Danny Masterson's Role and Departure from The Ranch
Danny Masterson played Steven Hyde in the sitcom That '70s Show and later starred as Milo Foster in the Netflix series The Ranch. The Ranch ran for four seasons from 2016 to 2020, with Masterson appearing in the first three seasons before his exit. His final credited appearance came in season 3, after which Netflix removed him from the show following his conviction on rape charges. The Ranch continued as a sitcom centered on the Harper family's Colorado cattle ranch, with Masterson's character written out without explanation in later episodes.
The decision to remove Masterson from The Ranch followed a high-profile criminal trial that ended in May 2023 with a guilty verdict on two counts of rape. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office pursued the case based on testimony from three women alleging assaults between 2003 and 2013. Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison, with the judge citing the severity of the offenses and the impact on the victims. Netflix and the show's producers cut ties with Masterson before the trial concluded, aligning the series with broader industry shifts around accountability in entertainment.
Danny Masterson's Career Before and After The Ranch
Before The Ranch, Masterson built a career as a television and film actor, with early roles in That '70s Show from 1998 to 2006. He later appeared in projects including the film Accepted and the sitcom The Millers. Masterson also had producing credits and was known in Hollywood circles as an actor with a long tenure in family and comedy programming. His work on The Ranch marked a return to a leading TV role in the 2010s, but his legal issues ended that trajectory abruptly.
After his conviction, Masterson's professional credits were largely removed from public databases, and he was dropped by his talent representation. The entertainment industry's response reflected tighter standards for casting and association with individuals facing serious criminal charges. His case became a reference point in discussions about how studios and streamers handle allegations and convictions involving actors. The removal of his content from platforms, including Netflix, followed a pattern seen with other entertainers who faced similar legal outcomes in recent years.
Legal Case and Industry Impact
Charges, Trial, and Sentencing
The criminal case against Danny Masterson was filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney in 2020, with charges stemming from allegations made by three women. The trial featured testimony about incidents allegedly occurring at Masterson's home and in other locations in Los Angeles County between 2003 and 2013. Prosecutors presented evidence including text messages and witness accounts, while the defense challenged the credibility of the accusers. The jury found Masterson guilty on two of three rape charges, leading to a sentence of 30 years to life in state prison under California's sentencing guidelines.
Broader Effects on Entertainment Industry Practices
Masterson's conviction contributed to renewed scrutiny of how entertainment companies handle misconduct allegations, especially when criminal proceedings are ongoing. Netflix's decision to remove Masterson from The Ranch and other projects aligned with a broader industry trend of distancing from talent facing serious charges. The case also highlighted the role of social media and public advocacy in pushing for accountability, with groups and individuals calling