Luke Grimes took a big risk returning to the Yellowstone world. The actor, who played Kayce Dutton for five seasons, was hesitant about the spin-off series Marshals. He loved how his character’s story ended in the original show. But the numbers are now in, and the response from viewers has surprised everyone, including Grimes himself.
The first episode of Marshals pulled in 26.5 million viewers across broadcast and streaming since its March 1 debut. That makes it the second most-watched show on television, only behind Netflix’s Stranger Things. For a broadcast network show to compete with streaming giants, this is a rare feat. Grimes recently sat down to talk about what this success means to him and why fans have connected so strongly with this new chapter.
Luke Grimes Calls Viewership Numbers ‘Mind-Blowing’ After Initial Hesitation
When the viewership data came out, Luke Grimes did not expect those kinds of numbers. Speaking to Deadline, the actor reacted to the latest ratings with honest surprise.
“You guys put out an article today that blew my mind about the numbers. Obviously, it exceeded everybody’s expectations, but to me, it’s just the fact that people tuned in and showed up for it just means the world, really.”
This reaction is notable because Grimes almost said no to the project. Before Marshals was announced, the actor admitted he was “hesitant” about coming back. He felt Yellowstone gave Kayce Dutton a perfect send-off.
“I was kind of hesitant because I just loved the way that Kayce’s story ended in the original show. It was a perfect ending and he got everything he’d been fighting for.”
What changed his mind was the chance to explore Kayce’s backstory as a Navy SEAL. This was a part of the character the original series never fully showed.
Marshals also marks CBS’ biggest scripted premiere without a football lead-in since FBI started in 2018. The show pulled in 13 million viewers from streaming alone on its opening night.
How ‘Marshals’ Differs From ‘Yellowstone’ and Why Fans Are Watching
Luke Grimes explains that Marshals is not trying to copy the original show. The pace is faster, and there is much more action. The story picks up with Kayce Dutton leaving the famous ranch behind. His wife Monica has died from cancer, which happens off-screen between the two series.
Now a widower raising his son Tate, Kayce joins an elite unit of the U.S. Marshals Service in Montana. He uses his skills as a rancher and a former SEAL to catch criminals.
“He’s not Mr. Personality because of what he’s dealing with because of his past. I think what’s cool about this show is through this new purpose he has and being able to use that skill set for something good, he sort of starts to heal himself and come out of his shell a little more.”
The first episode sets a strong tone. Kayce helps hunt a bomber targeting a Native American reservation. The trail leads to a fight with an armed anti-government militia. Each week, the team handles new cases involving drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and political attacks.
CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach praised the show’s performance. She said the response shows the strength of the Yellowstone world and the cast led by Luke Grimes.
Mixed Feelings Among Fans Over Major Character Death
Not every reaction to Marshals has been positive. The decision to kill off Monica Dutton, played by Kelsey Asbille, has split the fanbase. Some viewers were sad to see the character go.
“Damn not Monica,” one fan wrote on social media after the premiere.
Others had a different take. Some comments on X were less emotional about the loss.
“Not sad to see Monica go,” one user posted.
The showrunner Spencer Hudnut explained why they made this choice. He said Yellowstone gave Kayce a “perfect ending” where his dreams came true. To tell a new story, the writers needed to shake him out of that happiness.
“Monica is really guiding Kayce through this first episode. We really wanted to be respectful of the way that we said goodbye to her.”
In the season premiere, Kayce visits Monica’s grave and says a heartbreaking line.
“The best part of me died with you. You always told me to fight for the life I want, but the life I wanted was with you. I’m trying to find a new path, a new beginning for me and Tate.”
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Second Season Already Confirmed as Show Breaks Records
Despite some mixed reviews from hardcore fans, Marshals is here to stay. CBS has already renewed the show for a second season, set to air in 2027. The ratings have been too strong to ignore.
The Marshals premiere pulled in 9.52 million viewers for its live broadcast. It held onto 99% of its audience from the first half-hour to the second. This is rare for a new show. The series even beat the Season 5 premiere of Yellowstone on Paramount Network, which had 8.8 million viewers.
Luke Grimes also has other projects keeping him busy. The actor recently announced his debut country album Redbird, which released on April 3. The 10-track album includes the single “Love You Now”. Fans on social media have praised the new music, with some asking for a UK tour.
Marshals airs live on CBS at 8 PM and streams on Paramount+. The first season will continue with new episodes every week.
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