The highly anticipated sequel to Yellowstone, titled Dutton Ranch, premieres tonight on both the Paramount Network and Paramount+. The Western drama, which began in 2018, has grown into one of television’s most lucrative franchises, generating nearly $3 billion in sales and $700 million in profit according to a Bloomberg report from last year.

In Dutton Ranch, Beth and Rip Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser) are set to make a new start in Texas. But how did they end up there? Here’s everything you need to know before tuning in.

How Did Yellowstone End?

Yellowstone, co-created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, ran for five seasons starting in 2018. The series followed the Dutton family’s struggle to protect their land from developers and rival factions. The finale saw the death of patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), leaving his children unable to pay the inheritance tax on the ranch.

In a twist, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes), the youngest son, discovered a tax loophole and sold the land to Chief Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation. As part of the deal, Kayce retained 5,000 acres called East Camp for his immediate family.

Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly), John’s only daughter, avenged his death by killing her brother Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley) with help from her husband, Rip. She held Jamie responsible for their father’s death, despite his girlfriend initiating the hit. Rip disposed of Jamie’s body in Wyoming’s no-man’s-land. When authorities arrived, Beth claimed self-defense and avoided prosecution. Investigators later believed Jamie was still at large due to crime scene contamination by Beth and Rip.

The couple then purchased a ranch near Dillon, Montana. To learn how they ended up in Texas, viewers must watch Dutton Ranch.

Who Is Returning for Dutton Ranch?

  • Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
  • Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
  • Finn Little as Carter Wheeler (their unofficially adopted son)

New Cast Members Joining Dutton Ranch

The sequel introduces several new faces to the Dutton universe:

  • Annette Bening as Beulah Jackson, the matriarch of a powerful Texas ranching family who challenges Beth’s authority.
  • Natalie Alyn Lind as Oreana Jackson, Beulah’s granddaughter who befriends Carter.
  • Ed Harris as Everett McKinney, a seasoned veterinarian and military veteran.
  • Jai Courtney, J. R. Villarreal, Juan Pablo Raba, and Hart Denton round out the ensemble cast.

Is There Another Yellowstone Spin-Off Airing Now?

Yes. The Yellowstone spin-off Marshals premiered on CBS on March 1. Eleven of the 13 episodes are available to stream on Paramount+, with the final two airing on May 17 and May 24 at 8 p.m. ET.

Marshals follows Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) as he transitions from ranching to law enforcement. The series explores his new role as a marshal while navigating personal and professional challenges.