CBS is set to pay off a crucial aspect of Yellowstone season 5’s conclusion, paving the way for a new spinoff featuring Kayce Dutton, portrayed by Luke Grimes. The recent exit of Kevin Costner as John Dutton III created tensions and uncertainty surrounding the series’ final chapter. Nevertheless, season 5 part 2 managed to capture significant elements, particularly through the actions of John Dutton’s children, Kayce and Beth (played by Kelly Reilly), as they rose to defend and sustain their father’s legacy following the assassination of Montana’s governor.
While the finale of Yellowstone season 5 concluded with Kayce making the poignant decision to sell the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and the Broken Rock Tribe, it indicated that his narrative was far from over. Excitingly, recent casting announcements confirmed that Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser would reprise their roles as Beth and Rip, respectively, for an upcoming spinoff, ensuring that at least one of John Dutton’s children would continue their story. Additionally, a new Yellowstone spinoff centered around Kayce Dutton is also in the works at CBS, utilizing his character’s rich potential and fulfilling predictions made during season 5.
How Yellowstone’s Conclusion Set the Stage for a Kayce Spinoff
Kayce Dutton: A New Broadcast TV Spinoff Awaits
Throughout season 5, particularly in the second half, I perceived that Taylor Sheridan, the show’s creator, skillfully set the stage for parallel storylines focused on both Kayce and Beth. This became especially clear during the pivotal episode titled “The Apocalypse of Change.” Although some viewers found the flashbacks to be confusing, I appreciated them as glimpses into Kayce and Beth’s personal journeys, reinforcing my belief that they would each emerge in their own series.
In “The Apocalypse of Change,”we witness Kayce alongside Tate (Brecken Merrill) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille) as they explore East Camp. While this segment appeared to merely provide context for Kayce’s character arc, it hinted at future developments for him. Despite criticism towards the timeline’s flashbacks, I interpreted them as foundational elements for the continuing saga of Yellowstone, rather than merely callbacks to its past. I’m genuinely excited that this spinoff for Kayce is coming to fruition.
The Necessity of a Separate Kayce Spinoff
Spotlight for Beth, Rip, and Kayce
Though integrating Kayce into the spinoff featuring Beth and Rip might have seemed logical, it would have detracted from the core narrative. Beth and Rip’s journey offers a compelling storyline rich with drama and history. Placing Kayce in the background would undermine the significance of their relationship and story arc. As John’s youngest son, Kayce is far more than just a supporting character in the Yellowstone ensemble; he deserves his own platform.
Particularly in the wake of events from season 5, where Kayce took on notable responsibilities to uphold his family’s legacy—despite letting go of the iconic ranch—he has proven himself worthy as a lead character. In episode 11, “Three Fifty-Three,” Kayce utilizes his Navy SEAL expertise to uncover substantial evidence regarding John Dutton’s potential assassination, effectively reopening the investigation as a homicide. Considering that Kayce’s spinoff is likely to evolve into a procedural format on CBS, it may deeply explore his military background and experiences, similar to the themes introduced in Yellowstone season 5.