Cole Hauser has said that making the first season of Yellowstone sequel Dutton Ranch was particularly challenging because creator Taylor Sheridan was no longer involved in the day-to-day production. Hauser, who reprises Rip Wheeler alongside Kelly Reilly’s Beth Dutton, said the cast had to adapt quickly to new writers, directors and working methods, making the series an important test of whether the franchise could continue without Sheridan’s direct presence.

Sheridan remains involved at a higher level, but Hauser described arriving on the new set as unfamiliar territory after Yellowstone ended. He said the main sources of continuity were Reilly, Finn Little and returning Yellowstone director Christina Alexandra Voros; despite the disruption, he praised the team’s effort and said he was proud of the season and eager to return.