Marshals

Taylor Sheridan Secretly Set Up Kayce Dutton’s Monica Replacement 5 Years Ago

When Yellowstone came to an end in 2024 after five seasons, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) appeared to have reached a place of peace, but after his reversal of fortune on Marshals, there's a chance another love interest may have been waiting in the wings for years. In a rarity for a Taylor Sheridan show, Kayce's storyline on Yellowstone wrapped up in a wholesome way. After years of family conflict and loss, Kayce ended the series happy in his marriage to Monica (Kelsey Asbille) after leaving Yellowstone Ranch with their son Tate (Brecken Merrill). Unfortunately, tragedy was quick to strike.

Though the end of Yellowstone saw Kayce and Monica as a success story for the franchise, CBS choosing to move forward with Kayce's character on Marshals changed things for the family. The sequel series quickly revealed that Monica had died of cancer in the years between the end of Yellowstone and the beginning of Marshals, which changed Kayce and Tate's lives entirely. While the loss created the foundation for the Duttons' next chapter, Monica's absence left Marshals with a massive opportunity to establish new relationships for Kayce after his time as a devoted, caring husband came to an abrupt end.

While there are many potential options for Kayce's future love interest on Marshals, one that fans may feel most comfortable with comes from a Yellowstone thread that was never pulled on. Without realizing it, Sheridan may have planted a seed in Yellowstone that could blossom into something beautiful on Marshals.

Avery Could Still Have A Role In Kayce's Life After Yellowstone

Taylor Sheridan Secretly Set Up Kayce Dutton’s Monica Replacement 5 Years Ago

Although she hasn't appeared in the franchise since Yellowstone season 4, Avery (Tanaya Beatty) could be a major player in Kayce's future on Marshals. Avery's connection to Kayce started during the early years of Yellowstone, when she began working as a ranch hand at Dutton Ranch. Her connection to Kayce was never exactly subtle, and though she only appeared in a handful of early episodes, it was clear she was attracted to him from the start despite his marriage being an obvious roadblock. When Avery reappeared in Yellowstone season 4, unresolved tension lingered between the pair, though nothing ever happened.

While Kayce was entirely faithful to Monica, it was clear that the attraction between him and Avery was mutual throughout their time together on Yellowstone. The possibility of something sparking between the pair was always in the air, and without Monica in the picture, Marshals season 2 could be the perfect time to test the waters. As Marshals progresses, Kayce's love life will be explored, and bringing someone who knew him in the past into the mix could be a great way to examine what dating looks like for him in the present, while trying to keep Monica's memory alive.

Why Avery Should Be Kayce's Romantic Interest In Marshals Season 2, Not Dolly

Although Marshals season 1 introduced Dolly Weaver (Ellyn Jameson) as the most likely option for Kayce's next long-term love, the series doesn't have to follow an exact formula as it moves forward. While Dolly openly pursued Kayce and became increasingly involved in his story as the season progressed, her entanglements with her father, Tom Weaver (Chris Mulkey), made her less of a possible love interest and more of an agent of conflict. Her relationship with Kayce quickly became complicated, which doesn't bode well as he moves forward in his life. Kayce's next relationship shouldn't come from a place of struggle.

Avery would be a better option for Kayce as he moves into his next chapter because of her ability to understand where he comes from. With a familiarity surrounding Kayce and Tate's past, Avery would be able to understand how the Dutton men are choosing to move forward after an enormous loss. On top of her understanding of his past, Avery and Kayce's chemistry felt undeniable on Yellowstone, even if the pair ultimately denied it. With Marshals giving the potential couple a shot at a second chance, it would be fascinating to see the relationship carry over.

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

Alex

Alex

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