Benjamin Cavell Takes the Helm as Showrunner for *Dutton Ranch* Season Two

Paramount+ announced that Benjamin Cavell will serve as showrunner for the second season of *Dutton Ranch*, replacing Chad Feehan, who stepped down in June. The series was officially renewed for a second season last week, confirming Cavell’s appointment ahead of production.

Hollywood Reporter

*Dutton Ranch* is a Yellowstone spinoff that premiered on May 15 on Paramount+. The nine-part series follows Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they relocate their family to South Texas. Its debut became the biggest original series launch in Paramount+ history and the largest basic-cable launch in three years for its simultaneous Paramount Network premiere.

Hollywood Reporter

Benjamin Cavell’s résumé includes executive production on *Justified*, creation of *SEAL Team*, authorship of *The Institute*, and co-creation of *The Stand*. Chad Feehan served as showrunner for season one. Lead actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprise their Yellowstone roles as Beth and Rip. Supporting cast includes Finn Little as Carter, Ed Harris as veterinarian Everett McKinney, Annette Bening as ranch head Beulah Jackson, Juan Pablo Raba, Jai Courtney, J.R. Villarreal, Marc Menchaca, and Natalie Alyn Lind.

Deadline Hollywood

The series is produced by Paramount Television Studios and 101 Studios. Executive producers are Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, creator Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, David C. Glasser, Art Linson, Ron Burkle, David Hutkin, Bob Yari, Christina Alexandra Voros, Michael Friedman, and Benjamin Cavell.

Deadline Hollywood

Cole Hauser emphasized that changes in showrunners are routine in television, noting the industry’s need for adaptation. Kelly Reilly praised the collaborative effort that concluded season one, describing the production as “difficult but really satisfying” and expressing pride in the creative teamwork.

Hollywood Reporter

• “This business is about adapting. We’ve been doing this for a long time. Things change. People move on.” — Cole Hauser, Actor

Hollywood Reporter

• “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. We’re all creative minds and we all work together and I’m so proud of that.” — Kelly Reilly, Actress

Hollywood Reporter

• “The Yellowstone spinoff was the biggest original series launch in Paramount+ history, while its premiere on Paramount Network marked the biggest basic cable launch in three years.” — Paramount+ press release

Hollywood Reporter

In television production, the showrunner is responsible for overseeing the series’ narrative arc, day-to-day production, and overall creative vision. A transition from Chad Feehan to Benjamin Cavell therefore places a new executive in charge of these functions for season two. Cavell’s prior experience includes executive production on *Justified* and creation of *SEAL Team*, *The Institute*, and co-creation of *The Stand*.

Hollywood Reporter

Season two is currently in pre-production, with filming slated for later in 2026. No release date has been disclosed. The series will continue to follow Beth and Rip’s efforts to build a future on their Texas ranch.

Deadline Hollywood