After the dramatic conclusion of Yellowstone’s fifth season, one question hung in the air: “What comes next?” Now fans have an answer. Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and network partner CBS Entertainment have unveiled the first trailer and first-look images for Y: Marshals — the official sequel that takes us deeper into the world once defined by the Dutton family. With Kayce Dutton stepping into a law-enforcement role and the series embracing a neo-western procedural edge, this trailer marks a bold new direction for a franchise still firing on all cylinders.
What Is Y: Marshals?
Overview of the Program
Y: Marshals is a sequel series to Yellowstone, set within the same universe but shifting the spotlight from ranch warfare to frontier justice. The show picks up after the events of the original series and follows Kayce Dutton as he leaves ranch life behind and joins an elite U.S. Marshals unit in Montana.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Creator | Taylor Sheridan, David C. Glasser, Spencer Hudnut |
| Star | Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton |
| Network | CBS (first Yellowstone-universe series on a broadcast network) |
| Premiere Window | Spring 2026 (mid-season) |
| Episode Count (Season 1) | 13 episodes (confirmed) |
Trailer Highlights: What the First Look Reveals?
Key Moments & Tone Shift
The trailer (see above) immediately sets a darker, more procedural tone than many of Yellowstone’s family-legacy arcs. With Kayce in a U.S. Marshals uniform, horseback chases, and law-enforcement missions against the Montana wilderness, audiences are being promised something new yet familiar.
- Sweeping Montana vistas and wilderness landscapes, echoing the franchise’s visual signature.
- Kayce’s voice-over: “I’m changing paths, trying to find a new beginning.”
- A dramatic car-chase on horseback in rustic terrain — law meets frontier.
- Cameo hints of previous Yellowstone characters, tying the new series into the broader universe.
“What attracted me is a story that had purpose,” says Luke Grimes about returning as Kayce.
Key Features
| Aspect | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Genre | Neo-Western with procedural elements (law enforcement, frontier justice) |
| Central Character | Kayce Dutton — rancher turned U.S. Marshal |
| Setting | Montana and surrounding lawless terrain, post-Yellowstone era |
| Themes | Duty vs. legacy, law vs. land, identity and trauma |
| Series Connection | Direct sequel to Yellowstone, part of the expanded universe (includes 1883, 1923, 6666, etc.) |
Eligibility Rules
Ideal audience
- Fans of the original Yellowstone series who want deeper character arcs and expanded world-building
- Viewers intrigued by westerns with a modern twist (law enforcement, gun-for-hire dynamics)
- People looking for returning characters in new roles (Kayce’s shift from ranch hand to federal agent)
- Those who enjoy large-scale production value and sweeping landscapes
Requirements / Warnings
- Viewers should note that this is a sequel—not a reboot. Familiarity with Yellowstone enhances enjoyment but may not be strictly required
- The tone leans more into action and justice rather than pure family-drama ranch conflict
- Broadcast on CBS: schedule may differ from streaming-friendly models
Benefits of the Series (For Viewers & Franchise)
For viewers
- Continuation of beloved characters and storylines
- Fresh perspective on familiar terrain, infused with new stakes
- High production value, strong genre blending
For the franchise - Expands the Yellowstone universe into more genres and network platforms
- Keeps the brand alive post-original-series finale
- Opportunities for crossovers and deeper narrative ties
“Sheridan’s expanding the world not by repeating it — but by shifting perspective,” says TV analyst Maria Lopez.
Production Details & Scheduling
| Topic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filming Start | Summer 2025 (pre-production confirmed) |
| Network Broadcast | Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS (Season 1) |
| Series Length | 13 episodes ordered for first season |
| Streaming/Distribution | CBS for broadcast; likely later availability on Paramount platforms |
Comparison / How Y: Marshals Stacks Up?
| Feature | Yellowstone (Original) | Y: Marshals (Spinoff) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Era | Modern ranch, family legacy | Post-ranch, law enforcement frontier |
| Lead Character | John Dutton III / Dutton family | Kayce Dutton as U.S. Marshal |
| Main Setting | Dutton Ranch, Montana | Montana wilderness + federal operations |
| Core Conflict | Land battles, family loyalty | Justice, moral ambiguity, law vs legacy |
| Broadcast Format | Cable/stream (Paramount Network) | Major network (CBS) – broader audience |
Recent Updates & Context (2025)
- May 2025: Y: Marshals formally ordered by CBS, Luke Grimes confirmed as lead.
- September 2025: Trailer and first-look images released, fans reacting strongly.
- Casting expansions announced: Gil Birmingham, Mo Brings Plenty, Brecken Merrill among Yellowstone alums returning.
- Franchise strategy: Y: Marshals forms part of the broader Yellowstone-verse including prequels and spinoffs.
Why It Matters?
Y: Marshals represents more than “just another spinoff.” It signals a shift in how the Yellowstone universe engages with genre and audience. The original series leaned heavily on family, land, and legacy. This new chapter takes that DNA, injects a law-enforcement lens, and promises stories of morality, duty and action in the frontier zone.
From a business perspective, moving to a broadcast network (CBS) widens the potential audience significantly. For fans, it means more storytelling, more crossover potential, and the opportunity to explore characters like Kayce in unexpected ways.
“This move elevates the franchise into true long-form world-building,” says industry reporter Omar Sanchez.
FAQs
It is slated to debut in spring 2026 on CBS.
While helpful for context and character background, Y: Marshals is designed to be accessible to new viewers too. Returning fans will enjoy deeper ties and cameos.
Yes — returning cast includes Kayce’s father and brother characters, and cameos are expected from other Yellowstone-verse members.
The tone shifts from ranch conflict to frontier law-enforcement, with Kayce Dutton stepping into a marshal role battling crime, not just land battles.
Initially on CBS broadcast. A later streaming release (via Paramount platforms) is expected but not officially detailed.
