One cast change in Marshals season 2 effectively solves CBS's Taylor Sheridan issue. As if the 2025-2026 cycle wasn't strong enough for the Eye Network, it beefed up its roster towards the end of the year with the debut of its Yellowstone sequel. CBS had already been the home of some of network TV's most-watched shows, such as NCIS and Tracker, but the arrival of Luke Grimes' Marshals took its success to the next level, as the series quickly became a hit.
The series expanded the Yellowstone franchise in Montana with the return of John III's youngest to the small screen. It also marked Sheridan's first offering on traditional broadcast, which prompted some alterations to how it approaches its storytelling. Unlike its parent series and the rest of the offshoots in the universe, Marshals is a mix of the tried and true procedural format with the narrative sensibilities of its parent series. Unfortunately, this also resulted in one of its biggest issues.
Cal's Character Growth In Marshals Season 2 Is Confirmed
After living on Paramount Network and Paramount+ for the most part of its existence, shifting to a procedural format wherein a weekly case is at the center of every episode has been highly contentious. Those who weren't used to the format were understandably having a difficult time getting used to this new approach, as sometimes, it felt like it could be repetitive in Marshals season 1. However, the upcoming change involving Cal will effectively solve this dilemma, as Logan Marshall-Green confirmed that the sequel will delve deeper into his character in its sophomore year, especially regarding his cancer diagnosis.
When Marshals was first announced, the idea for it was a Yellowstone sequel that followed Kayce's new life. The death of Monica became the catalyst to its events, and while he will remain to be at the forefront of its narrative, properly developing the ensemble will make it more true to its name. Technically, Marshals is about the US Marshals, which means that Cal, Belle, Andrea, and Miles, alongside Kayce, are all main protagonists. Developing all of them the same way it has done in exploring Grimes' character and his background effectively establishes this, helping viewers have a better understanding of what the show is really about.
Diversifying Marshals Storytelling Is Better For Its Future
This doesn't mean that Marshals will have to fully cut ties with Yellowstone, as that is simply not possible. The events of the show are only possible because of what Sheridan's flagship established. Arguably, the show wouldn't have been greenlit this quick, let alone shoot to the top of the ratings list, without its ties to Yellowstone. That said, the best way for it to guarantee its future is to use this connection more conservatively while pushing for fresh narratives that involve the rest of the cast.
Diversifying its storytelling helps give the public more options to like about the show, starting in Marshals season 2. Those who didn't particularly care about Yellowstone might find themselves invested in Cal's story or Belle's struggles as a mom on active duty. All of the longest-running shows on network TV are currently ensemble shows with diversified storytelling, which could be the blueprint for Marshals moving forward.
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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