If you’re a die-hard Yellowstone fan still recovering from the epic series finale, we have the update you’ve been desperately waiting for. The highly anticipated Beth and Rip spinoff (sometimes rumored as The Dutton Ranch or simply the modern-day Yellowstone sequel) just confirmed that Finn Little is coming back as Carter, the tough-yet-vulnerable kid who became the heart of Beth and Rip’s makeshift family. This casting news is huge – and honestly, the show wouldn’t feel complete without him!
Announced exclusively by Deadline in July 2025 and quickly picked up by major outlets like Variety, TVLine, and ScreenRant, Finn Little will reprise his role as a series regular. That means plenty of screen time for the now-19-year-old Australian actor alongside Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler). Keep reading for everything we know so far, including why this return makes perfect sense and what it means for the future of the Dutton legacy.
What Is the Beth and Rip Spinoff All About?
After the original Yellowstone wrapped up its dramatic run in late 2024, creator Taylor Sheridan wasted no time expanding the universe. This new show is a direct sequel set in the present day, picking up right after Beth and Rip ride off into their new life.
- The couple sells the massive Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and moves to a smaller (but still huge) spread in western Montana – specifically near Dillon.
- They’re building a fresh start far from the chaos of Paradise Valley.
- The story focuses on their marriage, new challenges as ranch owners, and protecting the life they’ve fought so hard for.
Unlike prequels like 1883 or 1923, this one stays in modern times and feels like a true continuation of the original series. Paramount+ hasn’t dropped an official title or exact release date yet (rumors point to late 2025 or early 2026), but excitement is already through the roof.
Who Is Carter and Why Does His Return Matter So Much?
Carter, played by Finn Little, first showed up in Season 4 as a smart-mouthed, heartbroken kid. Here’s a quick recap in simple terms:
- He meets Beth in a hospital while his dad is dying from drug addiction.
- After becoming an orphan, Beth (who can’t have biological kids because of past family trauma) impulsively brings him home.
- Rip is tough on him at first but soon teaches him the cowboy way of life.
- By the finale, Carter is a skilled ranch hand and moves with Beth and Rip to their new home – basically their adopted son.
Carter isn’t a blood Dutton, but he represents hope for the future. He’s hardworking, loyal, and reminds everyone that family is about who you choose, not just who you’re born to.
Why Fans Say the Spinoff Needed Carter
Without him, the show would miss the emotional core that made Beth and Rip so lovable in later seasons. Here’s a breakdown:
| Reason Carter’s Return is Essential | Explanation in Simple Words |
|---|---|
| Completes the Family Trio | Beth + Rip + Carter = the new “nuclear family” fans fell in love with. Leaving him out would feel wrong! |
| Heals Beth’s Past Pain | Beth lost the chance to have her own kids years ago. Carter gives her a second shot at being a mom (even if she hates the word “mama”). |
| Higher Stakes for Drama | Now Beth and Rip aren’t just fighting for land – they’re protecting their kid’s future. Expect more intense action! |
| Passes the Torch | Like Rip was to John Dutton, Carter could inherit the ranch one day. He’s the next generation of cowboy. |
| Fan-Favorite Chemistry | The banter between Carter, tough-love Beth, and mentor Rip was pure gold. Viewers demanded his return! |
This table shows exactly why social media exploded with joy when the news dropped – it fixes the one big worry fans had.
How Carter Helps Beth Move On From Her Trauma
Beth Dutton is one of TV’s fiercest characters, but her backstory is heartbreaking. As a teen, her brother Jamie tricked her into a procedure that left her unable to have children. For years, that pain fueled her anger.
Enter Carter: a lost kid who needed a home just as much as Beth needed someone to care for. At first, she’s blunt and tells him straight-up she’s not his mom. But over time?
- She defends him fiercely.
- She teaches him to stand tall.
- He softens her edges and gives her purpose beyond revenge.
In the spinoff, experts predict we’ll see Beth fully embrace this mom role. Maybe she’ll even let him call her “mama” without flipping out! It’s the happy ending (or new beginning) her character deserves.
Finn Little: From Troubled Teen Role to Rising Star
At just 19, Finn Little is already a pro. The Australian actor stole scenes in Yellowstone and has credits in movies like Those Who Wish Me Dead (also with Taylor Sheridan) and The Surfer alongside Nicolas Cage.
Fans love how real he feels as Carter – equal parts cheeky, vulnerable, and tough. His return as a series regular means we’ll watch him grow into a full-blown rancher, facing adult dangers alongside Beth and Rip.
What Else Do We Know About the Cast and Plot?
So far, the confirmed cast is small but perfect:
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton – The sharp-tongued queen we can’t get enough of.
- Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler – The loyal, no-nonsense cowboy husband.
- Finn Little as Carter – The adopted son and future heir.
Rumors swirl about possible cameos from other Yellowstone favorites or new enemies (maybe old foes like Malcolm Beck return?). The show will mix classic ranch drama – land disputes, cowboy life, family loyalty – with fresh threats in their new Montana home.
Taylor Sheridan is back in charge, so expect stunning scenery, twisty plots, and that signature mix of heart and violence.
Other Yellowstone Spinoffs to Watch For
The Dutton universe keeps growing! While we wait for the Beth and Rip spinoff:
- The Madison – Starring Michelle Pfeiffer in a brand-new ranch family story.
- Y: Marshals – Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton becoming a lawman on CBS.
- More prequels like 1944 in the works.
But for many fans, the Beth/Rip/Carter show is the one that feels like coming home.