrote any of the nine approved scripts nor directed any episodes up to this point.
Speculation about Sheridan stepping in to lead a second season of “Dutton Ranch” has been quelled. Should the series proceed, the responsibility will likely fall to another member of the current writing team, who will be elevated to guide future production. Nevertheless, the show must first succeed with audiences. While Paramount executives seem optimistic about Season 1’s reception, the endeavor has already come at the cost of one showrunner’s departure.
Will Taylor Sheridan return to helm Season 2 of Dutton Ranch?
Ryan Emberley/amfar/Getty Images
It’s worth noting that Taylor Sheridan was not as hands-on with “Dutton Ranch” as he typically is with the majority of his shows; as is the case with the other “Yellowstone” spin-off currently airing, “Marshals,” Sheridan’s involvement extends to a “created by” credit and his status as an executive producer. He didn’t write any of the nine scripts greenlit for “Dutton Ranch,” nor did he direct any of the episodes as of this writing.Â
Might Sheridan return to run Season 2 of “Dutton Ranch”? Apparently that won’t be the case. Instead, should the show move forward, another member of the Season 1 writer’s room will get a promotion and spearhead the production. But first “Dutton Ranch” will have to pass the ultimate test and please the viewers at home. While Paramount executives seemingly feel that Season 1 accomplishes that goal, getting a quality outing in the books has already cost them one showrunner.