We know Dutton Ranch will return for Season 2, and based on Yellowstone’s history, it seems like Season 1 will end on a cliffhanger that makes us desperate for more. However, how long will this spinoff go for? Well, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser weighed in on that question. Meanwhile, it made me realize that I actually have very strong feelings about exactly how many seasons this show should be.
Kelly Reilly And Cole Hauser Shared Their Thoughts On Dutton Ranch’s Future
Now that the first season of Dutton Ranch is about to come to a close on the 2026 TV schedule, it’s time to start looking forward. It turns out the future is something that’s been on Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser’s minds for a while too. During an interview with THR, they discussed returning to their Yellowstone characters and the potential to play them some more, with the Beth actress saying this about wanting to continue:
If the writing is good. You never want to hold on too tightly in this profession, right? So honestly, we’re very grateful to be here and if we get a chance to keep making something we’re proud of, then we’re here. If not, we’re both working actors and we’ll be fine.
Notably, this interview happened before the Dutton Ranch cast celebrated their return. However, it was evident that both lead actors did want to continue playing these characters, as Cole Hauser said:
It would be pretty cool, though. I always feel like if the audience continues to speak the way that they have about the show for the last 10 years or so, then I would love to continue to entertain them.
Well, you saw what they said. As long as the audience wants it, they’ll keep playing Rip and Beth. I love that attitude too. However, all this also got me thinking about how long I really want Dutton Ranch to be.
I Firmly Believe Dutton Ranch Should Be Three Seasons
Obviously, I will watch all these Yellowstone shows for as long as they're on with my Paramount+ subscription. However, I’m also a big believer in knowing when to say goodbye and not overstaying a welcome.
I do think Yellowstone was slightly hindered by going on for so long. Since it was on for five seasons and there was behind-the-scenes drama, the story got a little convoluted and messy toward the end. While still enjoyable, it wasn’t as concise and seemingly planned as its shorter prequels. That’s also just a common side effect of long-running shows.
The best Yellowstone shows, to me, are 1883 and 1923. Notably, both those programs are short. 1883 got one season, and 1923 got two (with no third season currently in sight). They both tell full, complete and fairly tight stories. There’s a stark beginning, middle and end, and I think that’s why they’re so epic.
I think Dutton Ranch could do something similar with three seasons. This story feels a bit bigger than two installments, seeing as the Jacksons' history in Texas is far darker and more complex than it originally seemed. And I’d like Rip and Beth’s time in Texas to be a big, meaningful chapter. However, I also don’t want the story to get lost. I think this show should only follow this odyssey happening with the Duttons and the Jacksons, and then it should end. To me, three seasons feels like the perfect amount of time to accomplish that.
So, yes, while I hope this show has a successful and sizable run, I also hope they know when it’s time to hang the cowboy hat up.
