During Season 4 of Yellowstone, viewers were transported from the Montana-based Dutton Yellowstone Ranch to one in Texas called 6666 (pronounced four sixes) after Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) moved down there. In true Taylor Sheridan fashion, he used this opportunity to introduce a new way of ranching and an entire cast of characters—which would inspire the newest Yellowstone spin-off, 6666. Below, we have found out everything you need to know about the show, including which characters might make an appearance. Read on for more.
What is the ‘Yellowstone’ spin-off ‘6666’ about?
6666 was originally announced in February 2021, and it was actually one of the first spin-offs to be confirmed. However, the franchise’s other installments—1883, 1923 and The Madison— seem to have taken center stage at the Paramount production studios since all of those have been cast and either have aired or are set to air within the next year.
The Texas-based one, though, is still in pre-production as of publication, and according to the press release issued in 2021, the plot will be as follows:
“Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666. Still operating as it did two centuries before and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing. The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately, where world-class cowboys are born and made. The series will be executive produced by Sheridan, John Linson, Art Linson, David Glasser, Ron Burkle and Bob Yari.”
Kathryn Kelly and Jefferson White in ‘Yellowstone’
©Paramount Network/Courtesy of The Everett Collection
Currently, 6666 doesn’t have a release date. It was originally slated for 2023 but has been pushed back indefinitely.
Who could star in ‘6666’?
When the 6666 Ranch first appeared on screen in Yellowstone, fan favorite characters Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) and Walker (Ryan Bingham) were some of the first people to help catch cattle in that location. While there, Jimmy met and fell in love with Emily (Kathryn Kelly), and the two rode off into the Texas sunset, so to speak.
Given this, it would make sense that it would be the focal point for the spin-off. However, Sheridan is known for doing the unpredictable and could decide to go in a different direction, or he could even decide to focus on the founding of the ranch instead.
Jefferson White in ‘Yellowstone’
©Paramount Network/Courtesy of The Everett Collection
“I wish I knew,” White told Looper in 2022 of his potential involvement in the series. “I think you won’t be surprised to hear that they don’t tell me anything. It’s mostly my job just to try to hold on to the bucking bronco at any given moment. Any time I try to guess what Taylor’s going to do, what he actually does is much better, more surprising cooler and more interesting than what I would’ve guessed. So, at this point, I’ve learned to just kind of try to hold on.”
The real history behind the ‘6666’ ranch in Texas
Samuel “Burk” Burnett founded the real 6666 Ranch in 1870 after ranching on the land for nine years. To mark his territory, he branded the number “6666” on all of his cattle, which is where the name came from.
The ranch would remain in the family until 2020, when Samuel’s great-granddaughter, Anne Windfohr Marion, died. It was then sold to Sheridan and his wife, Nicole Muirbrook for over $320 million in December of that same year.
Taylor Sheridan in 2022
Omar Vega/Getty
“The legacy of the 6666 Ranch and Miss Marion’s vision for the ranch are vital not only to the ranch itself but the rich heritage of ranching in Texas,” Sheridan said.
The ranch currently has over 266,000 acres and was used as the filming location in Yellowstone.
For more ‘Yellowstone’ content, keep scrolling!
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