"Cole Hauser Reveals Yellowstone Season 5 Changes and His Surprising Connection with Drake"
In the world of television, few shows have captured the American imagination quite like "Yellowstone." With an astounding viewership of over 14 million for its last season premiere, the series has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon. The show's impact extends far beyond traditional Western genre fans, attracting unexpected admirers from all walks of life, including notable celebrities like Drake.
Cole Hauser, who brilliantly portrays the complex character of Rip Wheeler, was drawn to the role because of its depth and nuance. The character's darkness and passionate relationship with Beth offered Hauser an opportunity to explore a multifaceted personality with numerous emotional layers. Now married to Beth in the latest season, Rip faces increased responsibilities managing the ranch while John Dutton serves as governor, adding new dimensions to the character's journey.
Key Takeaways
"Yellowstone" has become a cultural phenomenon with over 14 million viewers for its season premiere.
Cole Hauser was specifically drawn to playing Rip Wheeler due to the character's emotional depth and potential for growth.
Season five explores Rip's new responsibilities at the ranch and his marriage to Beth as John Dutton steps into the governor role.
The Remarkable Popularity of 'Yellowstone'
'Yellowstone' has established itself as one of the most successful television shows in recent history. The series has captured audiences across the country with its compelling storytelling and strong character development. Its unique blend of Western drama and family dynamics has resonated with viewers from all walks of life, creating a cultural phenomenon that continues to grow.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
The show's popularity is clearly demonstrated by its impressive viewership statistics. The season premiere attracted over 14 million viewers, a remarkable achievement in today's fragmented television landscape. This massive audience confirms 'Yellowstone' as one of the most-watched shows on television.
These numbers are particularly noteworthy in an era where streaming services have divided viewer attention. The show's ability to bring together such a large audience speaks to its universal appeal and cultural significance.
Notable Admirers of the Series
'Yellowstone' has garnered fans from unexpected places, including several high-profile celebrities. Among the show's most surprising admirers is musician Drake, who expressed his appreciation in a unique way. Rather than requesting a simple autograph, Drake asked for a pair of boots worn by Cole Hauser's character Rip Wheeler.
Other celebrities have shown their fandom in creative ways:
Chris Pratt demonstrated his admiration by dressing up as Rip Wheeler
Various fans have been spotted in major cities cosplaying as characters from the show
The series has inspired numerous Halloween costumes across the country
The widespread appeal of 'Yellowstone' extends beyond traditional Western audiences, drawing in viewers from diverse backgrounds and interests. This cross-cultural popularity has helped cement the show's status as a mainstream television success.
Cole Hauser's Fan Interactions
Cole Hauser's portrayal of Rip Wheeler on "Yellowstone" has created significant connections with viewers across different demographics. With the show reaching over 14 million viewers during its last season premiere, Hauser has experienced a wide range of fan interactions that highlight the character's impact on popular culture.
Drake's Special Boot Request
One particularly surprising fan interaction involved Canadian rapper Drake. Hauser received an unusual request through a mutual friend named Jake, who informed him that Drake wanted a pair of boots for his birthday. What made this request unique was that Drake specifically wanted Hauser to wear the boots while riding before giving them to him.
"I was like, 'He actually rides?'" Hauser recalled with surprise. "And he's like, 'No, no, he doesn't ride. He just wants a pair of boots, and he wants you to ride in the boots and give them to him.'"
True to his word, Hauser fulfilled the request, sending the boots with a personalized "Happy birthday! Rip" message. When asked if he'd consider having Drake make a cameo on "Yellowstone," Hauser enthusiastically responded, "Hell yeah" and "Bring it."
Halloween Costume Recognition
Hauser's character has become so iconic that fans regularly dress up as Rip Wheeler for Halloween and other occasions. One memorable encounter happened in New York when Hauser spotted someone dressed as his character walking down the street.
"I rolled down the window, I go, 'Rip!'" Hauser shared. "And he turned, he goes, 'Yeah!'"
The fan didn't realize it was actually Hauser himself calling out to him. Even celebrities have joined in on the trend, with actor Chris Pratt dressing up as Rip Wheeler, sporting the character's signature beard and look.
This recognition shows the cultural impact of Hauser's portrayal, turning Rip Wheeler into a character that resonates with viewers enough to inspire imitation - a testament to the connection Hauser has built between his character and the audience.
Character Insights
Rip Wheeler's Resonant Portrayal
Playing Rip Wheeler on "Yellowstone" has been an extraordinary experience. The character immediately stood out among the Dutton family members due to his compelling complexity. Rip possesses a fascinating darkness coupled with a passionate relationship with Beth, creating a role with tremendous depth and numerous emotional layers. For any actor, finding a character with such growth potential and richness is truly a dream opportunity.
