CBS Eyes Kayce Dutton Spinoff as Yellowstone Universe Expands

Just when fans were coming to terms with Yellowstone ending, a new thunderstorm brews on the horizon. CBS, riding high on the ratings success of its Yellowstone reruns during the Hollywood strikes, is reportedly preparing to ride deeper into Dutton territory—with a brand-new spinoff centered around none other than Kayce Dutton.

Kayce, portrayed by Luke Grimes, has always been one of Yellowstone’s most complex and quietly powerful characters. As John Dutton’s youngest son, he’s a Navy SEAL haunted by war, a conflicted enforcer of Montana’s often-violent ranch codes, and a fiercely devoted husband and father. The idea of building a full series around him isn’t just logical—it’s long overdue.

What Could the Spinoff Look Like?

Sources suggest that the new series would dive into Kayce’s dual identity: his shadowy past in the military and his current role as livestock commissioner. That opens the door for a potential mix of action, emotional drama, and law enforcement procedural—making it a prime candidate for CBS’s format-loving audience.

In a TV landscape dominated by franchises like NCIS and FBI, the Yellowstone universe may now be evolving into a similarly structured saga, tailored for episodic viewing while still honoring the larger mythology crafted by Taylor Sheridan.

Monica and Tate Returning?

There’s also strong speculation that Kelsey Asbille (Monica) and Brecken Merrill (Tate) could reprise their roles. After all, Season 5 ended with Kayce selling most of the Yellowstone Ranch to Thomas Rainwater and the Broken Rock Reservation, securing a peaceful slice of land for his family to live on. The new spinoff could focus on how the Duttons adjust to this more secluded life—until old enemies and new conflicts inevitably find them.

Why CBS?

While the Yellowstone franchise has primarily lived on Paramount Network and Paramount+, CBS has recently tested the waters by airing earlier seasons on its primetime lineup—and the gamble paid off. Viewers tuned in in droves, proving that the network’s more traditional audience is just as hungry for Dutton drama as streaming fans.

This move also aligns with Paramount Global’s cross-platform strategy—maximizing reach and monetization by expanding hit franchises to broader networks.

What Else Is Coming?

Don’t forget, this spinoff would join a growing list of Yellowstone projects already confirmed or in development:

• The Beth & Rip-focused sequel

• Period prequels like 1883 and 1923

• The contemporary sequel The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox

With the universe growing this rapidly, Yellowstone Season 6 may not be happening in name—but in spirit, it’s already underway.

Final Thoughts

As CBS and Paramount continue to iron out the details, all signs point toward a Fall 2025 premiere for Kayce Dutton’s next chapter. Whether it’s a gritty Western, a character-driven family drama, or a procedural hybrid, one thing’s for sure: the Dutton legacy is far from finished.

So saddle up. The ranch may be changing—but the fight to protect what matters most is only just beginning.