Beth Chapman on Baby Lyssa and Duane Lee’s absence from CMT’s Dog and Beth On The Hunt: “You can’t force your kids to stay with you forever”

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.”

RELATED:  Channel Guide talks with Lyssa Chapman about her new memoir, her parenting insights, her plans for a new TV show and more!

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.”

RELATED: Vote Dog & Beth On The Hunt for Best Family Values in Channel Guide’s 2014 Viewers Voice Awards!

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

28 Comments

  1. Due to our past schedules I was never able to watch the Bounty Hunter programs…BUT…just recently while channel flipping I saw the intro for the program and stopped to see what it was. I was hooked after the first show I watched. The next day I think it was a Bounty Hunter Marathon and I ended up watching the entire marathon. I, unlike others who have posted love their new program. I like that they’re helping others to capture the jumpers. Many do not like Beth, however I like her and admire her for being a tough gal. I do agree they need to stop with all the foul language it simply doesn’t reflect a positive message, especially after praying and minutes later they’re being bleeped…Comon’ guys ya’ll are better than that. I also hope Beth stays on Dog to quit smoking. I think she’s strong enough to help him break this habit. If you’re going to arrest people for bad habits that will kill them and others then I think smoking is right up there with deadly drugs.

  2. I really enjoy the first show Dog the Bounty Hunter a lot more than the new show, but I don’t miss a episode of either. I love how the new show is a lot of going out and sharing such crucial & important skills with other bail bondsmen. I like the older show better simply because of its Hawaiian location. I really love the message you get from Dog & his life experience with the wrong side of the law. And even with Beth & choices she had to make as a younger girl. Some of these comments I’ve read are just cruel & so judgemental. Why don’t people look at the one main factor, Dog and Beth have their past wrongs in life, they made bad choices in life as all of us either have or will, but they seen their mistakes & grew from them and turned their lives around & now they have jobs just like most people do, but not only do they get up daily n go do the job they also use their life experiences to help others not to go down a wrong road and try to keep others from repeating offenses. I think its a blessing how they take the time to talk to these offenders, because even though they may not be able to change everyone but that one talk may be to that one person who never had anyone to show them there is a better road to travel. I believe in the power they have for producing more positive in this world and if more people would reach out like Dog, Beth, Leland, and the family does then we would be a better nation. And I love how they keep prayer on the show, this world has pushed God out of our schools, off TV shows, but not with the Chapman’s. Please continue with your show because you are truly a positive role model and we love you all. I am glad Leland & his son Dakota are on the new show, its great seeing another generation step up into the family business. I never expected Duane Lee to stick around long he just didn’t seem to be as interested in bounty hunting like Leland is, you can just see Leland’s dedication and motivation of being sharp keened. I miss Baby Alyssa, but I understand she’s living her life, maybe she will come back and join forces. The family all working together is what I personally love about the show. Looking forward to seeing Garry boy, Bonnie, Travis, Cecily, Cobie, Abbie, Madalyn, and Leiah all joining the Chapman force in the future world of bounty hunting. God Bless the Chapman’s for all the good you give.

  3. I used to watch the other show the new show sucks Big Girl Beth don’t need to do a show she never does anything oh yeah opens that fat chops Leland is the one that should have the show he does it all Beth what a big joke your a ex con don’t put people down because fat girl ugly girl you are the same.

  4. I’ve loved the DTBH shows for many years.I’m not overly impressed with the new show.Dog looks tired, and hope he takes care of himself.Really sad to see only Leland.I feel the new show just gets lost with similar shows.The original shows were great cause it focused on Family.Thanx

  5. Beth and Dog, I enjoy watching your shows every morning ya’ll are great. I know you love your children.I have one that’s on drugs she stole my mom’s 50th wedding anniversary ring the last gift she got from my dad. He died from a brain tumor in 1997. She stole money from her and she stole my stuff too. I lost my only sister in 2006 it was her heart. I lost my mom in 2009. I asked my nephew for a picture of my sister and a plain 10k gold necklace but no reply. That is all I wanted because I have no jewelry. Am I wrong? Thank you.

  6. It is hard to be a stepmother. God knows I’m one. Kids get mad they say “I don’t have to listen to you.” Dog he’s stuck I the middle. The show dog and beth on the hunt is good but not the same without duane lee and baby lyssa. If your ever in cyesapeake Virginia id love to meet you guys. Nothing personal beth dog has a beautiful head of hair. You guys are awsome!!!!!! Maybe one day baby lyssa and duane lee will reunite with you guys.

  7. I’ve been watching DTBH for years and everytime i watch it i get so mad at how Dog and Beth talks to figitives calling them convicts and all kind of names they need to look in the mirrow. And dog needs to stand up to Beth and let her know that he the boss not her and quit letting her tell people what they can and can not wear

      • It’s do as I say not do as I do!. clothes don’t make a person it’s who is inside of them that matters. An old English saying ” do you want the clothes or the man inside ” Beth seems to have a big heart that’s all that counts. I can’t get the new series on my TV and miss seeing the show here in Ontario, Canada.

