The Yellowstone Universe After the Finale: A Franchise in Explosive Expansion
Just one year ago, Yellowstone concluded its five-season run on December 15, 2024, with a finale that divided fans and marked the end of the Dutton family's flagship saga. But for Taylor Sheridan's sprawling Western empire, the story is far from over. In fact, December 2024 marks a turning point where the Yellowstone universe is expanding faster and more aggressively than ever before—with multiple spinoffs in production, bold network TV experiments, and enough drama both on-screen and off to keep fans buzzing well into 2026.
From the recently concluded 1923 to the upcoming Y: Marshals debut on CBS, and the mysterious The Madison already filming its second season before the first has even premiered, Sheridan's vision continues to reshape the landscape of television. Here's everything you need to know about what's next for the Yellowstone universe.
1923 Season 2: A Finale That Proved Sheridan's Staying Power
When 1923 wrapped its second and final season on April 6, 2025, it delivered exactly what Taylor Sheridan promised from the beginning: a complete, self-contained story told across sixteen episodes. The two-hour finale brought closure to the Dutton family's struggles during Prohibition and the early Great Depression, with Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) and Alex's (Julia Schlaepfer) journey reaching its emotional conclusion. citation
The numbers tell the story of the show's success. The season 2 finale pulled in an impressive 14 million viewers, cementing 1923 as one of Paramount+'s biggest hits. But perhaps even more remarkable is what happened after the show ended: in July 2025, months after the finale aired, 1923 season 1 entered Netflix's global top 10 TV shows list, proving that Sheridan's Western dramas have extraordinary staying power in the streaming era. citation
The Two-Season Plan Was Always the Blueprint
From the outset, Sheridan designed 1923 to run for exactly two seasons with eight episodes each. As Brandon Sklenar told The Hollywood Reporter in May 2023, the show was conceived as "one piece—there's just a split in the middle. It will conclude." This creative discipline—telling a complete story rather than stretching it indefinitely—has become a hallmark of Sheridan's prequel series. citation
However, the finale's deliberate loose threads—Elizabeth's pregnancy hanging in the balance, Teonna Rainwater's hard-won freedom—sparked wild speculation among fans about whether a third season might still happen. The answer appears to be no, but the Dutton saga isn't done with this era. Reports from September 2025 revealed that while 1923 won't get a season 3, the timeline will continue in a new spinoff titled 1944, currently in active development. citation
The Mystery of John Dutton II Remains Unsolved
One of the most tantalizing questions left by 1923 is the identity of John Dutton II's parents. The show concluded without definitively revealing whether the patriarch who would father Kevin Costner's John Dutton III is the son of Spencer and Alex or Jack (Darren Mann) and Elizabeth (Michelle Randolph). This deliberate ambiguity has become a favorite topic of fan theories, with evidence pointing in both directions. A 1944 spinoff could finally provide the answer—assuming it focuses on the next generation of Duttons navigating World War II and its aftermath.
Y: Marshals - Kayce Dutton's Controversial New Beginning
The most imminent addition to the Yellowstone universe arrives on March 1, 2026, when Y: Marshals premieres on CBS at 8 p.m. ET—marking a historic shift for the franchise from streaming platforms to traditional network television. This procedural drama will follow Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) as he leads an elite U.S. Marshals task force protecting Montana from cartels, violent criminals, and frontier chaos. citation
Luke Grimes Breaks His Silence
After months of tight-lipped secrecy, Grimes finally acknowledged the spinoff on Instagram on November 17, 2024, cryptically posting "March 1" alongside a promotional photo of himself in Kayce's signature cowboy hat. The understated announcement sent Yellowstone fans into a frenzy, with castmates like Wendy Moniz and Hassie Harrison flooding the comments with support. citation
CBS dropped the first extended trailer on November 24, 2024, and it immediately became clear that Y: Marshals represents a significant tonal shift for the franchise. While the original Yellowstone focused on land disputes and family politics, this sequel leans heavily into action-drama territory, positioning Kayce as a front-line enforcer juggling duty, loyalty, and personal grief.
