A shake‑up hits the Yellowstone universe as the Dutton Ranch spin‑off pushes forward without its Season 2 showrunner. A new report points to production management clashes rather than purely creative disagreements as the trigger for Chad Feehan’s exit.
Feehan, who previously teamed with Taylor Sheridan on Lawman: Bass Reeves, led Dutton Ranch as showrunner and executive producer. Tensions on the set with stars Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly—and others associated with the franchise—allegedly prompted Paramount to replace the top creative voice for Season 2, per Puck.
Paramount and Sheridan are said to be looking for a different Season 1 writer to take the helm in Season 2, with no names disclosed as of now. The studio remains confident in the series, which is described as a direct follow‑up to Yellowstone and is produced by Sheridan and David Glasser.
Beyond Dutton Ranch, Yellowstone has weathered off‑screen drama before, including public disputes between Costner, Sheridan, and Paramount that reshaped the flagship series. Sheridan is slated to depart for NBCUniversal in 2028, a note that adds to the franchise’s ongoing reshuffle.
Dutton Ranch follows Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they carve out a future in South Texas, facing a ruthless rival ranch and the high cost of survival. The ensemble cast includes Finn Little, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, J.R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca, Natalie Alyn Lind, Ed Harris, and Annette Bening. The show premieres May 15 on Paramount+ and Paramount Network.
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