A new chapter is set to unfold in Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed Yellowstone universe, with the highly anticipated spinoff, Y: Marshals, officially greenlit for production. The series will see fan-favorite Luke Grimes reprise his role as Kayce Dutton, the youngest son of the iconic Dutton family, embarking on a dramatically different path that promises to deliver a gritty new dimension to the beloved franchise. With production slated to begin this fall and a premiere date on CBS in spring 2026, anticipation is building for what’s expected to be a pivotal expansion of the Yellowstone saga.

Y: Marshals will follow Kayce Dutton as he transitions from his turbulent life on the Dutton Ranch to join an elite unit of U.S. Marshals. This significant career change comes on the heels of the flagship series’ conclusion, where Kayce played a crucial role in negotiating a landmark deal to sell the Dutton Ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. This arrangement, while preserving his family’s legacy and way of life in the long term, fundamentally altered his immediate future and personal identity. Now, rather than managing the vast landholdings and navigating the complex politics of the ranch, Kayce will combine his formidable skills as a seasoned cowboy and his disciplined background as a Navy SEAL to confront crime and restore order across Montana’s rugged landscapes.

The premise suggests a natural, yet profound, evolution for Kayce’s character. Throughout Yellowstone, Kayce has always been a man caught between worlds – his loyalty to his family, his deep connection to the land, and his innate moral compass often at odds with the violent realities of the Duttons’ existence. His past as a Navy SEAL instilled in him a strict code of conduct and a proficiency in high-stakes situations, often surfacing when he was forced to protect his family. This background, coupled with his intimate knowledge of the rural West, makes him uniquely suited for the challenges of a U.S. Marshal. However, the series promises to delve into the high psychological toll that accompanies this dangerous line of work. As Kayce and his new teammates battle lawlessness in remote territories, viewers can expect the show to explore themes of justice, sacrifice, and the often-blurred lines between right and wrong in a world that seldom offers easy answers. His previous struggles with visions and the weight of his actions suggest he will carry a significant internal burden into this new role, further enriching the moral complexity that has defined his journey.

Production for Y: Marshals is scheduled to commence this fall in Utah. The state’s diverse and rugged landscapes were a deliberate choice, intended to mirror the iconic, cinematic visuals established by the original show’s Montana setting. The Utah Film Commission has confirmed the news, stoking excitement among fans eager to see the franchise’s signature Western aesthetic maintained. Barring any unforeseen delays, Y: Marshals is projected to premiere on CBS in the spring of 2026. The inaugural season will comprise 13 episodes, a more extensive run than Yellowstone’s initial season. Marking another significant milestone, the series will air on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, becoming the first in Sheridan’s rapidly expanding Yellowstone-verse to debut on a major network. This move to broadcast television could introduce the universe to an even broader audience, potentially influencing its narrative approach while upholding the high production standards fans have come to expect.

Behind the scenes, the series is being steered by an experienced team. While Luke Grimes is the only confirmed cast member so far, his emotional Instagram post (“Cowboys don’t say goodbye, they say see you later”) hinted at Kayce’s continuing journey long before the official announcement. Spencer Hudnut will serve as writer, executive producer, and showrunner for Y: Marshals, bringing his expertise in action-driven storytelling from previous projects like SEAL Team and Unforgettable. Taylor Sheridan will also serve as an executive producer, though the extent of his day-to-day involvement remains to be seen given his extensive slate of ongoing projects. In a further commitment to the series, Luke Grimes will also take on a producer’s role, giving him influence both on screen and off. CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach has emphasized the network’s dedication to maintaining the brand’s reputation for quality, assuring reporters that the show’s budget will be on par with other major network dramas. “We don’t do cheap,” Reisenbach stated, underscoring the commitment to delivering the immersive and high-caliber storytelling that has become synonymous with the Yellowstone name.

Y: Marshals represents a dynamic addition to the ever-growing Yellowstone universe, joining a diverse slate of future spinoffs that includes Dutton Ranch, 1944, 6666, and The Madison. Unlike the historical prequels 1883 and 1923, or the upcoming ranch-focused 6666, Y: Marshals grounds itself in the contemporary narrative of a beloved character following the conclusion of the flagship series. This unique position allows it to explore the enduring themes of land, legacy, and justice through a distinctly modern law enforcement lens, promising an intense, psychologically charged experience that will undoubtedly resonate with long-time fans while attracting new viewers to the sprawling world Taylor Sheridan has meticulously crafted.