After 8 Years, Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Yellowstone’ Sequel Is Making a Controversial Change md20

Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are reprising their roles as Beth and Rip, two of television’s most combustible characters, with Finn Little also returning as their adopted son, Carter. Annette Bening is bringing a touch of gravitas, too, as the show’s antagonist. But instead of following the ensemble format of Yellowstone or sprawling across multiple seasons like Sheridan’s other spin-offs, Rio Palo is being developed as what insiders suggest could be a standalone story.

That’s a significant departure from Sheridan’s usual approach. From 1883 to 1923, as well as the ongoing saga of Landman, most of Sheridan’s projects are designed as multi-season commitments or part of a larger interconnected universe. Fans expecting Rio Palo to carry on Yellowstone’s legacy across years may instead get a more limited, self-contained chapter. However, nothing concrete has been confirmed about the show’s future yet.

Yellowstone Moves to Texas

Production has landed in Ferris, a small town about 20 miles south of Dallas. In a statement, Ferris City Manager Brooks Williams called it “a proud and fun moment for Ferris,” signaling how much excitement the project has already generated for the local community. However, whether Ferris is actually the setting seems less likely. In the final episode of Yellowstone, Rip, Beth and Carter moved to Dillon, Montana. But they’ve always had business down in Texas, so maybe that’s where the action is? It remains to be seen. Moving the Montana show to Texas would be another bold move, though.

The biggest draw here is clear: fans finally get more of Rip and Beth, whose ferocious, complicated love story has been the emotional heart of Yellowstone. But the possibility of Rio Palo being a one-off project, rather than a multi-season epic, is already dividing viewers. Some are welcoming the idea of a focused, tightly told continuation, while others worry it cuts short the future of the Duttons’ most compelling couple.

Rio Palo, or The Dutton Ranch, is expected to debut on Paramount+ in 2026.