In the trailer, Kayce's voiceover sets the stage: "I fought every day to get out from under the weight of the Yellowstone. I've lost my teammates, my parents, even my brothers. I know that sometimes good men have to do bad things, but I'm trying to find a new beginning." citation
The Monica Dutton Mystery
The biggest controversy surrounding Y: Marshals isn't what's in the trailers—it's what's missing. Kelsey Asbille's Monica Dutton, Kayce's wife who played a central role throughout Yellowstone's five seasons, is conspicuously absent from all promotional materials and has not been announced as part of the cast. This glaring omission has sparked rampant speculation among fans: Did Monica and Kayce separate? Did something happen to her character? Is she simply living a quiet life off-screen while Kayce pursues his dangerous new career?
Asbille hasn't broken her silence about her future with the franchise, but in a November 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she hinted at ongoing challenges in Monica and Kayce's relationship: "Oh, [there are] definitely [hurdles]. That's I guess part of marriage, the hurdles. That's just life! But I think they've always been endgame for each other." citation
Familiar Faces and New Blood
While Monica's absence looms large, Y: Marshals brings back several beloved characters. Brecken Merrill returns as Tate Dutton—now an adult and a fellow U.S. Marshal working alongside his father. The show also features Gil Birmingham reprising his role as Thomas Rainwater and Mo Brings Plenty returning as Mo, keeping Kayce connected to the Broken Rock reservation and his Indigenous roots. citation
The new cast members joining the Yellowstone universe include:
- Logan Marshall-Green as Pete Calvin
- Arielle Kebbel as Belle Skinner
- Ash Santos as Andrea Cruz
- Tatanka Means as Miles Kittle
These Marshals form Kayce's inner circle as they tackle Montana's most dangerous threats, from cartel operations to violent tacticians operating on the state's fringes.
A Network TV Gamble
The decision to premiere Y: Marshals on CBS rather than Paramount+ represents a calculated risk for Taylor Sheridan's empire. According to Amy Reisenbach, CBS Entertainment president, the choice was driven by the massive success of Yellowstone's linear broadcasts and Tulsa King's performance on traditional television. citation
However, this move comes with challenges. Network TV's tighter censorship standards and commercial break structure could constrain the gritty, violent storytelling that has become Sheridan's trademark. Some critics have questioned whether Y: Marshals might dilute Kayce's carefully crafted character arc from Yellowstone, where he finally found peace by returning the ranch to the Broken Rock reservation and prioritizing family over legacy. citation
Yet the success of 1923 on streaming—dominating Netflix months after its finale—suggests that Sheridan's shows have a built-in audience willing to follow these characters wherever they appear. If Y: Marshals can deliver the drama, action, and moral complexity fans expect, the network TV experiment could prove to be a masterstroke.
The Madison: Sheridan's Most Mysterious Project Yet
If Y: Marshals represents a known quantity—familiar characters in a new setting—then The Madison is Taylor Sheridan's wild card. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox, this upcoming series follows the McIntosh family as they relocate from New York City to Montana's Madison River valley in the wake of profound grief. citation
Filming Season 2 Before Season 1 Premieres
In one of the most unusual developments in recent television history, The Madison is already filming its second season—despite the fact that season 1 has no announced premiere date. According to Collider, production on season 2 began in Montana in September 2025 before moving to Texas, where filming continued throughout December 2024. citation
This week, the production shut down portions of downtown Dallas to shoot scenes disguised as New York City, with NYPD vehicles and urban taxi props transforming North Texas into Manhattan. The aggressive production schedule signals extraordinary confidence from Paramount+ in Sheridan's vision—or perhaps indicates that both seasons were always planned as a single production block. citation
David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, confirmed that The Madison was scheduled to begin shooting season 2 in October 2025, though the show remains shrouded in secrecy. What's particularly intriguing is how little information has leaked despite an entire season being shot. citation
How Does It Connect to Yellowstone?
