After months of speculation, Yellowstone cancellation rumors, constant delays, and title debates, the long-awaited Beth and Rip spin-off is officially in production, and we finally have some exciting updates! The news has fans buzzing, and it looks like we’re in for an emotional and action-packed ride. So, what do we know so far about this highly anticipated show?

Secrecy and Title Drama

Right from the beginning, the spin-off has been shrouded in secrecy. Early reports hinted at a working title called Dutton Ranch, and some even speculated that Yellowstone could stretch into a sixth season. But Cole Hauser (Rip) himself put an end to those rumors, confirming, “It’s not Dutton Ranch. That’s not the name of it.” The creators have clearly kept this project close to their chest, even guarding the title fiercely. While it might be a bit frustrating for fans eager to know more, I have to admit, there’s something admirable about keeping the details tightly under wraps.  

Filming Location: Texas, Not Montana

Perhaps the biggest surprise about the spin-off is that, instead of being filmed in Montana (the setting of Yellowstone), much of the spin-off is being shot in Texas. The filming has been taking place in and around Ferris, Texas, under the working title Rio Paulo. This initially confused fans and industry insiders who thought it might be the setting for a brand new Yellowstone-related show. However, it was clarified that Rio Paulo is just a placeholder name to keep everything under wraps.

While some fans are disappointed by the decision to film in Texas, there’s a practical reason behind it. Taylor Sheridan has invested heavily in a new production facility near Fort Worth, offering a more convenient and cost-efficient environment for filming. The Fort Worth complex can host multiple productions simultaneously, and with Texas filming incentives, it makes perfect sense for Sheridan’s growing empire of shows. Still, the decision to leave the iconic Montana setting behind feels like a controversial one.

What Does This Mean for Beth and Rip’s Story?

As for the story, Beth and Rip’s journey will be front and center. Fans will remember the Yellowstone finale, where Beth revealed she had bought a ranch for herself and Rip, about 40 miles west of Dillon, Montana. This ranch seemed to be the perfect place for them to settle down, away from the chaos of the world.

However, the change in location—Texas instead of Montana—has raised some eyebrows. Is Sheridan weaving the worlds of these shows together? Some rumors suggest the Texas filming will be used for interior shots and controlled environments, while the Montana ranch will provide the sweeping, authentic landscapes we’ve come to love in Yellowstone.

There’s also the possibility that we’ll see crossovers between this new spin-off and other shows in the Yellowstone universe, like The Madison (starring Michelle Pfeiffer) and The 1944 spin-off. These connections could bring Beth and Rip back into the larger fold of the Yellowstone world, even if their story unfolds primarily in Texas.  

Beth and Rip: New Challenges Ahead

As fans know, Beth and Rip‘s relationship has been one of the most compelling arcs in Yellowstone, full of drama, love, and heartbreak. In the spin-off, Rip and Beth will face a whole new set of challenges, and Sheridan promises a focus on their relationship. According to Hauser, “Kelly and I were focused on Rip and Beth’s relationship and our love together and what we’re going to get them into. I’m excited just like everybody else.”

This will be a journey of personal growth, and we can expect to see new obstacles testing their bond. Whether it’s settling into their new life or dealing with external forces, Beth and Rip will have to navigate new territory both as a couple and as individuals. And, of course, there will be high-stakes drama and conflict along the way.

New Characters and Casting News

We know a few new faces will join the cast. Carter, a fan-favorite from Yellowstone, is confirmed to star in the spin-off. Additionally, Colombian actor Juan Pablo Raba has been cast, and casting calls suggest there will be prisoner roles and child actors, implying prison storylines might be part of the narrative. There’s even speculation that Beth could face justice for her past actions, including killing Jaime, and we might see her in prison at the start of the spin-off. This would create a time jump, where Beth has already spent years in prison and is now getting ready for a new chapter.

What About Rip and Beth’s Family?

Another rumor circulating is that Beth and Rip might pursue parenthood in the series—whether through adoption or not. While it’s unlikely this storyline will fully develop in the first episode, it’s something fans are hoping for as they see Beth and Rip start a family of their own.

Timeline and Release Date  

Originally slated for a November 2025 release, the spin-off has now been delayed to 2026, though no official reason has been given. Given how many of Sheridan’s projects are in the works, it’s likely that the delay is simply a matter of scheduling conflicts. The Madison series, the 46s, and even the Why series starring Luke Grimes are all in motion, so it makes sense that there would be delays.

Conclusion

The Beth and Rip spin-off is shaping up to be one of the most exciting projects in the Yellowstone universe, even if the secrecy surrounding it has kept fans on edge. With Texas as the filming location, new challenges for Beth and Rip, and new characters coming into play, there’s a lot to look forward to.

But the big question remains: Will Beth face her past in prison? Will she and Rip start a family? And how will the change in location affect the story? One thing’s for sure: Sheridan has plenty of surprises in store for us.