“Fans Are Already Loving the New Yellowstone Spinoff (And It’s Not the Obvious One)”
Yellowstone’s Legacy Continues: Why The Madison Could Be the Franchise’s Next Big Hit
Yellowstone defied expectations to become one of the most successful television franchises in recent memory. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the series debuted in 2018 and ran for five powerful seasons, telling the story of the Dutton family as they fought to preserve their massive Montana ranch. Despite the show’s premature ending—largely due to Kevin Costner’s abrupt departure—Yellowstone still managed to deliver a finale that, while rushed for some fans, wrapped up its major storylines in a satisfying way.
But for those left wanting more, there’s good news: the Yellowstone universe is far from over. A wave of upcoming spinoffs is on the horizon, promising to take the story in bold new directions. Among these projects, one stands out as a potential flagship for the next chapter in the franchise—The Madison.
The Madison: Yellowstone’s Bold New Direction
The Madison marks a significant departure from Yellowstone tradition—and that’s exactly what might make it a breakout success. Headlined by Academy Award-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, the series centers on Stacy Clyburn, a wealthy matriarch whose life is upended after the sudden death of her husband. Seeking a new beginning, she relocates her family to rural Montana, where they face both personal and external challenges in an unfamiliar world.
With Taylor Sheridan returning as showrunner and head writer, The Madison follows the formula that made previous spinoffs like 1883 and 1923 hits: a combination of A-list star power, compelling characters, and authentic storytelling. The cast also includes Matthew Fox (Lost), Patrick J. Adams (Suits), and Kurt Russell in a mysterious role—possibly as Stacy’s late husband via flashbacks, or perhaps as a villain. Young talents like Amiah Miller, Ben Schnetzer, and Kevin Zegers round out the impressive ensemble.
But what truly sets The Madison apart is its narrative independence. For the first time in the Yellowstone franchise, the story will not revolve around the Dutton family. Instead, The Madison explores a brand-new family and storyline set within the same universe, offering a fresh perspective on the Montana setting fans have come to love.
This shift could have gone either way—but if Sheridan’s other non-Yellowstone series like Mayor of Kingstown and Landman are any indication, audiences are drawn more to Sheridan’s unique storytelling style than to any one set of characters. If he can deliver an emotionally engaging, high-stakes story in The Madison, the show could very well become the new crown jewel of the franchise.
How The Madison Might Connect to Yellowstone
Although The Madison introduces an entirely new cast of characters, it’s set in the same world and timeline as Yellowstone. This leaves the door wide open for cameos or crossovers. Characters like Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton, Kayce Dutton, and Thomas Rainwater are still alive and active in Montana after the events of Yellowstone’s finale—and could make appearances in The Madison as the story unfolds.
In fact, The Madison could naturally reflect the fallout from Yellowstone’s explosive final season: the assassination of Montana’s governor, the upheaval of political power, and the return of the Dutton ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation. As the Clyburns settle into this shifting landscape, viewers may find themselves catching up alongside them, creating a seamless bridge from one series to the next.
What Else Is Coming to the Yellowstone Universe?
The Madison is just one of several spinoffs in the pipeline. Here’s what else fans can look forward to:
- Dutton Ranch: Follows Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton as they start a new ranching operation after the original Yellowstone ranch is lost. This series will pick up storylines originally intended for Yellowstone Season 6.
- Y: Marshals: A procedural drama starring Kayce Dutton as a U.S. Marshal. This will be the franchise’s first foray into procedural storytelling and features returning characters like Mo Brings Plenty and Gil Birmingham.
- 6666: A spinoff set at the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, which was featured in Yellowstone. This show is still early in development but promises a deeper dive into the cowboy lifestyle and legacy.
- 1944: A historical prequel bridging the gap between 1923 and the main Yellowstone timeline. It will explore the final generation of Duttons before the rise of John Dutton III, likely closing out the prequel saga.
The Future of the Franchise
Even with Yellowstone concluded, the universe Taylor Sheridan built is still expanding—and evolving. While fans can expect familiar faces and themes in upcoming shows, The Madison stands out as a series willing to break the mold. By introducing a fresh cast, a new family, and an unexplored story within the same beloved setting, it has the potential to chart a bold new course for the franchise.
In many ways, The Madison may become the true successor to Yellowstone—not by repeating what came before, but by growing beyond it.
