A New Adventure for Kayce Dutton
Luke Grimes, known for playing Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone, is returning to his beloved role in a new spinoff called Y: Marshals, set to air on CBS in midseason 2026. In an interview with PEOPLE on June 24, 2025, Grimes shared what convinced him to step back into Kayce’s boots after the Yellowstone finale in December 2024. The actor thought his time as Kayce was over, but a fresh and exciting story idea changed his mind. Fans are thrilled to hear that Kayce’s journey will continue, blending his cowboy roots with a new role as a U.S. Marshal.
Why Grimes Hesitated at First
Grimes admitted that saying goodbye to Yellowstone after seven years was tough. In the series finale, Kayce sold the Yellowstone Ranch to Chief Thomas Rainwater for $1.25 per acre, keeping a small piece for his family to start fresh with their own cattle. Grimes told PEOPLE he felt Kayce had found his “dream life,” making him question where the story could go next. He didn’t want to return just to show Kayce being happy, as that wouldn’t be exciting for viewers. The idea of a spinoff had to be compelling and believable to win him over.
The Pitch That Sealed the Deal
The turning point came when showrunner Spencer Hudnut pitched a “very good and very interesting” idea for Y: Marshals. Grimes said the concept “roped him in” because it offered a new world for Kayce, combining his Navy SEAL skills and cowboy background to fight crime in Montana as part of an elite U.S. Marshals unit. The show will explore Kayce balancing family, duty, and the stress of his new job, according to CBS’s official description. Grimes believes this fresh storyline will also hook fans, making the spinoff a worthy continuation of the Yellowstone legacy.
Familiar Faces and New Challenges
Grimes teased that Y: Marshals will include some familiar Yellowstone characters, though he didn’t name them. Fans on X, like posts from @CountryRebelCo, speculate that Kayce’s wife, Monica, and son, Tate, might appear, given their role in his story. The spinoff will also introduce new characters, creating a different vibe from the original series. Grimes noted to PEOPLE that returning to Kayce in this new setting will feel “weird” but exciting, as he navigates a mix of old and new faces in a high-stakes job. This shift promises action and drama for viewers.
Y: Marshals Production Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere | Midseason 2026 |
| Network | CBS, Sundays at 9 p.m. |
Key Yellowstone Spinoffs
| Title | Lead Actor(s) | Network/Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Y: Marshals | Luke Grimes | CBS |
| Dutton Ranch | Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser | Paramount Network/Paramount+ |
Looking Ahead for Fans
Y: Marshals marks a big change for the Yellowstone universe, as Taylor Sheridan steps back, letting Hudnut take the lead as showrunner. Grimes, who is also a brand ambassador for High West’s “Protect the West” initiative, told PEOPLE he’s excited but feels the transition will be “bizarre” after nearly eight years as Kayce. Posts on X, like those from @goodhousemag, show fans are eager for this new chapter. With a strong story and familiar faces, Y: Marshals could keep the Dutton spirit alive while offering something fresh for longtime viewers.