New ‘Yellowstone’ Spin-Off ‘Marshals’ Defies Critics and Tops TV Ratings

The ‘Yellowstone’ universe remains a strong contender on television, even as creator Taylor Sheridan prepares to transition away from Paramount.

Reports indicate that Sheridan has emerged as a key creator for Paramount+, with several of his shows consistently ranking among the platform’s top streaming offerings. Despite mixed reviews for some recent projects, audience engagement remains robust.

The latest spin-off, titled ‘Marshals’, is part of this trend, even though it has garnered some of the lowest ratings in the franchise to date. Nevertheless, the series has ascended to the top of both CBS and Paramount+ rankings.

The show centers around Luke Grimes’ character Kayce Dutton as he leaves ranch life behind. In this new chapter, he joins a U.S. Marshals team led by his former military friend Pete Calvin, portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green. Together, they tackle violent crime cases in a perilous region, utilizing both law enforcement training and survival skills honed from their past experiences.

This represents a significant departure from earlier ‘Yellowstone’ narratives. Rather than focusing on slow-paced ranch drama and family politics, the new series emphasizes rapid action, investigations, and chase sequences.

This stylistic shift has surprised many viewers, yet it has also contributed to strong viewing figures. Despite critical backlash, audiences have continued to tune in in large numbers.

The report also notes that ‘Marshals’ currently holds lower ratings compared to other shows in the franchise. Critics have described it as lacking the depth and emotional storytelling that initially made ‘Yellowstone’ a hit.

One critic remarked, “’Marshals’ confines Kayce Dutton within a dim procedural that lacks the narrative spark and intrigue that ‘Yellowstone’ managed instantly, making this one ham-fisted trek.”

Despite these reviews, audience reactions have been markedly different. The show has quickly become one of the most-watched titles on Paramount+ and CBS, bolstering the network’s overall performance during the 2025–2026 television season.

New episodes are airing weekly, with the storyline currently revolving around a significant investigation involving a drug cartel targeting the Broken Rock Reservation. The plot also follows Kayce as he becomes increasingly involved in his new role within the Marshals unit.

The report highlights a recurring trend in Taylor Sheridan’s work. Even when critics are divided, his shows frequently attract large audiences and achieve strong streaming success. This has been a consistent pattern across the broader ‘Yellowstone’ franchise and its spin-offs.

For the time being, ‘Marshals’ continues its run on CBS and Paramount+, with new episodes releasing weekly as the season approaches its finale.

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