4 Major Updates on the Yellowstone Franchise You Need to Know
The Yellowstone universe continues to dominate headlines — and while Kevin Costner’s future remains uncertain, creator Taylor Sheridan is far from slowing down. From long-delayed projects to exciting new spinoffs and casting bombshells, here’s everything fans need to know about the state of television’s most famous ranching saga.
1. Is 6666 Still Happening? Delays and Uncertainty Explained
The much-anticipated spinoff 6666 — set on the historic Texas ranch introduced in Yellowstone — has hit a frustrating standstill. Production delays and creative restructuring have kept the project in limbo, leaving fans questioning whether the series will ever see the light of day.
Originally intended to follow the hard-living cowboys and cowgirls of the Four Sixes Ranch, 6666 was expected to serve as a modern, grittier counterpart to Yellowstone. However, with Sheridan juggling multiple projects under Paramount’s banner, including Lawmen: Bass Reeves and Land Man, the series has quietly taken a back seat.
Still, insiders hint that Sheridan remains committed to 6666 — and the project may resurface once production schedules align.
2. A Complete Guide to Yellowstone’s Expanding Spinoffs
The Yellowstone universe now stretches across multiple generations and timelines, with several interconnected series either airing or in active development.
Here’s how the Dutton family saga currently stands:
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1883 – The prequel starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill traced the origins of the Dutton dynasty and their journey to Montana.
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1923 – Led by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, this follow-up chronicled the next generation battling Prohibition and economic hardship.
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1944 – Sheridan’s next planned prequel, reportedly in pre-production, will bridge the gap between 1923 and the modern-day ranch era.
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The Madison – A newly announced series rumored to explore the Dutton family’s extended ties beyond Montana.
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Y: Marshals – The latest spinoff, starring Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, shifts from ranch drama to a high-stakes U.S. Marshals procedural.
With multiple storylines intertwining across centuries, Sheridan’s empire shows no signs of slowing down — even if production timelines remain unpredictable.
3. Cole Hauser Shares Hilarious Fan Encounters
While fans wait for updates on Yellowstone’s return, Cole Hauser is keeping spirits high. The actor recently shared that playing the rugged and stoic Rip Wheeler has made him unexpectedly popular with one particular demographic — older female fans.
“Old women grab my ass,” Hauser joked in an interview, describing the wild encounters he’s had at fan events. His down-to-earth humor and charm continue to endear him to audiences, even as Yellowstone remains on hiatus.
Hauser’s comment quickly went viral, proving that even off-screen, Rip Wheeler’s legend — and appeal — continues to grow.
4. Who’s Returning for Y: Marshals — and Who Isn’t
One of the most talked-about projects in the Yellowstone lineup is Y: Marshals, a gritty spinoff that takes Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) from the Montana plains to the dangerous front lines of federal law enforcement.
Set to debut during the 2025–26 CBS midseason, the 13-episode series promises “range justice” reimagined for network TV. Grimes reprises his role as the conflicted youngest Dutton, now channeling his Navy SEAL background into his new work as a U.S. Marshal.
However, fans hoping for appearances from Beth (Kelly Reilly) or Rip (Cole Hauser) may be disappointed — at least for now. So far, Grimes is the only confirmed returning cast member, with no official word on cameos from other Dutton family favorites.
Still, executive producer Taylor Sheridan remains attached in a creative capacity, alongside SEAL Team showrunner Spencer Hudnut, who’s steering the series’ action-driven tone.
The Future of Yellowstone: Bigger, Broader, and Bolder
While Kevin Costner’s return as John Dutton looks increasingly unlikely — except through flashbacks — the Yellowstone empire continues to evolve. With Y: Marshals on the way, 6666 waiting in the wings, and The Madison set to expand the mythos even further, Sheridan’s saga shows no signs of riding off into the sunset.
For fans of sweeping landscapes, family loyalty, and good old-fashioned Western grit, the Dutton legacy remains alive and thriving — even as the universe continues to change.