The success of "Yellowstone" has been remarkable, with the last season premiere attracting over 14 million viewers. What makes this role particularly special is how it resonates with audiences from all walks of life. Even notable figures like Drake have emerged as fans of the show, requesting personalized gifts like worn boots as a birthday present.
The Unexpected Fan Following
The transformation of Rip Wheeler into a cultural icon and heartthrob was completely unexpected. This surprising development has manifested in various ways:
Fans dressing as Rip Wheeler for Halloween
Strangers on New York streets responding to "Rip!" calls
Even celebrities like Chris Pratt donning the iconic Rip Wheeler look
Season 5 brings new dimensions to the character, with Rip taking on greater responsibilities at the ranch due to John Dutton becoming governor. His marriage to Beth introduces interesting new dynamics to explore. The increased screen time for Beth and Rip's relationship provides more opportunities to showcase their unique connection that viewers have come to appreciate.
The authentic portrayal of ranch life comes naturally, drawing from genuine experience with horses and ranch living across several states including Oregon, Florida, California, and Montana.
Potential Guest Star Discussions
Drake's Interest in the Series
During an interview, the topic of unexpected fans of "Yellowstone" came up, revealing the surprising connection between Drake and the show. Drake apparently expressed such enthusiasm for the series that he requested a unique gift - a pair of boots worn by one of the main characters. The request came through a mutual friend, who explained that Drake wanted boots that had been worn during filming.
This unusual request was fulfilled, complete with a personalized "Happy birthday! Rip" message sent along with the boots. The gesture highlights the show's widespread appeal, reaching audiences beyond its expected demographic.
When asked about a potential guest appearance, the idea of Drake appearing in "Yellowstone" received enthusiastic support. "Hell yeah" and "Bring it" were the immediate responses to the suggestion of Drake making a cameo in the series. The discussion acknowledged Drake's acting background, noting his early career on "Degrassi" before his music fame.
The possibility remains open, suggesting fans might someday see this unexpected crossover if scheduling and creative opportunities align. This potential collaboration demonstrates how the show continues to attract interest from major figures in entertainment beyond its core western genre.
Beard Talk
Playful Banter About Facial Hair
During a lighthearted exchange, the conversation turned to beard grooming habits. The topic emerged when one participant complimented the other's impressive facial hair, calling it "the real deal."
The bearded guest jokingly critiqued his interviewer's patchy growth, suggesting they might need to "stipple in a little bit" or "paint it in" to fill the gaps. This prompted a humorous response about potentially wearing a fake beard for their next meeting.
When asked about grooming routines, the guest recommended a natural approach: "Let it go. Try to be a man and just let it go." He specifically advised against using the beard products that people often give as gifts, such as combs and oils.
The conversation took an unexpected turn when they discussed beard texture. The guest's facial hair was surprisingly soft to the touch, leading to a momentary awkward but amusing acknowledgment about the strangeness of "touching each other's beards" on a program viewed by millions.
This casual and humorous exchange highlighted the camaraderie between the two, mixing genuine beard advice with playful ribbing about facial hair maintenance and appearance.
Preview of "Yellowstone" Season Five
Marriage Changes and Ranch Leadership
Excitement builds for the fifth season as Rip and Beth Wheeler navigate their new marriage dynamics. Fans can expect to see more scenes between this popular couple, which should delight viewers who've followed their intense relationship. With John Dutton stepping into the governor's role, Rip faces significantly more responsibility at the ranch. As the foreman, he'll be shouldering the day-to-day management while John focuses on political duties. Taylor Sheridan has reportedly done exceptional work with this season's writing, developing these new relationship and responsibility angles.
Cole's Equestrian Experience
Cole Hauser brings authentic ranching experience to his role as Rip Wheeler. Born on a ranch in Laurel Springs, his life journey took him through Oregon, Florida, and California before his work on Yellowstone brought him to Montana. This background gives him natural credibility in his portrayal of the tough ranch foreman. His comfort around horses and understanding of ranch life adds genuine depth to his character's movements and decisions on screen.
Exclusive Season Preview
In a touching clip from the season five premiere, viewers get a glimpse of the emotional connection between Rip and Beth. The scene showcases their unique relationship as Beth expresses regret over lost time together, while Rip reassures her with genuine contentment: "I'm happy, Beth. With you, with life. Everything's good." Their intimate moment ends with Rip lovingly suggesting Beth "find somebody new to fight." The highly anticipated fifth season premieres November 13th at 8:00 p.m. on Paramount network.
