Yellowstone’s gripping saga of the Dutton family continues to captivate, and CBS is poised to expand this neo-Western universe with Y: Marshals, a spinoff starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. Airing midseason 2025-26 at 9pm on CBS, this 13-episode series, greenlit in May 2025, shifts from ranch rivalries to high-stakes federal justice, promising fresh drama for fans. With production starting summer 2025, Y: Marshals could redefine the Yellowstone franchise.
Luke Grimes reprises his role as Kayce, the complex youngest Dutton, a former Navy SEAL torn between family loyalty and personal demons. In Y: Marshals, Kayce trades Montana’s cattle drives for an elite U.S. Marshals unit, delivering “range justice” across the region, per Deadline. This procedural pivot, blending Kayce’s SEAL grit with Western roots, explores violence and injustice, potentially involving characters like Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo (Moses Brings Plenty). Grimes, also an executive producer, shared his excitement on Instagram, posting, “Cowboys don’t say goodbye, they say see you later,” sparking fan hype on X.
Showrunner Spencer Hudnut, known for CBS’s SEAL Team, helms the series, infusing military precision and intense action. Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone’s creator, serves as an executive producer alongside David C. Glasser, John Linson, and others, though his involvement may be limited due to projects like 1944, per Variety. Hudnut’s track record promises horse chases, gunfights, and mysteries, aligning with Yellowstone’s cinematic flair but tailored for network TV’s broader audience. Fans on X speculate about crossovers with Beth (Kelly Reilly) or Rip (Cole Hauser), though only Grimes is confirmed.
CBS’s bold move taps Yellowstone’s massive fanbase, one of cable’s top dramas, to boost its streaming and broadcast platforms. Unlike Paramount’s 1883 and 1923, Y: Marshals targets a procedural format, competing in a crowded market dominated by streaming giants. Challenges include maintaining Yellowstone’s gritty authenticity within CBS’s content constraints—no nudity or profanity—and meeting fans’ high expectations. Some X users express skepticism, with posts like, “No Sheridan writing? Hope it’s not watered down,” reflecting concerns over Hudnut’s lead role.
The spinoff’s timeline likely follows Yellowstone’s 2024 finale, where Kayce denounced his badge, raising questions about his return to law enforcement. New settings and cases could expand the Dutton lore, enriching themes of loyalty, power, and survival. Fans theorize Kayce’s military past or reservation ties might drive the narrative, adding emotional depth. With a budget rivaling network epics, per CBR, Y: Marshals aims for stunning visuals and compelling storytelling.
Y: Marshals positions CBS to capitalize on Yellowstone’s cultural juggernaut, which redefined modern Westerns with complex characters and sweeping cinematography. As the franchise grows, alongside spinoffs like The Madison, this series could outshine competitors if it balances Kayce’s soulful depth with Hudnut’s action-packed vision. Tune in to CBS or stream on Paramount+ in 2026 to see if Y: Marshals delivers the next great chapter in the Dutton saga, or follow @Yellowstone on X for updates.