Cole Hauser recalls brutal off-screen battle to finish 'Dutton Ranch' first season

Dutton Ranch is best known for brutal twists, painful backstabbing, and unpredictable weather in Texas.

And the last bit became too much for Cole Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler on the Yellowstone spinoff.

The Paramount series's fan-favourite character said that, along with him, the cast and crew were battered by punishing weather in Texas during the show's debut season.

“I think it was the end of the nine months of work, so I think I was a bit wiped out. The cast and crew were wiped out,” he told People.

On one side, Dutton Ranch's demanding production schedules, and on the other, the extreme weather conditions became a perfect recipe for hardship for the team.

“We went through a lot of weather issues with the heat, then the freezing cold, and there were ice storms,” he said, adding, “It was just nuts.”

After Episode 9 was shot, Hauser revealed everyone on the set sought a break.

“I think everybody at the very end of episode 9 was ready to take a breather, go home, rest up and get ready for this next year,” he recalled.

Hauser, however, despite the challenges, saw the final product when it came out lead to a wave of rave reviews, which paid off the struggle.

“All in all, I think the whole season was tough, but it was very rewarding in the end,” he shared.

“The audience loved it. The critics loved it. I can’t wait to continue to make Dutton Ranch as good as it can be.”

Now that season one has ended, Dutton Ranch has been officially renewed for season two.