Breaking News: Luke Grimes Will Head a New ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff Series
Hold onto your cowboy hats—Luke Grimes is officially set to lead a brand-new Yellowstone spinoff series! Paramount and CBS dropped the bombshell today, April 9, 2025, confirming that Grimes will reprise his fan-favorite role as Kayce Dutton in a procedural drama slated for CBS. After months of speculation, the Yellowstone universe is expanding yet again, and this time, it’s Kayce’s turn to take the reins. Here’s what we know about this exciting development!
Kayce Dutton Rides Again
First reported by Puck and Variety in late March, the project was in “early discussions” with no deals finalized—until now. Sources confirm Grimes has signed on, with Taylor Sheridan giving the green light to explore Kayce’s next chapter post-Yellowstone Season 5. The flagship series ended on December 15, 2024, with Kayce selling the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to the Broken Rock Tribe for $1.25 an acre, keeping a small parcel for himself, Monica (Kelsey Asbille), and Tate (Brecken Merrill). This spinoff picks up in the present day, shifting gears from neo-Western chaos to a procedural format—think less ranch wars, more law-and-order grit.
Sheridan’s teamed up with SEAL Team showrunner Spencer Hudnut, who’s been crafting ideas for over a year. Insiders say the series will lean into Kayce’s Navy SEAL background and his tenure as Montana’s Livestock Commissioner, offering a fresh angle on the Dutton legacy. Expect him tracking cattle rustlers, busting black-market rings, or even facing off with old foes—all while wrestling with his moral compass in a world without John Dutton’s shadow.
Who’s Joining the Ride?
No word yet on the full cast, but it’s hard to imagine Kayce without his family. Kelsey Asbille and Brecken Merrill are “expected” to return as Monica and Tate, per Deadline, keeping the Dutton unit intact on their East Camp homestead. Could we see guest spots from Yellowstone vets like Gil Birmingham’s Chief Rainwater, now stewarding the reclaimed ranch? Or maybe a nod to Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Rip (Cole Hauser), who are busy with their own spinoff? Sheridan loves a crossover, so don’t rule it out. New characters—perhaps a rival lawman or a wartime buddy from Kayce’s SEAL days—are also likely to spice up the mix.
Why CBS?
Unlike 1923, 1883, or the Beth-Rip spinoff (sticking to Paramount+), this series marks a bold move to CBS broadcast airwaves. It’s a strategic flex by Paramount Global—Yellowstone reruns drew 22 million viewers on CBS during the 2023 strikes, proving the Duttons can rope in a network crowd. Produced by MTV Entertainment Studios (not CBS Studios), it’s a sibling collab under the Paramount umbrella. Streaming rights? TBD—could it hit Peacock like Yellowstone, or join its prequel kin on Paramount+? Stay tuned.
When’s It Coming?
Filming’s not locked in, but with 1923 Season 2 just wrapped and the Beth-Rip spinoff eyeing a summer 2025 start, 1944 and this Kayce series are next in line. A late 2026 premiere feels realistic, giving Sheridan time to juggle his sprawling slate (The Madison, 6666, and more). No title’s been revealed—could it carry “Yellowstone” like Beth and Rip’s, or go rogue with something like Dutton Law? Fans are already speculating.
Why It’s Big News
Kayce’s always been the Dutton with heart—ex-SEAL, reluctant rancher, peacemaker. Grimes called him a man craving “his little slice of heaven” in a 2024 Esquire chat, hinting he’d only return if the story fit. Sheridan’s clearly found it, and fans are hyped. “Luke was the best part of Season 5—give him the spotlight!” one X post cheered. With 1944 bridging the past and Beth-Rip forging ahead, Kayce’s spinoff keeps the present-day Duttons alive. Saddle up—this ride’s just beginning!
