Get ready, Yellowstone fans, because the universe just got its biggest update since the dramatic end of the original series! The highly anticipated Beth and Rip spin-off is officially taking shape, and this week brings exhilarating news: one of the most beloved characters from Yellowstone is confirmed to be a series regular in the new show! In fact, whispers suggest the entire sequel might even be shaped around this character’s journey.

If you caught the thumbnail, you already know who we’re talking about: it’s none other than Carter, played by the talented Finn Little! Carter, who arrived in the Dutton world as a lost kid and slowly carved out his place, is now slated to be a pivotal figure, essentially stepping into a main character role in this new chapter. While we always knew Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) would anchor the series, this revelation about Carter comes as an exciting surprise, even before official filming details.

The subtle clues were there all along! On the night of the Yellowstone series finale, Kelly Reilly posted a heartfelt reel, stating, “Whatever the future holds, this is the ending of the show we have been making for the past 7 years.” To this, Finn Little commented, “Thank you, mama. It was a pleasure.” Kelly’s telling reply, “You and I just beginning. Love you,” seemed like a sweet goodbye at the time. But now, months after Yellowstone‘s conclusion, this endearing exchange has been confirmed as a significant tease! Deadline officially reported that Carter will indeed follow Beth and Rip to their new life in Dylan.

This news makes perfect sense to many fans, as Carter’s storyline has always been rooted in his desire to embrace the cowboy way of life, symbolizing hope for the future. Remember in Season 4, Episode 6, when he looked at John Dutton and declared, “I want to be him”? This wasn’t just a child idolizing a tough man; Carter recognized what John stood for and aspired to that legacy. It appears the new series in Dylan will chronicle Carter’s journey to embody that spirit, guided by the mentorship and love of Beth and Rip.

By the end of Yellowstone, Carter’s relocation with Beth and Rip was one of the most impactful reveals in the finale. Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind the Yellowstone universe, has a clear affinity for the dynamic of older mentors guiding the younger generation – a theme seen with John Dutton and also with Jacob Dutton (Harrison Ford) in 1923. The idea of Carter being groomed to carry the Dutton legacy into the future feels incredibly fitting. Expect to see Carter as a new trainee on the ranch, with flashbacks to iconic John Dutton scenes likely woven in to guide his character’s development. Beth and Rip will undoubtedly serve as both parents and mentors, finding their own peace in raising this child, rather than being consumed by the horrors of their past.

So, what do Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser think about this next chapter? Intriguingly, their public statements suggest they’re still largely in the dark about the full script. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Cole Hauser expressed, “I’m as excited as everyone else. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they come up with. Hopefully, we’ll start seeing developments soon.” This implies that even the lead actors are awaiting more details, suggesting the script is still evolving – possibly influenced significantly by Carter’s confirmed major role. Cole added, “It’s been a tremendous journey, and I hope to spend more years with Kelly, seeing what we can create for the audience that will hopefully be as good or better than what we’ve done so far.”

While the spin-off is definitely happening, it sounds like the finer points are still being hammered out behind the scenes. There were even rumors that the show might be called Dutton Ranch, though Cole Hauser has reportedly denied those.

Thankfully, we do have a solid premiere window! According to a Quarter 1 2025 earnings call transcript from Paramount Global, the Beth and Rip Yellowstone spin-off is slated to premiere in November 2025. This is an incredibly fast turnaround, coming just a year after the end of Yellowstone, a testament to Taylor Sheridan’s prolific output. He’s also got Landman Season 2 arriving in the same month, Mayor of Kingstown Season 4 in October, and Tulsa King Season 3 in September. Despite this packed schedule, it appears the Beth and Rip show remains a top priority.

What are your thoughts on Carter’s expanded role? Are you excited to see him carry the Dutton legacy? And how do you feel about Beth and Rip becoming his mentors? Let us know in the comments below!