How The Ranch wrote out Danny Masterson's character

From Digital Spy

A year after it was confirmed that Danny Masterson would no longer star in Netflix series The Ranch, fans now finally know how his character was written out.

Masterson, whose final episodes aired earlier this year in part five, was dismissed from the sitcom in December last year following allegations of sexual assault, which he denied.

Now, with part six available to watch on the streaming service, the fate of Rooster has been sealed – confusingly, sure, but sealed nonetheless.

In a (perhaps deliberately) ambiguous twist, it was revealed that Rooster had succumbed to a motorbike crash – although whether his death actually happened or not is still up for debate.

Related: Danny Masterson accusers hit out at Netflix for airing new episodes of The Ranch featuring the actor

Not only did Rooster's family struggle to come to terms with his death – Ashton Kutcher's Colt was convinced he had faked it – his body remained missing, too.

So, while the door may have closed on Danny Masterson, it's certainly not locked.

Addressing his character's exit, Masterson told fans on Instagram to support The Ranch and its "incredible" cast and crew.

"The Rooster may be MIA but [The Ranch] is back and it's incredible. Please support this great show we spent years putting together," he wrote.

{% verbatim %}

{% endverbatim %}

"The writers were given the ultimate worse case scenario and instead of throwing in the towel they worked longer hours to create new heartbreaking and hysterical storylines."

Masterson has always denied the allegations that ultimately led to his exit, and previously said he was "disappointed" in Netflix's decision to axe his character.

"From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me. I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one," he said.

Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and features? Just hit 'Like' on our Digital Spy Facebook page and 'Follow' on our @digitalspy Instagram and Twitter account.

('You Might Also Like',)

• Here's when – or if – your favourite Netflix Original shows are coming back

• Loose Women's Stacey Solomon celebrates her "extra fold tummy lines" in bikini holiday snap

• The Chase sees one of the "best teams ever" trounce The Sinnerman to win £60k