Rotten Tomatoes Score for ‘Dutton Ranch’ Drops — Here’s What Critics Are Saying

‘Dutton Ranch’ is set to premiere on Paramount+, and early critic reactions indicate that this new spin-off of ‘Yellowstone’ is making waves. Currently, the series boasts an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on initial reviews, although some critics feel it leans too heavily on the successful formula established by ‘Yellowstone.’

Continuing the saga of Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, the series features Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprising their roles as the beloved couple. As they leave Montana behind to start anew in South Texas, their fresh beginning quickly spirals into danger due to conflicts with a rival ranch family.

Critics unanimously agree that Beth and Rip remain the primary draw of the show. Carissa Pavlica from TV Fanatic commended the chemistry between the two leads, stating, “Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly remain magnetic together, and the quieter moments between them are far more compelling than the series’s larger power struggles.”

Many reviewers noted that the show retains the dramatic energy that made ‘Yellowstone’ a hit. Rebecca Nicholson from Financial Times described it as “full-bodied, soapy TV fun,” while Peter Martin from ScreenAnarchy praised the pacing and storytelling, stating, “The show motors through the first four episodes with a propulsive energy that pulls the various narrative threads together with clever style.”

However, not all critics were completely sold on the spin-off. Some reviews pointed out that ‘Dutton Ranch’ does not sufficiently differentiate itself from ‘Yellowstone.’ Rodrigo Perez from The Playlist remarked that it feels more like a relocation than a reinvention, noting, “It is not so much a reinvention as a relocation. Swap Montana for Texas, bring Beth and Rip along for the ride, introduce a few new enemies, and let the old Yellowstone machinery grind away.”

Ben Rosenstock from AV Club echoed this sentiment, calling the show “just more Yellowstone, warts and all.” IndieWire’s Ben Travers suggested that despite its strong cast, the series still needs to carve out its own identity.

The addition of new cast members like Ed Harris and Annette Bening has also garnered attention from critics, who believe these veteran actors add depth to the story as the power struggles in Texas intensify.

Created by Chad Feehan, ‘Dutton Ranch’ serves as both a sequel and spin-off to ‘Yellowstone,’ marking the fifth series in the expanding franchise. Alongside Reilly and Hauser, the cast features Finn Little, Jai Courtney, Natalie Alyn Lind, Juan Pablo Raba, Marc Menchaca, and J.R. Villarreal.

The series is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 15, with nine episodes planned for its inaugural season.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!