Giddy up, Yellowstone fans: The epic saga of the Dutton family continues.
The Western drama, which began humbly in 2018, has since grown into one of television’s most valuable franchises. A Bloomberg story from last year estimated that it generated nearly $3 billion in sales and $700 million in profit.
Today, the sequel series Dutton Ranch premieres on both the Paramount Network and Paramount+. Beth and Rip are ready to make a new start in Texas. But just how did they wind up there? Here’s everything you need to know before tuning in.
How did Yellowstone end?
Taylor Sheridan and John Linson co-created Yellowstone, which ran for five seasons beginning in 2018. It follows the Dutton family and their quest to save their land from the many forces and figures who want to develop it.
In the end, after the death of patriarch John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), his children cannot afford the inheritance tax on the ranch. Kayce, his youngest son, finds a tax loophole and sells the land to Chief Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation. As part of the sale, Kayce keeps 5,000 acres called East Camp for his immediate family.
Beth, John’s only daughter, avenges his death by killing her brother Jamie with some help from her husband, Rip. She holds Jamie responsible for the death of her father, even though it was his girlfriend who initiated the hit on John. Rip disposes of the body in no-man’s-land in Wyoming. When the cops show up, Beth claims self-defense and gets away with murder.
Investigators believe Jamie is still at large, thanks to some crime scene contamination by Beth and Rip. They go on to purchase a ranch near Dillon, Montana.
To find out how they wind up in Texas, you are going to have to watch Dutton Ranch.
What Yellowstone cast members are returning for Dutton Ranch?
Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly will reprise their roles as Rip and Beth, respectively. No one else could fill those boots. Carter, their unofficially adopted son, will again be played by Finn Little.
What new cast members are joining Dutton Ranch?
Beulah Jackson, played by Annette Bening, is the matriarch of a longtime Texas ranching family who isn’t afraid of giving Beth a hard time. One of her family members, Oreana, played by Natalie Alyn Lind, befriends Carter.
Another Academy Award nominee joining the cast is Ed Harris as Everett McKinney, an experienced veterinarian and veteran.
Jai Courtney, J. R. Villarreal, Juan Pablo Raba, and Hart Denton round out the ensemble.
Wait, isn’t there already a Yellowstone spin-off airing right now?
Yes. Marshals, starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, premiered on CBS on March 1. Eleven of the 13 episodes are currently available to stream on the Paramount+ streaming service. The final two episodes will air on May 17 and May 24 at 8 p.m.
Perhaps because of its network television placement, this series is more of a procedural drama than its original source material.
How to tune in to Dutton Ranch
The first two episodes of Dutton Ranch will air on the Paramount Network beginning at 8 p.m. tonight. The season contains nine episodes in total, which will be released weekly after the premiere. The series will also be available to stream on Paramount+.