The big question surrounding The Madison is its relationship to the Yellowstone universe. The series is officially described as "part of the Yellowstone universe," but director Christina Alexandra Voros stated, "It's such a different story…" suggesting it may not directly involve the Dutton family. citation
The show was originally linked to Matthew McConaughey, who exited due to scheduling conflicts before Michelle Pfeiffer came aboard. Pfeiffer plays Stacy Clyburn, a grief-shaken matriarch attempting to rebuild her life, while Matthew Fox portrays Paul, a self-sufficient outdoorsman who's "very much the anti-Manhattan stereotype." citation
With no clear Dutton connection established, The Madison could represent Sheridan's attempt to expand the Yellowstone brand beyond a single family's story—creating a Montana-set universe where different families and conflicts intersect without requiring direct genealogical ties to the Duttons. If successful, this approach could open the door to countless future spinoffs set in the same world.
A spring 2026 premiere seems likely for season 1, though Paramount+ has yet to make an official announcement.
The Dutton Ranch: Beth and Rip's New Chapter
While Y: Marshals and The Madison represent departures from the core Yellowstone narrative, one spinoff promises to deliver exactly what fans have been clamoring for: more Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are set to lead The Dutton Ranch, which picks up after the Yellowstone finale with the couple starting fresh away from the iconic ranch. citation
Ed Harris Joins the Cast
In a major casting coup, Oscar-nominated actor Ed Harris recently joined the cast, adding gravitas and star power to the project. Harris's involvement signals that The Dutton Ranch will be a high-profile production rather than a simple continuation. citation
The show recently filmed scenes in Dallas, with the Hall Arts district standing in for downtown Chicago—suggesting Beth and Rip's new life may involve navigating urban power structures far removed from Montana ranch politics. citation
Early trailer hints describe the show as exploring "dramatic storytelling, emotional twists, and a deeper look into the lives of Beth and Rip as they try to build a future together." The narrative premise—the Dutton name still carrying weight even as they attempt to escape their past—promises a mix of romance, danger, and the emotional depth that made Beth and Rip fan favorites. citation
However, the show remains in development without a confirmed premiere date, though production appears to be progressing steadily.
6666: The Texas Ranch Saga in Limbo
Few Yellowstone spinoffs have been discussed as long—or remain as uncertain—as 6666, the series set at the historic Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. Announced back in February 2021, the show has been in development for nearly four years with minimal concrete progress. citation
"Special Treatment" Required
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Taylor Sheridan addressed the show's indefinite status, explaining, "For a certain number of reasons, this series requires special treatment, because it's a real place where families work." The comment suggests legal, logistical, or creative complications that have prevented the project from moving forward. citation
Importantly, Sheridan clarified that 6666 is not cancelled—merely delayed. The show is expected to feature characters Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) and Teeter (Jen Landon), who would bridge the connection between Yellowstone and the Texas ranch. A trailer for the first episode has circulated online, showcasing the Four Sixes Ranch's physical setup and portraying it as one of the oldest working ranches in Texas, with a focus on traditional cowboy life and the tension between old ways and modern changes. citation
Until Sheridan resolves whatever obstacles are preventing production, 6666 remains the most enigmatic project in the Yellowstone portfolio—promised but perpetually out of reach.
1944: The Next Prequel Taking Shape
Following the conclusion of 1923, reports emerged in September 2025 that a new prequel series titled 1944 is in active development. The show would continue the Dutton family story through World War II and its aftermath, potentially answering lingering questions about John Dutton II's parentage and how the ranch evolved through the mid-20th century. citation
Given that 1923 wove World War I into its narrative to powerful effect, it's logical to assume 1944 would similarly explore WWII's impact on Montana and the Duttons. The 1940s setting would also position the show perfectly between 1923 and the original Yellowstone, filling in crucial decades of family history.
However, no official announcement, cast, or production timeline has been confirmed for 1944. With Taylor Sheridan juggling multiple active projects, this prequel may still be in early development stages.
