The beards are back. After an eight-year hiatus, “Duck Dynasty” has returned to A&E with a revival series that dives straight into family, legacy, and who’s next in line to lead the duck call empire. The premiere episode aired June 1, featuring Willie Robertson, his wife Korie, and their children and grandchildren as they kick off a new chapter in West Monroe, Louisiana.

This time around, it’s more than just hunting and hijinks — it’s about succession. Willie, now the CEO of Duck Commander, the family-run hunting supply company founded by his father Phil Robertson in 1972, announced that he’s stepping back into semi-retirement. The goal? Find someone to carry on the family business and preserve their wildly popular brand.

“We’re looking for the next Duck Commander,” Willie declared as he took his children John Luke, Bella, Sadie, and Will on a duck hunting expedition to see who might fit the bill. His youngest son, Rowdy, was away at college, and his daughter Rebecca, who recently gave birth to her third child, couldn’t join.

The trip wasn’t just about hunting — it was a bonding moment laced with reflection. Sadie pointed out that they’d never been brought along on duck hunts growing up. Willie blamed that on the distractions of modern technology, saying smartphones and screens had kept his kids indoors. But now, as adults, they’re embracing the outdoors and the family’s deep-rooted traditions.

The episode culminated in a family dinner that introduced baby Xander, Rebecca’s newborn son, to the extended clan. It was a poignant moment for the Robertson family, made even more meaningful in light of the recent loss of their patriarch, Phil Robertson.

Korie Robertson took to social media on May 25 to announce Phil’s passing after a lengthy battle with health issues, including Alzheimer’s and a blood disorder. He died at the age of 79. “We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” Korie wrote, adding that a public memorial will be announced in the coming days.

Phil’s bold faith and colorful personality were central to the original “Duck Dynasty,” which aired from 2012 to 2017 and became a cultural sensation. His rugged, no-nonsense worldview and commitment to Christian values helped turn the family into reality TV icons and made the Duck Commander brand a household name.

Willie had previously revealed that Phil was battling multiple conditions, including back injuries and ministrokes, making the final months especially challenging for the family. “He’s kind of battling many different things at the same time,” Willie said in a December interview, underscoring the emotional weight behind the show’s return.

But the new season is not just about saying goodbye — it’s also about moving forward. “Duck Dynasty: The Revival” airs Sundays at 9/8c on A&E and is expected to explore the family’s evolving dynamic as Willie searches for a worthy successor to lead the company his father built.

Fans of the original series can expect the same signature blend of backwoods antics, faith-driven storytelling, and heartfelt moments that made the show a breakout hit. And with the next generation stepping up, the Duck Commander legacy looks set to continue for years to come.