The upcoming Taylor Sheridan Yellowstone spinoff is set to debut in the 2025-2026 TV cycle on CBS, with a notable change to its original title raising some controversy. Originally named Y: Marshals to emphasize its connection to the Yellowstone universe, the series will now be called simply Marshals. This adjustment comes after over a year since the original Yellowstone series ended, and the franchise’s expansion into several new offshoots.
Among the shows planned is the Michelle Pfeiffer-led The Madison, alongside follow-ups centered on John Dutton III’s children, Kayce and Beth. The Marshals series, starring Luke Grimes, is the first to launch and aims to reach a broader audience through its network TV platform starting March 1, 2026.
Luke Grimes Explains Reasoning Behind Dropping the “Y”
Luke Grimes addressed the decision to remove the “Y” during an interview at the 83rd Golden Globes with Entertainment Tonight. He explained the initial inclusion of “Y” intended to signal the show’s roots in the Taylor Sheridan-created Yellowstone world. However, after the series’ story and characters, especially Kayce, firmly establish this connection, the branding was deemed unnecessary.
“I think they just wanted to make sure people knew it was a Yellowstone world, Taylor Sheridan world kind of a show. It’s clear once you see Kayce that it is that, so I think we can drop the Y now.”
Luke Grimes, Actor
This clarification dispels speculation that the change reflects Sheridan’s departure from Paramount Network, following his overall deal with NBCUniversal, which some believed meant the spinoff would be disconnected from the original franchise. CBS, however, confirmed that all press materials continue to reference Marshals’ Yellowstone ties, underscoring its narrative link through John Dutton III’s son, Kayce Dutton.
Other Yellowstone Spinoffs Also Updating Titles
Marshals is not the only Yellowstone spinoff to receive recent title adjustments. The series focusing on Beth and Rip has also changed slightly, dropping “The” from its title to become Dutton Ranch. While there are no confirmed premiere dates yet for this show starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, both promises indicate continued development within the Yellowstone universe for the upcoming TV season cycle.
Key Cast Members Featured in Marshals
The Marshals cast includes actors reprising familiar roles or portraying next-generation characters from the Yellowstone lineage. Luke Grimes stars as Pete Calvin, while Logan Marshall-Green plays Kayce Dutton. Gil Birmingham returns as Thomas Rainwater, with Brecken Merrill appearing as Tate Dutton. This ensemble will carry forward the narrative threads tied to the original series and expand its modern-day storylines.
Significance and Expectations for the Yellowstone Franchise
The decision to drop the “Y” from Marshals’ title highlights a strategic confidence in the spinoff’s stand-alone storytelling within the vast Yellowstone world. By focusing on established characters and cultivating new plotlines, the series aims to engage viewers beyond the original flagship show’s audience. With multiple spinoffs progressing simultaneously, including The Madison and Dutton Ranch, the franchise’s footprint is likely to grow considerably during the 2025-2026 television season. This expansion could sustain fan interest despite Taylor Sheridan’s eventual exit from Paramount, showcasing how the creative team intends to evolve the mythos without sole dependence on Sheridan’s name or the original brand logo, which will still appear on Marshals.