Taylor Sheridan's Empire: Risks, Rewards, and Competition
The rapid expansion of the Yellowstone universe reflects both Taylor Sheridan's ambition and the entertainment industry's evolving landscape. In 2024, Sheridan signed a five-year overall deal with NBCUniversal for film, TV, and streaming content, ensuring his creative output will only increase in the coming years. citation
The CBS Gamble
The decision to launch Y: Marshals on CBS rather than Paramount+ represents the franchise's biggest risk. Network television operates under different constraints than streaming—commercial breaks interrupt narrative flow, censorship limits violence and language, and the need to attract mass audiences can dilute edge and complexity.
Yet if anyone can navigate this transition, it's Sheridan. His track record speaks for itself: Yellowstone grew its audience across five seasons, 1923 pulled in 14 million viewers for its finale, and his other shows (Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Landman) have all found success across different platforms. The 1923 phenomenon—entering Netflix's global top 10 months after its finale—demonstrates that Sheridan's Western dramas have rare staying power that transcends platform or release strategy. citation
Expanding Beyond the Duttons
The Madison's mysterious relationship to the Yellowstone universe may signal Sheridan's intention to expand his Montana-set storytelling beyond a single family. By creating shows that exist in the same world but don't require direct Dutton connections, he could build a sustainable franchise that doesn't rely on endless genealogy charts and flashbacks.
This approach mirrors successful shared universes in other genres—interconnected stories that enhance each other without demanding viewers watch everything. If The Madison succeeds, it could open the door to numerous Montana-set dramas exploring different families, time periods, and conflicts within the broader Yellowstone world.
The Competition Emerges
Sheridan's dominance in the Western genre isn't going unchallenged. Netflix's The Abandons, created by Sons of Anarchy mastermind Kurt Sutter, premieres December 4, 2025, as a direct competitor to the Yellowstone universe. The show explores frontier justice and the violent preservation of land—themes at the heart of Sheridan's work. citation
Interestingly, Sheridan's own career began as an actor on Sutter's Sons of Anarchy, where he played Deputy Chief David Hale before reportedly leaving due to salary disputes. Now, the two television titans are competing for Western supremacy. Whether The Abandons can match the Yellowstone universe's cultural impact remains to be seen, but the competition will likely push both creators to deliver their best work.
What's Next: A Franchise at a Crossroads
As December 2024 turns to 2025 and 2026, the Yellowstone universe stands at a fascinating crossroads. The original series ended with a controversial finale that disappointed many fans, as Kevin Costner's tumultuous departure and John Dutton III's sudden death left narrative threads unresolved and emotional arcs incomplete. Yet rather than marking the end, Sheridan has doubled down—launching multiple spinoffs, expanding into network television, and experimenting with shows that may not even feature the Dutton family.
The next year will determine whether this aggressive expansion strategy pays off or overextends the brand. Key milestones to watch include:
- March 1, 2026: Y: Marshals premieres on CBS, testing whether a Yellowstone spinoff can succeed on network TV
- Spring 2026: The Madison season 1 likely premieres, revealing how (or if) it connects to the Duttons
- TBD: The Dutton Ranch release date announced, giving Beth and Rip fans the continuation they've been demanding
- Ongoing: 6666 and 1944 development continues, adding to the universe's past and present storylines
For fans, the message is clear: the Yellowstone universe isn't ending—it's just getting started. Taylor Sheridan has built the most powerful Western empire in modern television, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Whether exploring the 1920s with the Duttons, following Kayce into law enforcement, or introducing entirely new families in Montana's Madison Valley, the stories of land, legacy, and the American West will continue to unfold.
The only question is whether audiences will follow Sheridan into these new territories, or whether the franchise's expansion will ultimately dilute what made Yellowstone special in the first place. With 1923's streaming dominance proving the brand's endurance and Y: Marshals' upcoming debut promising action-packed drama, the odds are in Sheridan's favor. But in the unpredictable world of television, nothing is guaranteed—even for a ranching empire that's conquered both Montana and the zeitgeist.