The upcoming series, “Y: Marshals,” is poised to deliver a significant new chapter in Taylor Sheridan’s acclaimed “Yellowstone” franchise, with Luke Grimes set to reprise his fan-favorite role as Kayce Dutton. This expansion promises to explore a darker, grittier facet of the Western saga, moving Kayce beyond the familiar confines of the Dutton Ranch and into the challenging world of federal law enforcement. Production for “Y: Marshals” is scheduled to commence this fall in Utah, a choice of location celebrated for its striking, rugged landscapes that evoke the iconic Montana setting of the original show. The confirmation from the Utah Film Commission has further fueled anticipation among fans, eager to immerse themselves once again in the franchise’s distinctive visual aesthetic and compelling storytelling.

Barring any unforeseen production delays, “Y: Marshals” is slated to premiere on CBS in the spring of 2026. This initial season will feature a robust 13 episodes, a more extensive debut than “Yellowstone”‘s inaugural run, signaling the network’s confidence in the new venture. Airing on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, the series marks a pivotal moment for the Yellowstone-verse, as it will be the first of Sheridan’s increasingly vast universe to broadcast on a major network. This move has the potential to significantly broaden the franchise’s reach, introducing its unique blend of contemporary Western drama and complex character studies to a wider, traditional broadcast television audience, alongside its established streaming presence.

The narrative arc for “Y: Marshals” will see Kayce Dutton, the youngest son of the formidable Dutton family, trading his cowboy hat for a U.S. Marshal’s badge. He will join an elite unit tasked with combating crime and restoring order across the expansive, often lawless, rural expanses of Montana. The series’ official description highlights Kayce’s unique qualifications for this new role, emphasizing his formidable skills honed both as a seasoned cowboy and a former Navy SEAL. This dual background positions him as a uniquely capable, yet profoundly conflicted, figure at the forefront of justice in the modern American West. The series is expected to delve deep into the significant psychological toll associated with this dangerous line of work, portraying the immense personal cost borne by Kayce and his new team as they confront the myriad challenges of frontier lawlessness.

For longtime devotees of “Yellowstone,” Kayce’s transition feels like a logical and compelling progression of his character. His journey throughout the flagship series was often defined by his internal struggles: caught between unwavering loyalty to his powerful, often ruthless, father, John Dutton, and his own moral compass, which frequently aligned with his wife Monica’s perspective and his Indigenous heritage. His Navy SEAL past, though often alluded to with brevity, always underscored his capacity for decisive action and unwavering commitment, but also hinted at the profound traumas that shaped him. The dramatic conclusion of “Yellowstone” in December 2024 saw Kayce play a crucial role in a landmark deal, which involved the sale of the Dutton Ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. This momentous agreement, while preserving his family’s legacy and way of life under new terms, undoubtedly reshaped Kayce’s perception of his place within the Dutton dynasty and the broader landscape of Montana. His subsequent decision to embrace the life of a U.S. Marshal can be seen as a natural evolution of his quest for purpose and a new avenue to protect the integrity of the land and its people, albeit through a different, officially sanctioned lens. This next chapter promises to maintain the intense action and profound moral complexities that solidified his status as a fan favorite.

Behind the scenes, the creative talent assembled for “Y: Marshals” underscores the project’s ambition. While Luke Grimes is currently the only confirmed cast member, his early social media hint—”Cowboys don’t say goodbye, they say see you later”—was a clear signal that Kayce’s story was far from over. The series will be expertly steered by Spencer Hudnut, who assumes the pivotal roles of writer, executive producer, and showrunner. Hudnut brings a wealth of experience in crafting action-driven narratives, notably from his work on “SEAL Team” and “Unforgettable,” which suggests a meticulous approach to pacing and character-driven suspense for “Y: Marshals.” Taylor Sheridan himself will serve as an executive producer, a testament to his continued commitment to the burgeoning universe he has created. However, given his extensive and ever-expanding portfolio of projects, the precise extent of his day-to-day involvement remains a subject of keen observation. Adding another layer of depth to his commitment, Luke Grimes will also take on a producer’s hat for the spinoff, granting him significant influence over the series’ direction both in front of and behind the camera.

CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach has publicly affirmed the network’s dedication to upholding the exceptional production standards that audiences have come to expect from the “Yellowstone” brand. Reisenbach emphatically stated, “We don’t do cheap,” reassuring reporters, as quoted by Variety, that the series budget for “Y: Marshals” will be fully commensurate with that of other high-caliber network dramas. This commitment to quality is a hallmark of the broader “Yellowstone” universe, which has consistently delivered cinematic visual storytelling and compelling narratives.

“Y: Marshals” represents merely one piece of Taylor Sheridan’s ambitious expansion plan for the “Yellowstone” universe. It joins a robust slate of future spinoffs already announced, including tantalizing titles such as “Dutton Ranch,” “1944,” “6666,” and “The Madison.” These upcoming projects promise to further elaborate on the rich history and intricate future of the Dutton family and their sprawling empire. Moreover, the success of “Y: Marshals” builds upon the critical and commercial triumphs of previously launched prequels and historical dramas within the franchise, namely “1883,” which chronicled the arduous journey of the original Dutton generation, “1923,” depicting the family’s struggles during the early 20th century amidst the Great Depression and Prohibition, and “Lawmen: Bass Reeves,” a powerful exploration of a real-life legendary U.S. Marshal in the post-Civil War West. All these preceding narratives, currently streaming on Paramount+, have cemented the “Yellowstone” franchise as a dominant force in contemporary television, demonstrating Sheridan’s unparalleled ability to reimagine and invigorate the Western genre for a modern audience. Kayce Dutton’s transformation into a U.S. Marshal represents not just a new chapter for his character, but a bold, new frontier for the entire Yellowstone universe, promising continued high-stakes drama and profound exploration of the American West.