Taylor Sheridan has done it again. The prolific creator, who's practically synonymous with Paramount+'s success, has launched yet another hit that's dominating both streaming and linear television. His latest Yellowstone spin-off, Marshals, has skyrocketed to the top of the charts, proving that audiences are hungry for more of his gritty, character-driven storytelling—even when critics aren't impressed.
Starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Marshals picks up after the events of Yellowstone, following Kayce as he leaves the ranch behind to join an elite team of U.S. marshals led by his former military buddy Pete Calvin (Logan Marshall-Green). Together, they tackle crime in one of America's most dangerous regions, with Kayce's cowboy skills and deep knowledge of the terrain making him an invaluable asset.
What sets Marshals apart from its predecessors is its breakneck pace. Instead of the slow-burn, dialogue-heavy drama that defined Yellowstone and its earlier spin-offs, this series leans into high-octane chases and explosive showdowns. It's a procedural with a twist—one that's clearly resonating with viewers. The show has become the number-one program on both Paramount+ and CBS, helping CBS clinch the 2025-2026 television season.
But here's the twist: Marshals holds the dubious honor of being the lowest-rated Yellowstone spin-off on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics scoring it at 42% and audiences at 27%. The critics' consensus calls it a "dim procedural" that lacks the "narrative spark and intrigue" of the original series. Yet, that hasn't stopped millions from tuning in every Sunday night.
This isn't the first time Sheridan has defied expectations. His shows—including Landman, Tulsa King, and Mayor of Kingstown—have consistently dominated Paramount+'s top ten, and even as he prepares to move to NBCUniversal, his Midas touch remains intact. Marshals is a testament to his ability to spin gold from familiar formulas, even when the critics aren't on board.
In the penultimate episode of Season 1, titled "Devil at Home," the team confronts a drug cartel targeting the Broken Rock Reservation. The logline teases: "As they uncover a drug cartel targeting the Broken Rock Reservation, the Marshals race to locate Miles (Tantaka Means), only to discover that he has gone rogue to hunt down a trafficker." It's classic Sheridan territory—moral gray areas, high stakes, and characters pushed to their limits.
For fans of the Yellowstone universe, Marshals offers a fresh perspective on a familiar world. And for those who've followed Kayce Dutton's journey from the beginning, it's a chance to see him step into a new role—one that's as thrilling as it is unpredictable. New episodes air Sundays on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.
While critics may be divided, the numbers don't lie. Marshals is a streaming success story, and it's only getting started. For more on Taylor Sheridan's expanding empire, check out our coverage of Without Remorse and Arielle Kebbel's surprising lack of interaction with Sheridan.
