Taylor Sheridan’s 2026 Neo-Western Action Thriller ‘Marshals’ Is a Streaming Success on Paramount+ Despite Bad Reviews

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Though Taylor Sheridan’s latest Yellowstone spin-off isn’t receiving the best reviews, the Yellowstone universe remains incredibly popular with streaming audiences. The original Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner, debuted on the Paramount Network in 2018 and also featured Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser (who will lead the upcoming Dutton Ranch spin-off alongside Hauser), Wes Bentley, Jefferson White, Kelsey Asbille, and Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton. While the show’s fifth season wasn’t as strong as earlier seasons, many hoped the new spin-off, Marshals, would improve things. However, Marshals hasn’t been well-received, despite viewers continuing to watch it in large numbers.

The first season of Marshals is currently available on the Paramount Network and Paramount+. Despite negative reviews and criticism of its storylines, it’s surprisingly the most popular show on Paramount+ for viewers who access it through Amazon Channels. While South Park is leading on the main Paramount+ platform, those who subscribe through Prime Video are really hooked on Marshals. It seems audiences are enjoying Taylor Sheridan’s work, as his other new series, The Madison, is currently the second most-watched show on Paramount+ through Amazon Channels.

Luke Grimes is back as Kayce Dutton in Marshals, the new series following his character’s journey. Familiar faces from Yellowstone, including Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater and Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton, will also appear. The cast is rounded out by Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, Brett Cullen, and Tatanka Means. The show picks up with Kayce having left ranch life to work as a U.S. Marshal in Montana, but he’ll find it hard to separate his work from the demands of his family, the Duttons.

‘Marshals’ Is the Most Hated ‘Yellowstone’ Series So Far

Some viewers are saying the new series Marshals is even worse than the controversial final season of Yellowstone. It’s received very poor reviews, particularly on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics gave it a 44% score, but audience reviews are much lower, at just 29%. This makes Marshals the worst-rated season of any show in the Yellowstone universe – significantly lower than Yellowstone Season 5, which has a 40% rating.

There are several issues with Marshals. The writing doesn’t measure up to the strong start of Yellowstone, and many character choices feel unnatural and unearned. The show seems to prioritize action over substance, simply aiming for basic entertainment. It also hasn’t addressed unresolved storylines from Yellowstone Season 5, particularly what happened to Monica Dutton. While it’s still early in the first season, there’s a chance the show could improve significantly in future episodes.

What’s Next for ‘Yellowstone’?

Despite the cancellation of 6666 (formerly Marshals), the Yellowstone universe isn’t over. It’s likely just a temporary setback. Fans won’t have to wait long for the next installment: the Dutton Ranch series, starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, arrives on Paramount+ on May 15th. While many details are still unknown, the recently released trailer gives a glimpse of what’s to come. Given that the show centers on two of Yellowstone‘s most dramatic characters, viewers can anticipate plenty of conflict and excitement.

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2026-04-02 21:35