Taylor Sheridan has built a television empire largely on the back of fervent fan support, but his latest venture has hit a surprising snag. The CBS and Paramount+ series Marshals, a spinoff from the Yellowstone universe, has officially become Sheridan's lowest audience-rated project on Rotten Tomatoes, marking a rare stumble for the prolific creator.
A Stunning Audience Score Drop
While Sheridan's shows often enjoy a strong connection with viewers, Marshals is currently sitting at a stark 28% audience score on the review aggregator site. This places it firmly at the bottom of Sheridan's TV portfolio, trailing behind other series like 1923 (54%) and Landman (57%). The critical consensus hasn't been much kinder, with Rotten Tomatoes noting the show "lacks the narrative spark and intrigue that Yellowstone managed instantly."
The series stars Luke Grimes, reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, who now leads a team of U.S. Marshals. He's joined by Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, and Tatanka Means in this network-style neo-Western that aims to carve its own path away from the Dutton ranch.
What's Working and What's Not?
Reviews suggest the show is caught between its gritty Yellowstone roots and the constraints of network television. A review from Collider highlighted that Marshals makes a smart choice by not attempting a direct sequel, instead giving Kayce Dutton a fresh start. However, the transition comes with noticeable growing pains, including less edge, occasionally repetitive dialogue, and the tighter pacing required for a 42-minute CBS slot.
Collider's critic suggested this format might ultimately suit Kayce's more focused story better than Yellowstone's sprawling, soap-opera style. The review praised the series as "action-packed" and "thrilling," full of potential, and highlighted the strong chemistry between Grimes and Marshall-Green as a particular strength. It argued that once the show moves past its initial setup, it could stand firmly on its own.
Navigating the Streaming Landscape
The show's performance is particularly notable as it airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+, a platform where Sheridan's other projects have found massive success. For instance, Taylor Sheridan's 'The Madison' Shatters Records as Paramount+'s Biggest March 2026 Debut. However, competition is fierce, and Marshals is facing off against established hits; reports indicate NCIS Overtakes Taylor Sheridan's 'Marshals' in Paramount+ March 2026 Streaming Battle.
Sheridan's expansive universe has seen other disruptions, like Netflix Pulls Taylor Sheridan's 'Lioness' From International Libraries, showing the complex dynamics of modern streaming rights. Yet, the audience reaction to Marshals stands out as uniquely negative for the creator.
Can 'Marshals' Turn It Around?
Despite the low scores, the series is still in its first season, and fan reactions can evolve. Episodes like Marshals Episode 4 Ignites Kayce Dutton vs. Randall Clegg Rivalry show the series is working to build compelling conflicts. The core premise—following a beloved character into a new law enforcement role—has inherent appeal for Yellowstone devotees.
Only time will tell if Marshals can rally viewer support and climb out of its Rotten Tomatoes rut. For now, it remains a fascinating case study in audience expectations for a Taylor Sheridan project and the challenges of expanding a beloved franchise into new territory. Marshals airs Sundays at 8 PM on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.
