Dutton Ranch Showrunner Chad Feehan Removed After Cast Conflicts

Chad Feehan, the showrunner for the upcoming "Yellowstone" spinoff "Dutton Ranch," has been removed from the production ahead of its second season, following reported conflicts with key cast members during filming of the first. The series, centered on characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, is set to premiere on May 15 on Paramount and the Paramount Network.

Sources close to the production indicate that Feehan's departure stems from tensions on set, particularly with actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, who reprise their roles as Beth and Rip, as well as other longtime contributors to the "Yellowstone" franchise. Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the original series, and producer David Glasser intervened, deciding not to bring Feehan back. Officials at Paramount expressed confidence in the completed first season, describing the change as related to production management rather than the quality of the writing or final product. Feehan, who also served as an executive producer and had previously collaborated with Sheridan on "Lawman: Bass Reeves," delivered the scripts as expected but faced challenges in overseeing the team.

For the second season, producers plan to promote another...