Benjamin Cavell has been named the new showrunner for the Paramount+ series "Dutton Ranch" as it gears up for its second season, Variety reports. Cavell, known for his work on "Justified" and "Homeland," replaces creator Chad Feehan, who exited the series abruptly three weeks before its first season premiere. No official reason for Feehan's departure has been provided.
Cavell has also developed the MGM+ series "The Institute" and created the Paramount+ military drama "SEAL Team."
Stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser commented on the transition in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter. "Showrunners change all the time," Hauser stated. "This business is about adapting. Things change. People move on." Reilly added that the first season was completed with Feehan "beautifully" and that the creative process involves collaboration among "creative minds."
Fans have expressed their hopes for "Dutton Ranch" on social media, with some wishing for more character depth for Beth and suggesting improvements to storylines that felt out of character. Others are eager for more "Beth and Rip time."
"Dutton Ranch" achieved a successful debut, becoming the biggest original series launch in Paramount+ history with 12.9 million viewers worldwide in its first week. Jane Wiseman, head of originals for Paramount+, highlighted the show's success and expressed gratitude to the production teams for bringing the series to life with "grit, heart and authenticity." Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios, noted that the series has "resonated with audiences in a powerful way" and looks forward to delivering more stories in the second season.
Natalie Alyn Lind, who plays Oreana Lynn Jackson in the series, recently teased the season one finale, telling the Daily Mail that it would "flip" everything viewers thought they knew, hinting at significant plot twists involving beloved and disliked characters alike.