For fans mourning the loss of Josh Stewart on Criminal Minds, relief has arrived in the form of his new role on Dutton Ranch. The 49-year-old actor is stepping into the rugged world of Texas ranching, bringing a familiar intensity to Paramount+’s latest frontier drama.

“I would have stayed as Will forever, popping in and out,” Stewart told Us Weekly. “I loved that character. But life happens, and business dictates the path. It’s the way the industry works.” Stewart’s recurring role as Will on Criminal Minds, which began in 2007, came to an abrupt end when the character was killed off in a dramatic 2025 episode. His unexpected departure left fans stunned and longing for more of Stewart’s gripping presence.

Now, Stewart embodies Sheriff Handy Wade on Dutton Ranch, a character described as equal parts strategic, enigmatic, and unflinching. Reflecting on his casting, Stewart admitted, “[Taylor Sheridan and I] had near collisions in the past trying to coordinate schedules and characters. Finally, everything aligned perfectly, and it feels incredible to dive in now.”

Dutton Ranch follows Rip (Cole Hauser), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and their son Carter (Finn Little) as they adapt to life in Texas after leaving Montana. The show promises a mix of family drama, power struggles, and the harsh realities of ranching life. Fans can also expect to see a host of new faces, including Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Jai Courtney, Natalie Alyn Lind, Marc Menchaca, Juan Pablo Raba, and J.R. Villarreal, bringing fresh intrigue to the series.

“The series is a collision of past and present,” Stewart noted, hinting at the intense dynamics at play. “Beth and Rip are trying to forge a future while confronting brutal realities and a rival ranch willing to do anything to protect its empire. In South Texas, blood runs deeper than loyalty, forgiveness is fleeting, and survival comes at the highest cost—even your soul.”

Stewart kept much of Sheriff Wade’s role under wraps, teasing only that the character is not a typical cop. “They always joke that if I’m playing the cop, he’s probably not the one you want as a partner,” he said. “Down here in South Texas, the law has its own rules. Wade keeps everyone in his pocket—the good, the bad, the indifferent. My approach is to know everyone, understand everyone, and leverage that.”

When asked about the possibility of a Criminal Minds reunion, Stewart laughed: “Paget Brewster? Without a doubt. Give her a horse and a bottle of something, and I’m all in.” His remarks hint at the series’ willingness to blend old loyalties with new storylines, keeping longtime fans engaged while exploring fresh narrative territory.

Dutton Ranch airs Fridays on Paramount+, promising high-stakes drama, moral complexity, and a touch of Stewart’s signature intensity. For those who have missed him since Criminal Minds, the Texas landscape might just be the perfect stage for his return.