‘Yellowstone’ spinoff ‘Dutton Ranch’ is making a major behind-the-scenes pivot for season 2, tapping Benjamin Cavell as the new showrunner and executive producer after season 1 showrunner Chad Feehan exited before the May premiere.
When ‘Dutton Ranch’ takes its next step in season 2, the change won’t be on the ranch—it’ll be in the show’s leadership.
Benjamin Cavell has been tapped to serve as the new showrunner and executive producer for the upcoming season of the Paramount+ drama, replacing Chad Feehan, who exited the series before its May premiere.
Cavell isn’t coming in cold. His television background includes creating ‘SEAL Team,’ working as a writer and producer on ‘Justified,’ and writing for series such as ‘Homeland’ and ‘Sneaky Pete.’
The timing also matters because ‘Dutton Ranch’ has already landed with a major audience after its first burst of episodes. Paramount+ previously announced that the series drew 12.9 million global viewers in its first week, described as the streamer’s biggest original series debut in its history.
On-screen. ‘Dutton Ranch’ centers on Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler—played by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser—leaving Montana behind as they try to build a new life in South Texas. The promise of a fresh start doesn’t last long. They face brutal new threats, including a rival ranch determined to protect its own empire.
Chad Feehan remains credited as creator and executive producer on season 1, but he has not publicly commented on his exit. Even so, the cast has already offered their view of how these changes can land.
Cole Hauser previously addressed the behind-the-scenes shakeup in remarks to ‘The Hollywood Reporter,’ saying, “Showrunners change all the time. This business is about adapting. We’ve been doing this for a long time. Things change. People move on.”
Kelly Reilly echoed the production side of the transition when discussing wrapping season 1 in the same interview. saying. “We finished [season one] with Chad beautifully. We finished this season together. It was a really difficult but really satisfying show to make. And so was Yellowstone. So is anything worth making.” She added. “We’re all creative minds and we all work together and I’m so proud of that.”.
With Cavell stepping in for season 2, ‘Dutton Ranch’ is headed into its next chapter as the season 1 run nears its close. Season 1 wraps up on Friday, July 3 on Paramount+.
Dutton Ranch Yellowstone spinoff Benjamin Cavell Chad Feehan showrunner season 2 Paramount+ Kelly Reilly Cole Hauser Beth Dutton Rip Wheeler SEAL Team Justified Homeland Sneaky Pete