That was probably one of the craziest ones that we came up with.
That sounds pretty amazing.
DANNY MASTERSON:I think its going to be a hit.
Credit: Greg Gayne/Netflix
Its the idea for our next series in 10 years.
KUTCHER:Its almost likeQuantum Leapbut everyone leaps together.
MASTERSON:Its likePosse Leap.
There was one where were in a cul-de-sac in a weird little town, like aStepford Wivessort of thing.
But it never went very far.
There were a few different ideas that kicked around for years.
KUTCHER:None of them ultimately went that far.
KUTCHER:We ended up on my porch having a whiskey one night.
We were trying to figure out how we could do a show that was originally funny.
Most of the shows you see about rural life, theyre making fun of those characters.
We didnt want to make fun of them.
We want to embrace their ideals and their values.
MASTERSON:We want to make fun of people who dont agree with them.
KUTCHER:Its really a show thats designed around the perspective of the red states.
It seems like the audience for this throw in of show is being underserved now.
For them, its the reason thatThat 80s Show which they didnt do but somebody else did didnt work.
[That show was] making fun of their outfits and their phones.
Lets make a cocaine joke.
So we wanted to have a little ode to them.
How would you sum up Colt and Roosters relationship in 10 words or less?
KUTCHER:I think I can do it nine words.
MASTERSON:Hes been doing math this whole time Ive been talking.
KUTCHER:I hate you.
Thank God youre my brother.
MASTERSON:I love you.
F, youre my brother!
I win that challenge.
I imagine Sam Elliott would have some amazing advice.
What was the best piece of advice you got from him?
KUTCHER:I dont think Sam hands out advice.
[They laugh.]
KUTCHER:Sam comes from a generation of: Lead by example.
you could do it this way or not.
Having him around, you cant help but start to take on the same attitude.
We would never leave those feed bags out there.
And then they have to rewrite a scene because thats not really how it would get done.
It wouldnt be like that.
Thats probably the thing we hear the most.
MASTERSON:And the thing we hear every day.
KUTCHER:Its awesome because you have a resident expert.
MASTERSON:I remember what Kutcher said to me.
[Laughs] And Im like, Dont tell me that youre going to makemenervous!
Then we did our first scene, and we killed it.
Ashton, do you remember that?
KUTCHER:Oh, yeah, I remember it.
And hes fing acting like he wasnt nervous, but he was nervous too.
MASTERSON:[Deadpan] I dont get nervous.
It just comes out at the same time.
KUTCHER:We dont even ask.
We just know when it happens.
MASTERSON:Oh, you just take a pause and stare him in the eyes.
KUTCHER:I dont have the facial capacity.
And hell just look me and he raises one eyebrow.
And then I kind of look at him like…
MASTERSON:You get that s-eating grin.
And then we just taunt each other with it.
What kind of story lines and themes can we expect onThe Ranch?
What is special about this familys dynamics?
KUTCHER:Theres a huge trend now where grown children are having to move back in with their parents.
They graduate college and cant find a job, or their job doesnt work out.
MASTERSON:Or when your kids go to college.
They still want the best for you.
And trying to find love and relationships.
MASTERSON:And punching each other in the back of the head as soon as they turn around.
[They laugh.]
I hope people want to take a ride with this family and feel all those things.
Youre going to see scenes that are heavy, people crying.
How did you get those two together?
Can we get movie stars and the ultimate cowboy?
MASTERSON:Im pretty sure 73-year old Sam Elliott could still whup my ass.
And that was really important to us.
Then theres also a level of authenticity.
And as you continue with the show, youll see how dramatic some things become.
Ive known Sam forever.
So she approached us as we were casting lots of other ladies.
On a scale 1 to 70, how likely is it that someone from that 70s Showwill pop up?
MASTERSON:Im going to say 71.
KUTCHER:We built this show to work with people we like.
MASTERSON:Weve hired one 70scast member for a recurring role.
Given that the Netflix model promotes binge viewing, how should people watchThe Ranch?
How is it best enjoyed?
KUTCHER:I would highly recommend a beer, a steak, and unbuckling that buckle.
Then just start appreciating your life, and that yours is not as fed up as these guys.
