Hollywood has an unshakable habit of resurrecting what works, and if there's one thing Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone has proven, it's that audiences aren't ready to ride off into the sunset just yet. CBS is reportedly in early discussions to develop yet another spinoff of the hit series, this time centered around Kayce Dutton, played by Luke Grimes.
Details are still scarce—no official deals, no confirmed plotlines—but the mere prospect of a Kayce-focused story has already sent the Yellowstone fandom into speculation overdrive. Could this be a procedural-style drama revolving around his role as livestock commissioner? A personal tale of redemption and family, set against Montana's unforgiving landscape?
The Expanding Yellowstone Universe
If confirmed, this would be the latest in a long line of expansions for the Yellowstone franchise. Since the main series wrapped in late 2024, Sheridan's storytelling empire has only grown. Fans are already anticipating the upcoming series starring Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly as Rip and Beth, while prequel hits 1883 and 1923 have successfully deepened the saga's historical roots. The upcoming Madison, led by Michelle Pfeiffer, further cements the franchise's domination of the neo-Western space.
Yet, Kayce's story offers something different. When we last saw him, he had negotiated the sale of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to Thomas Rainwater and the Broken Rock Indian Reservation for the exact price his ancestors bought it—$1.25 per acre. Unlike his father, the unyielding John Dutton, Kayce chose a path of compromise and survival. He retained a small portion of land to live with his family, leaving a door wide open for a new chapter in his journey.
Why Kayce's Return Makes Sense
Luke Grimes' portrayal of Kayce has always been a fan favorite—gritty, conflicted, torn between his Native American heritage and the Dutton legacy. If the spinoff follows him navigating his new life, it could offer a fresh take on the Yellowstone world. After all, the modern Western thrives on moral gray areas, and Kayce's internal battles are far from over.
Would CBS be the right home for such a project? Unlike Paramount Network, which gave Yellowstone its cinematic grit, CBS is known for procedural dramas. If this series leans into Kayce's role as livestock commissioner, it could take on a more structured, case-of-the-week format. That shift might alienate die-hard Yellowstone purists, but it could also introduce a wider audience to Sheridan's world.
The Big Question: Can Yellowstone Survive Without Kevin Costner?
One looming issue remains: Can the Yellowstone universe maintain its momentum without its anchor, Kevin Costner's John Dutton? While spinoffs have done well without him, there's no denying his absence leaves a void. Grimes, while a strong lead, will have to carry the weight of legacy storytelling on his shoulders.
But maybe that's exactly the point. If Yellowstone was about the old guard clinging to power, perhaps this new chapter is about the next generation making their own rules.
Would you watch a Kayce Dutton-led spinoff? Let us know your thoughts below!
