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Dutton Ranch is filling the hole left by Yellowstone. 

The latest spinoff of the hit Taylor Sheridan series (after CBS’s Marshals) premiered May 15 on Paramount+. The new show picks up with two of Yellowstone’s central characters, Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) as they establish a new life together in Texas following a tragedy on their Montana ranch. 

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‘Dutton Ranch’ Premiere Reveals Why Beth and Rip Moved to Texas

New shows that attempt to build on the success of a predecessor aren’t always successful. For every hit like Young Sheldon or Better Call Saul there’s a major misfire, like Joey or Joanie Loves Chachi. Fortunately for fans of Yellowstone, Dutton Ranch appears to fall squarely into the former camp. 

‘Dutton Ranch’ lassos a massive audience for series premiere

Dutton Ranch was the biggest debut in Paramount+ history. It amassed 12.9 million viewers in the first seven days after its premiere on Paramount+, making it the no. 1 streaming series according to Nielsen based on average audience for the week of May 11, according to preliminary data. Another 2.9 million people tuned in for the two-episode debut on Paramount Network. 

Fans were impressed by Dutton Ranch’s darker tone and more authentic feel, especially when compared to the less gritty and more broadcast-friendly Marshals. Critics were also complimentary, with the show earning an 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

On social media, fans praised the show.

“It’s sooo good. Emmy worthy!!!!” one person wrote on Instagram. 

‘Loved every second of it so far,” another agreed. “Congratulations everyone involved for bringing this to us.”

“It’s like they never left!!! Beth and Rip power couple,” someone else commented.  

Is ‘Dutton Ranch’ essentially ‘Yellowstone’ Season 6?

It’s no wonder that viewers are flocking to Taylor Sheridan’s latest show. “To put it simply: Dutton Ranch is Yellowstone season 6,” one critic wrote. “…after just a few minutes into the first episode of Dutton Ranch, it’s clear that the latest spinoff series is just Yellowstone with a new name and two very familiar faces.”

While Dutton Ranch keeps the core spirit of Yellowstone alive, there are a few subtle changes that make the show stand out. Beth – a divisive character on Yellowstone – is not as caught up with her toxic family drama, making her a more likeable character. Dutton Ranch also features Beth and Rip in an underdog position as they try to establish their ranch in a part of Texas where powerful rancher Beulah Jackson (Annette Bening) is used to calling the shots. 

Critics and fans both noted that Dutton Ranch serves as a course correction after Yellowstone’s lackluster final season, which was marked by behind-the-scenes drama and the departure of series star Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton. (The character was murdered offscreen in the season 5 midseason premiere.) 

“Feels like coming home (to Yellowstone) again,” one viewer wrote on Reddit. “Beth and Rip were always my favorite characters, and this show feels like an organic transition of power. Still very much in love, more seasoned and tougher than life can dish out.. but now it’s for themselves.”

New episodes of Dutton Ranch release weekly on Fridays on Paramount+. Episodes also air on the Paramount Network on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

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