The Yellowstone universe may have wrapped up its flagship series after five explosive seasons, but Taylor Sheridan isn’t done telling stories from the modern West. Several spinoffs are now in development, including Y: Marshals, a CBS drama that brings Luke Grimes’ Kayce Dutton front and center. But while the cast list is packed with familiar faces, one glaring absence has fans scratching their heads: where is Monica Dutton?

Kayce Rides Again — Without Monica

Set to debut in 2026, Y: Marshals follows Kayce as he leaves the Yellowstone Ranch behind to join an elite unit of U.S. Marshals. Combining his cowboy grit with his Navy SEAL background, Kayce will face a dangerous new frontier of violence, justice, and duty.

Alongside Grimes, returning stars include Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater), Mo Brings Plenty (Mo), and Brecken Merrill (Tate Dutton). The ensemble also features newcomers like Logan Marshall-Green (Upgrade), Arielle Kebbel (Ballers), Ash Santos (Mayor of Kingstown), Tatanka Means (Reservation Dogs), and Brett Cullen (Joker).

But missing from the lineup is Kelsey Asbille, who played Monica Dutton, Kayce’s wife and Tate’s mother.

Why Isn’t Monica in Y: Marshals?

That’s the burning question. Monica has been integral to Kayce’s storyline since the beginning, making her absence all the more confusing.

Speculation runs wild:

• Could Kayce and Monica be separated at the start of the spinoff?

• Might Sheridan take the shocking step of writing Monica out permanently, much like John Dutton’s controversial exit in Yellowstone Season 5?

• Or is it simply a matter of scheduling conflicts or contract negotiations keeping Asbille from signing on?

Whatever the reason, it’s unlikely Sheridan would ignore such a major character without explanation. Fans can expect her absence to be addressed directly in the show.

Sheridan Expands the Universe

Even as questions swirl around Monica, the Yellowstone machine keeps rolling. In addition to Y: Marshals, Sheridan has multiple projects in motion, including:

• A direct sequel series set after Yellowstone’s finale.

• A new prequel following the Duttons in another chapter of American history.

• The Madison, a yet-to-be-revealed project already stirring buzz.

Behind the Scenes

Y: Marshals comes from Spencer Hudnut (SEAL Team), who wrote the pilot and serves as showrunner. Greg Yaitanes (Presumed Innocent) directs the first episode. Sheridan executive produces alongside a powerhouse team that includes David C. Glasser, John Linson, Art Linson, and Luke Grimes himself.

The Big Question

For now, Y: Marshals doesn’t have a release date, but one thing is certain: fans won’t stop asking about Monica. Whether she’s missing by design or by circumstance, her absence is the mystery that could define the spinoff before it even premieres.