Dutton Ranch has already been renewed for a second season, and with Season 1 ending on a major cliffhanger — Carter Green’s kidnapping by the cartel — many fans are hoping for Yellowstone crossovers. Here are five characters from the original series who could realistically appear and help advance Beth and Rip’s story.

1. Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes)

The most obvious and widely requested crossover. Kayce’s Navy SEAL background and new role in law enforcement on Marshals make him ideally placed to help rescue Carter. Kelly Reilly has already called his absence from Season 1 a “missed opportunity,” increasing the chances of a Season 2 appearance. A reunion between Kayce, Beth, and Rip would also give fans the emotional payoff many felt Marshals has so far failed to deliver.

2. Travis Wheatley (Taylor Sheridan)

Despite the character’s controversial reception in Yellowstone Season 5, a cameo could work. Sheridan has stepped back from day-to-day involvement in the spin-offs, so seeing him on-screen again would reassure fans. There are also real-life parallels: Sheridan’s acquisition of the 6666 Ranch mirrors Beth’s pitch to Beulah Jackson about making 10 Petal famous. A restrained appearance (with minimal horse-spinning) could nod to those connections without derailing the story.

3. Jimmy Hurdstram (Jefferson White)

Jimmy is already in Texas after leaving for the 6666 Ranch. He remains one of the few branded members of the Yellowstone brotherhood and has a long history with Rip. Bringing him in as support against the cartel would feel natural and give viewers a chance to check in on a beloved character who has stayed loyal since the beginning.

4. Lloyd Pierce (Forrie J. Smith)

Lloyd’s calm, grounded presence and deep bond with Rip made him a fan favourite. At the end of Yellowstone he appeared ready to retire, but Rip left the door open. A return would symbolically reconnect Beth and Rip with the Yellowstone legacy while they fight to establish themselves in Texas. It would also remind audiences of the formidable team they once led.

5. Walker (Ryan Bingham)

Walker and Rip had a complicated relationship that eventually settled into mutual respect. Walker was the one who tipped Rip off about the South Texas ranch in the first place, and he is currently at the nearby 6666. An early Yellowstone line in which Walker compares the Montana ranch to a dangerous border property also raises the intriguing possibility that 10 Petal was once his old workplace. Bringing him back could tighten the links between the two shows while giving Rip extra manpower.

Any guest appearance would need to support Beth and Rip’s central story rather than overshadow it. With Carter’s kidnapping unresolved and Season 2 already confirmed, the door is wide open for at least some of these familiar faces to ride into Rio Paloma.