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Sheridan Today
By the People, for the People
Taylor Sheridan's 'Marshals' Crushes Ratings Despite Critics
Dutton universe spinoff outpaces Yellowstone as fans embrace new procedural format
Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:25pm
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The high-octane action and cinematic visuals of Marshals have captivated audiences, even as the show departs from the emotional family drama of its Yellowstone origins.Sheridan TodayDespite weak reviews, Taylor Sheridan's new CBS and Paramount+ series Marshals has become a ratings juggernaut, outperforming even the hugely popular Yellowstone. The show, which stars Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton in a new role as an elite U.S. Marshal, has drawn massive audiences across broadcast and streaming, proving Sheridan's ability to expand his successful Dutton franchise.
Why it matters
Marshals represents a significant stylistic shift from the family drama of Yellowstone, favoring a more procedural, action-oriented format. The strong performance of this new approach suggests Sheridan can successfully evolve his storytelling while maintaining the loyalty of his passionate fanbase.
The details
Despite opening to poor reviews, with critics arguing it traded the emotional depth of Yellowstone for generic procedural elements, Marshals has become a breakout hit. The series premiere attracted 9.5 million live viewers, the largest debut for a scripted CBS show in over seven years. Subsequent episodes have retained over 80% of that audience, leading to a quick renewal for a second season. Globally, Marshals now ranks as the second most-watched series on Paramount+, trailing only South Park.
- Marshals premiered in April 2026.
- The series was renewed for a second season in March 2026, before the current season had even finished airing.
- The next Dutton universe spinoff, Dutton Ranch, is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 15, 2026.
The players
Taylor Sheridan
The creator of Yellowstone and the expanding Dutton universe, who has now delivered another hit series with Marshals.
Luke Grimes
The actor who plays Kayce Dutton on Yellowstone and now leads the cast of the Marshals spinoff series.
Paramount+
The streaming service that airs Marshals and other Dutton universe shows, and where the series has become a top performer globally.
CBS
The broadcast network that airs Marshals, where it delivered the largest debut for a scripted series in over seven years.
What’s next
The next chapter in the Dutton universe, Dutton Ranch starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, is set to premiere on Paramount+ on May 15, 2026.
The takeaway
Taylor Sheridan's ability to evolve his storytelling while maintaining the loyalty of his passionate fanbase is on full display with the success of Marshals. The show's strong ratings performance, despite mixed reviews, demonstrates Sheridan's knack for expanding his Dutton universe in ways that continue to captivate viewers.
