Dave Annable is open to returning to the Yellowstone universe as Lee Dutton after unexpectedly reprising his role in season 4.
Annable played John Dutton's oldest son in the hit Taylor Sheridan series, though Lee was killed in the Yellowstone series premiere during a dispute over the family's cattle. However, his character's death has not completely ruled out future appearances, as the actor later returned as Lee during Kayce's season 4 vision quest.
In an interview with ScreenRant's Liam Crowley for Lioness season 3, Annable was asked whether Lee could appear again in Marshals or Dutton Ranch. The actor was enthusiastic about the possibility, saying he "would be so lucky" to return to the world and reflecting on how much playing a cowboy has meant to him. Check out his comments below:
I would be so lucky because, being a guy from New York, I hadn't had very much experience riding horses and zero experience being a cowboy. The fact that I got to immerse myself in this world was, as a man, one of the most rewarding things I've gotten to do. It's so fun.
Annable's comments don't confirm another Lee appearance, but his enthusiasm leaves the door open as the Yellowstone universe continues beyond the original series. With both Marshals and Dutton Ranch extending the stories of surviving Dutton family members, there are now multiple places where Lee's history with the family could potentially resurface.
The best part about being an actor for me is you get to learn a little about a lot of different things that you wouldn't have exposure to. When I got the call to go back for season 4, even for that quick flashback, I was like, "Let's go. I can't wait." You start growing out the beard again. I was so excited for that.
Marshals would arguably provide the most natural opportunity. The spinoff follows Luke Grimes' Kayce Dutton after leaving the Yellowstone Ranch behind and joining a unit of U.S. Marshals in Montana. Because Lee was Kayce's older brother, another vision or flashback could allow Annable to return while connecting Kayce's new story to his family's past.
Lee Dutton's still a part of me, and I hope he never leaves because it's such an exciting world to learn about. Hopping on a horse is just amazing.
Dutton Ranch presents another possibility, with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprising their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler as they build a new life in Texas. Although Lee has a less direct connection to their current story, the series remains rooted in the Dutton family's history, leaving room for memories of the eldest Dutton sibling to resurface.
For now, there is no indication that Annable is officially returning to either series. But his enthusiasm for revisiting Lee makes it clear he would welcome another opportunity to put on the cowboy hat. With Yellowstone already finding one believable way to bring Lee back years after his death, another appearance wouldn't be unprecedented.
CBS Sets Fall Dates for ‘Marshals,’ ‘Survivor’ and More
CBS has set its fall premiere dates, and as has been the case for the past few seasons, most of the network’s lineup will launch in early October.
Reality staples Survivor and The Amazing Race will debut a bit earlier, as will 60 Minutes. But all of CBS’ scripted series are set to premiere over six days starting Oct. 4. Marshals and Tracker — the two most watched shows on network TV last season, excluding live sports — are up first that night, remaining in the Sunday night spots they occupied last season.
FBI and CIA follow on Oct. 5, with each show moving up an hour (to 8 and 9 p.m. ET/PT) from their spots last season as CBS eliminated its Monday comedy block for 2026-27. True crime show Harlan Coben’s Final Twist follows at 10 p.m.
An all-NCIS lineup remains on Tuesday nights starting Oct. 6, with newcomer NCIS: New York sandwiched between the flagship series and prequel NCIS: Origins. CBS’ two other new fall series, comedy Eternally Yours and drama Cupertino, premiere Oct. 8 along with Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage and Elsbeth. Ghosts and Matlock are set for midseason premieres, but a pair of Ghosts specials will air on Oct. 29 and Dec. 10 tied to Halloween and Christmas. The Friday lineup of Sheriff Country, Fire Country and Boston Blue debuts Oct. 9.
CBS’ fall premiere dates are below. All times are ET/PT unless noted, and new shows are marked with an asterisk.
Sunday, Sept. 13
7:30 p.m.: 60 Minutes (approximate; follows NFL doubleheader)
Wednesday, Sept. 23
8 p.m.: Survivor
Wednesday, Sept. 30
9:30 p.m.: The Amazing Race
Sunday, Oct. 4
8:30 p.m.: Marshals (approximate; follows NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes)
9:30 p.m.: Tracker
Monday, Oct. 5
8 p.m.: FBI
9 p.m.: CIA
10 p.m.: Harlan Coben’s Final Twist
Tuesday, Oct. 6
8 p.m.: NCIS
9 p.m.: NCIS: New York*
10 p.m.: NCIS: Origins
Thursday, Oct. 8
8 p.m.: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
8:30 p.m.: Eternally Yours*
9 p.m.: Elsbeth
10 p.m.: Cupertino*
Friday, Oct. 9
8 p.m.: Sheriff Country
9 p.m.: Fire Country
10 p.m.: Boston Blue
Saturday, Oct. 10
10 p.m.: 48 Hours
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