It’s been just a few days since Paramount officially announced that Dutton Ranch—Beth and Rip’s spinoff—is headed to our screens this May, and the fanfare only continues to ignite. In addition to being thrilled for what’s said to feel like Yellowstone Season 6, fans can’t get over the cast for the new series. While some folks can’t focus on anything but the inevitably explosive scenes that lie ahead for newcomer Ed Harris, others are jaw-dropped over just how grown up Carter is in the first looks of the series.
Actor Finn Little, who plays Beth and Rip’s adopted son on the show, shared a single photo to Instagram that’s garnered over 10,000 likes and dozens of comments. In the still, Carter is sitting on the bed of a pickup with his legs draped over the edge while a girl sits next to him with her legs stretched over his lap. According to IMDB, the blonde in question is Oreana, played by Natalie Alyn Lind. Who she is, exactly, remains unclear. Though the pair’s easy lounging and matching beers make it seem like they might be more than just friends.
Regardless, fans can’t get over how grown-up Carter looks in the scene. And it makes sense—the actor was just 14 when he joined Yellowstone, and he’s now 19 years old. “Mr Little not so little anymore,” one fan remarked. “Aww, our Carter boy is all grown up now,” someone else swooned. “Awe! I can’t help but hope Beth likes her,” another fan remarked.
Speaking of Beth, Oreana seems to share her chic style and good looks, while Carter looks an awful lot like Rip. And all we have to say is we love how this storyline is shaping up! A potential teenage Beth and Rip clone? We can’t wait!
When Does Dutton Ranch Premiere?
Dutton Ranch will premiere on May 15, 2026, with the first two episodes dropping at once on Paramount+. After that, new episodes will be released weekly. Season 1 is set to include nine total episodes. The series will also air on Paramount Network the same night as its streaming debut.
Where Is Dutton Ranch Set?
Unlike Yellowstone, which was set in Montana, this series moves the story to Texas, specifically south of Dallas. Filming has also taken place in Texas locations, including Fort Worth and surrounding areas. This shift in setting is expected to bring a different feel to the show while keeping its Western roots intact.
Cast: Who Is Returning and Who’s New
Several major characters from Yellowstone are returning:
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
- Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
- Finn Little as Carter
New cast members joining the series include:
- Annette Bening
- Ed Harris
- Jai Courtney
- Natalie Alyn Lind
The mix of returning and new characters suggests the show will expand beyond the original Dutton storyline while still staying connected to it.
How It Connects to Yellowstone
Dutton Ranch is a direct continuation of Yellowstone, making it the most closely tied spinoff in the franchise so far. The original series ended with:
- The Yellowstone Ranch no longer in Dutton control
- John Dutton’s death
- Beth and Rip leaving Montana to start over
This new series follows what happens next—making it essential viewing for fans who want to continue the story.
Why This Spinoff Matters
Out of all the Yellowstone spinoffs, this is the one that:
- Continues the main storyline
- Keeps the most core characters
- Stays closest to the tone fans expect
While prequels like 1883 and 1923 explored the past, Dutton Ranch is focused entirely on what comes next. If you’re looking for the true continuation of Yellowstone, this is it.
