If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, you know the Dutton family is the heartbeat of this wild Western saga. And with multiple spin-offs cropping up, you might expect that every Dutton would get their time to shine. But here’s the kicker — the spin-offs are focused on every Dutton except the one who truly deserves a standalone story. Let’s unpack this disappointment, explore the spin-offs landscape, and discuss which Dutton’s story is begging to be told.

Why ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-offs Are Taking Over TV

The Yellowstone series exploded in popularity for a reason — it blends rugged family drama with breathtaking landscapes and raw emotion. Naturally, the network wants to milk that success by creating spin-offs. Think 1883 and 1923, which dive into the Dutton legacy in different eras. Then there’s 6666, focusing on the Texas ranch life tied to the Duttons. These spin-offs promise rich storytelling but seem to overlook one major thing: the right Dutton.

Meet the Dutton Family: Who Are They?

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick refresher on the main Dutton family members:

• John Dutton – The patriarch, tough and commanding, protector of the Yellowstone Ranch.

• Beth Dutton – The fiery, fearless daughter who’s a fan favorite.

• Jamie Dutton – The conflicted son with political ambitions.

• Kayce Dutton – The ex-Navy SEAL, grounded and complex.

• Rip Wheeler – Though not a Dutton by blood, he’s fiercely loyal and almost family.

With each spin-off focusing on different time periods or peripheral characters, which Dutton is missing out? You guessed it. 

The Overlooked Dutton: Why One Deserves Their Own Spin-off 

While 1883 and 1923 explore the Duttons’ historical roots and 6666 adds a Texas twist, the character often sidelined is Jamie Dutton. Jamie’s story is one of conflict, identity, and deep emotional struggle. His internal battles and political ambitions could make for a rich narrative canvas.

Why Jamie’s Story Matters

Jamie is the quintessential underdog of the Dutton clan — torn between loyalty and self-identity. He embodies the struggle of living up to a family legacy while carving out his own path. His legal and political background, mixed with personal drama, is fertile ground for a spin-off that blends suspense, family intrigue, and moral complexity.

Spin-offs That Got It Right: What We Can Learn

1883 and 1923 succeeded by focusing on the origins of the Dutton legacy. They offered fresh perspectives and deepened fans’ connection to the family history. That’s exactly the kind of layered storytelling Jamie’s arc could bring—only set in the present or near future, with contemporary political and social issues.

Character Depth Is the Secret Sauce

Spin-offs succeed when they peel back layers of characters fans only see surface-level in the original series. Jamie, with his vulnerabilities and flaws, offers a compelling lens for this approach.