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Ed Harris complaint sparks showrunner swap, sets Paramount+ record

7/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ed Harris (veterinarian Dr. Everett McKinney) said he felt underused, was ready to quit midway through season 1, and his complaint prompted Chad Feehan’s dismissal.
Benjamin Cavell, creator of SEAL Team, was appointed the new showrunner for season 2 after Harris’ complaints.
Dutton Ranch’s debut attracted 12.9 million viewers worldwide in its first seven days, the biggest original series launch in Paramount+ history.

History

Historical Context

In February 2013 Netflix released the 13-episode first season of House of Cards, the streaming service’s first original series produced by Media Rights Capital. By ordering 26 episodes up front, Netflix bypassed traditional pilots, using user data to back the Kevin Spacey-Robin Wright drama. The show earned 33 Primetime Emmy nominations, sparking industry-wide investment in original streaming content.

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Story summary

Ed Harris (veterinarian Dr. Everett McKinney) said he felt underused, was ready to quit midway through season 1, and his complaint prompted Chad Feehan’s dismissal.
Benjamin Cavell, creator of SEAL Team, was appointed the new showrunner for season 2 after Harris’ complaints.
Dutton Ranch’s debut attracted 12.9 million viewers worldwide in its first seven days, the biggest original series launch in Paramount+ history.

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