When I sat down with Leland, Dog and Beth Chapman to talk about their upcoming new CMT reality series Dog and Beth: On The Hunt and told them that my own family loved watching theirs on A&E’s smash Dog the Bounty Hunter, Beth wanted to know what I liked best about the show. I told her it was her family’s bond.
• NEW INTERVIEW: Dog Chapman talks business family, and CMT’s Dog and Beth: On the Hunt Season 2
Much to my surprise — and with Dog and Leland looking on — she offered candid insight into what the Twittersphere has been discussing since plans for the show were announced in the summer: the absence of Baby Lyssa and Duane Lee Chapman from the cast of the show.
• RELATED: Channel Guide’s exclusive interview with Dog, Beth and Leland Chapman
Slated to being in April, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt will focus on the three remaining Chapmans as they crisscross the nation, teaching struggling bail bond agencies how to succeed in the embattled trade by helping them hunt down some of America’s most dangerous criminals. While the show will highlight the Chapmans’ proven methods for capturing criminals and Leland’s expertise in non-lethal weaponry, Dog and Beth: On The Hunt will also address the family’s changing dynamic.
“The focal point of the show is our relationship — and our relationship with Leland,” Beth explained. “Because Leland wants to stay with his dad. Duane says this really profound thing where he says, ‘I don’t love you more, son. But you probably love me more than any of the other kids.’ Because as a parent, you don’t love any of your children differently. But they love you. And their love for you may be stronger than what your sister’s love is. And that’s what Leland is, right? His love for his dad is stronger than the others. And so he doesn’t want to be the one to leave or go away. He wants to be the one staying right here and doing what he does. And so we were really happy about that.”
Though she did not elaborate on whether Duane Lee and Lyssa officially elected to not be part of the new show, Beth suggested that family priorities and individual interests may have factored in. “You know, people grow,” she continued, as Dog leaned into her affectionately, fiddling with the gold zippers on the shoulders of her dress and making Leland grin and shake his head. “Children grow up — and how long can you work for your mom and dad? You become 40 years old and you’re not married and you’re like, ‘Why am I still hanging around my dad?’ You know what I mean? At some point, you feel like there’s got to be changes made. And we as parents have to be OK with letting our bird fly. Hopefully it’ll come back and it will know that this was always the best thing for it. But if they don’t, you loved it and you coddled it and you wished it well. You can’t force your kids to stay with you forever.”
Does that mean Lyssa and Duane Lee might join the show at a later date? The Chapmans didn’t say. But in the meantime, you can rest assured that Beth and Dog can relate to the pain and frustration fans felt as the Chapman children entered and exited Dog The Bounty Hunter throughout its eight seasons.
“We were lucky because our kids didn’t go away to college — our kids went to the college of hard knocks with us,” she says. “And so when there was some turmoil in the family, it was like our kids went to college all at the exact same time. We had that separation anxiety from them. But it really wasn’t that. It was just that they were spreading their wings and getting older. And they had their own families.
“Each person has to make their own decisions for their own lives.”
Photos: Electus
I love the show but I hate it when Beth talks like she’s mexican with their accent she’s a white person quit pretending your someone else .
Will miss DuaneLee, and also miss young blood but life goes on things change.
Wish Tim was going to be on the show, and I want updates & footage of Baby Lyssa & Duane Lee. We did get to see a few seconds when Beth was telling Cecily to get the kids to bed and telling Travis to get in bed, and a second or two of Garry Boy. We want updates on ALL the kids, though…not just Leland and the ones I already mentioned. How are Tucker & his dad getting along now? How is Wes? How about Christopher?
i hope all is well with the chapmans i love the show and a big fan of the fam. i hope to see baby lyssa back, duane lee and young blood lol… i wish so much he’d be back. sending prayers n love ur way, all the best and will be always a fan.
I agree there is something odd about Beth, and Dog should grow a set and stand up for his children I love watching duane and leland together an lyssa I do not think the show will be the same.
I enjoy the show and the work they do. I also love the fact that they pray and try to be Christians. But as a Christian myself, I feel I must share a scripture with Dog and Beth…..it’s James 3:9-10. Once u read it, you will know that I’m wanting to minister Gods words to you and your fans in a positive light. Dog…..I love u and ur whole family and wish u nothing but the best. God bless u all……Julie from Tn.
I. Searched. Trying to fibd. What happened to. The. Sho w. And. All. Of. The. Family. Akthough leland. Was. A. Favorite. Lysa. And. Dwayne. Lee. Were. Also. Fun. We. Enjoyed. The. Family. And. Friends. So. Much . I. Love. Beth. Abd. Dog. But. The. Family. Made. It. Special. The. Prayer. Tribal ties. Digs. Bog. Heart….it. just. Was. Not. Same. Old same old. We. Miss. Evetuone. Including. Youngblood.. i. Worked. As. A. Bounty. Hunter. With. My. Uncle. Loved it
.where.DI,D. YOU!… LEARN..,'”`@ TO TYPYE.
I record all ur old shows just so I can watch u guys. I’m glad ur coming out with a new show. Hopefully at some point u can get the whole family together. I love leeland I like how he is aggressive when it comes to catching his criminal. And who ever said Beth is 2 face is wrong the reason why Dunne Lee left the show is they work so many hours and he met a new girl and wanted to spend every minute with her
So if u guys r going to be haters get off the site. Kick ass leeland
I want Tim Chapman back. The shows needs someone with good moral values.
I liked Tim as well. Maybe at some point all things will work themselves out. Dog just needs to keep praying.
I got sidetracked….I would also like for the family unit to be Back together as a whole. Wether or not they are all on the series. God loves us all and our families should love too. Good luck. My love and respect is sent their way.
I am gutted that duane lee will not b in the new season. I think I am in love with him just a little bit!!! ;p please get him back , I love the rest of u guys 2 but think I’m gonna go cold turkey if I don’t get my duane lee fix haha. Keep up the good work peeps xx
tikka you are so right you hit it right on the head there.beth started it all and dog sucks for not standing up for his kids.
I would love to see all of you together but, I know that no matter what the show will be great anyway. I lov e all of you
And for you Tikka, If you don’t have nothing NICE to say then don’t say anything… No-one is making you watch it.. You do know how to channel the TV right?
So don’t be such a hater.I have shows that son’t appeal to me either, BUT I just channel the TV.
I am so-ooo glad that you are coming back. Yes I am sad about Dwayne Lee and lYssa, but as Beth says, they grow and as a mother I know we must give them wings and let them fly.. Congrats guys I am looking forward to watching you and your family once more..
I would never watch this show. Beth is a two-faced bovine who screws people over. Without Duanne Lee there is no show. Leland will kiss Beths butt for a dollar. Sad pathetic family.
omg you are soooooooooooooo right
Dog is married to Beth, that’s the way it goes he has no back bone…soooo sad:(
I loved the Show!!! I am so Happy that Dog And Beth are back and of course Leland. I’m getting the DVR ready!!!
Can’t wait till you come back we enjoyed watching your show when it was on
Hallelujah you are coming back. I have been recording your shows 5 days a week since you went off the air. Yours shows are what I do every Friday night. ( I need a life). Although I will say, looking at Lelands arms make it worthwhile.
I’m so glad ya’ll are coming back in April. I’ve been watching all the re-runs at 6:00am. I was so upset when I heard ya’ll weren’t coming back for a new season. But now I’m thrilled. I’m upset about Duane Lee and Baby Lyssa, but it won’t make me miss it. I liked watching the relationship between Duane Lee and Leland and also Baby Lyssa.