        • well what i see if Beth is that she does have a big heart sometimes and a big month all the time

  8. To Duane and Beth Chapman,
    You and Beth do a great job hunting for the bad guys. I really enjoy watching your show. Keep up the good work. Lisa Weiner

  9. dog why dont you man up stop the foul language and back beth off .who wears the pants in your family . you call yourself a Christian well you need to reevaluate how you represent Christianity .

  10. Hi everyone. I live in Canada. I just watched your show and it’s so amazing to see a family that works together and confronts family issues. I just watched my first episode of ” Dog and Beth on the road.”I am a Christian as well. Great work you’re all doing. Amazing.

  11. I watch your show all the time and I love it I love how the whole family is in the business my little two and a half year old granddaughter watches the show with me and when she seen Dog and Beth one day where Beth was acting like she was going to beat Dog up she asked my Nana who is that and I said that is Beth and Dog I wish your show was on everyday cause I would watch it everyday all day long I would like a picture of Mr. Dog and Mrs.Beth

  12. I don’t believe any of the things that Beth has said about Duane Lee baby lyssa leaving something serious has happened Beth has run the show since it has started I don’t like the way she makes a difference and the kids I like Leland Duane Lee and baby Lisa . dog you need to stand up be a man and take up for your own kids I know you have other children with bath but your first born daughter also important you make a big difference and the younger ones and the older ones I know the little ones need your your attention but so do your older children I lost my oldest son in a car accident as you did your daughter and there is no way I would make the difference in my younger children and my older children I love them all the same you don’t treat your older children like you do your others I hope with all my heart you apologize to Duane Lee and baby Lisa they are you also your children

    • Beth & Dog are in Love. Kids need to grow up and stop living off of Dog & Beth. If they want to go their own way….then go….Dog & Beth are doing their thing. I LOVE Beth….she loves Dog!!!! And Takes NO SHIT FROM ….A.N.Y.O.N.E . ALL CHILDREN NEED TO GROW UP….AND PARENTS NEED TO STOP CODDLING.THEM.

  13. The new show is actually better than their old show. One reason is because they don’t have all that baloney about their family and all their made-up dramas, blah blah blah. The new show seems more reality based and is actually quite good. Although dog has a bright red face and looks like he’s ready for a bi-pass operation.

    • I don’t agree the new show is lacking in the family business it doesn’t have Dewayne later baby Lisa in it I’m ashamed for Leland because he left his brother and sister behind just be with Beth she is the one that makes all the decisions for you you both you man need to stand up and be men and stop taking your orders from Beth be a man

  14. We watch the new show and even record episodes of the old show because we just love it. Dog’s birthday was awesome. I was amazed at how much the kids have grown into their own. Sad that some didn’t attend but thats life I guess. Keep up the great work. We love you all.

  15. I love the new show.I am surprised that Duane Lee wasen’t at his Dad’s birthday party.

  16. I wondered why, for Dog’s 61st birthday, Christopher was brought to Hawaii for the party but Duane Lee was absent. I love both shows (the old “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and “Dog and Beth on the Hunt”)!!! Please answer this, and also tell me how I can keep in touch with you. I love you all.

    • RI totally agree. If Dog was such a hardass he shod out his 5th wife in check and his children should come first. He shows favoritism to Leland who I respect and Beth shows it to Leland too. She has no business trying to be their mother. She should be raising her lil ones. Whom they never say that two her 3 kids are from different fathers. She needs to look in a large mirror and act and dress according to her sage and size. Good for Dwane and Lisa for getting that power freak out of their lives.

  17. First, Happy Birthday Dog. I thought the Birthday party For Dog’s 61st was a great show. However, can anyone explain why Duane Lee and his children weren’t at the party, when Beth went to great lengths to bring his closest friends and,even his son Chris to make Dog’s party complete ?

  18. I used to love the show. That’s when everybody was on it. I think its grown too much for Beth. Family should stick together. Its different if one kid is out of it, but two? Humm. Not buying that its the kids fault. Sorry.

  19. This is very well written, I have watched your shows when they began on A&E and now on CMT. Although your entire family isn’t doing bounty hunting it’s more important that you have let them spread their wings because I’m sure they have come back home for visits and stayed in touch. It would be nice to have updates on them but keeping their personal lives private is understood. You look like great people and if I ever had the chance to meet you and get an autograph I would be happy. Keep up your hard work and wish Dog a Happy Birthday!

  20. Thank you for your article. Thank you Chapman Family for the entertainment. I watched one show and was hooked. You have touched my heart allowing me to understand what people go through. I will never Judge anyone. I came close to death many years ago as a young man. I have always said, I am not better than anyone else. I visited a man in prison and shared Jesus with him as he had no hope. I called out to God as I laid on the ground taking my last breath. Peace to you all, love one another, forgive one another. Again, thank you for sharing your family and lives. Tell the Chapman Family thank you.

Comments are closed.

About Lori Acken 1195 Articles
Lori just hasn't been the same since "thirtysomething" and "Northern Exposure" went off the air.