Long-Rumored ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off Is Officially Happening

Kayce Dutton Takes the Lead: CBS Eyes New Yellowstone Spin-off Featuring Luke Grimes

Just when fans thought Yellowstone had trotted off into the sunset, its vast universe continues to expand like the frontier it portrays. The Dutton family saga is far from over. Fresh off the emotional finale of Taylor Sheridan’s flagship series, and with a much-anticipated Rip and Beth spin-off already confirmed, CBS is now reportedly developing yet another offshoot—this time with Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton at the center.

According to a report from Puck, the proposed series is envisioned as a procedural-style drama that would thrust Kayce, the former Navy SEAL and ex-Livestock Commissioner, into a more structured narrative format. The move signals a dramatic shift in tone for the Yellowstone franchise, pivoting from high-stakes ranch politics and visceral family feuds to a world where the rule of law—rather than lawlessness—takes center stage.

The Kayce Chronicles Begin

Luke Grimes is expected to reprise his role as the brooding, morally torn Kayce, whose evolution over the course of the original series—from reluctant heir to the Yellowstone Ranch to devoted husband and father—made him one of the show’s most compelling characters. If continuity is preserved, fans might also see the return of Kelsey Asbille as Monica and Brecken Merrill as Tate, bringing the Dutton nuclear family dynamic into this next chapter.

Unless, of course, tragedy has struck off-screen—a possibility that lingers ominously given Yellowstone’s history of blindsiding its viewers with gut-wrenching developments. But assuming the family is intact, the series has a potent foundation to build on, centered around themes of fatherhood, redemption, and the delicate balancing act between justice and survival.

Procedural Grit Meets Dutton Grit

The idea of a procedural may seem like a far cry from the blood-soaked ranchlands and political backstabbing that defined Yellowstone, but in many ways, it’s a fitting evolution. Kayce has always been a man of action—a character guided by instinct more than rhetoric. Placing him in a world governed by cases, codes, and consequences could offer a fascinating test of his internal compass, especially in a post-John Dutton world where his father’s shadow no longer looms over every decision.

And there’s precedent: Kayce’s time as Livestock Commissioner frequently put him at the intersection of rural justice and moral ambiguity. The procedural format—often dismissed as formulaic—could be revitalized by Sheridan’s signature storytelling style, blending frontier justice with emotional complexity.

Expanding the Sheridan Universe

This potential Kayce-led series marks the latest addition to Taylor Sheridan’s ever-growing empire, which now spans timelines, platforms, and genres. The upcoming Beth and Rip spin-off, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, promises to explore the couple’s life beyond the Yellowstone ranch. Described as gritty and emotionally charged, that project is already generating significant buzz and is reportedly in active development.

Meanwhile, another intriguing addition—The Madison—is in the works, boasting a cast that includes Oscar-nominated Michelle Pfeiffer, Suits alum Patrick J. Adams, and Lost’s Matthew Fox. Positioned as a modern-day sequel, it’s expected to carry the legacy of the Duttons into a completely different narrative dimension.

And let’s not forget the critically acclaimed prequels 1883 and 1923, which provided a sweeping look at the family’s origins with powerhouse performances from Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Helen Mirren, and Harrison Ford. These earlier installments helped anchor the franchise in historical gravitas while maintaining its dramatic pulse.

The Stakes of the New Frontier

Though CBS has yet to officially confirm the Kayce-centered series, the move seems logical given the character’s popularity and the network’s strategic desire to broaden the franchise’s appeal. Procedurals continue to dominate network television, and placing a familiar, fan-favorite character like Kayce Dutton into that framework is a clever way to merge mainstream accessibility with the prestige and grit that Yellowstone fans have come to expect.

Whether the show will retain Sheridan’s tight creative grip or hand off duties to a new showrunner remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: as long as there’s a Dutton left standing, there’s still more story to tell—and the American West has room for one more lawman.

Kayce Dutton Takes the Lead: CBS Eyes New Yellowstone Spin-off Featuring Luke Grimes Just when fans thought Yellowstone had trotted off into the sunset, its vast universe continues to expand like the frontier it portrays. The Dutton family saga is far from over. Fresh off the emotional finale of Taylor Sheridan’s flagship series, and with…