Marshals premiered with 9.5 million viewers on CBS
The show achieved the largest scripted premiere audience in over seven years
The previous record was held by FBI with 10.1 million viewers in 2018
The success demonstrates the strength of the Yellowstone franchise
CBS may consider additional spinoffs following this strong debut
📖 Full Retelling
CBS's new 'Yellowstone' spinoff series 'Marshals' premiered with an impressive 9.5 million viewers on Sunday night, March 3, 2026, capitalizing on the massive fanbase of the original Western drama. The premiere marked a significant milestone for CBS, as it represents the largest audience for a scripted broadcast series premiere in over seven years, excluding those that benefited from airing directly after NFL games. According to Nielsen ratings, the strong debut demonstrates the enduring popularity of the 'Yellowstone' franchise, which has captivated audiences with its portrayal of family conflicts, power struggles, and land disputes in Montana. The previous record for a scripted premiere was held by Dick Wolf's 'FBI,' which attracted 10.1 million viewers when it first aired on September 25, 2018. That series has since expanded into a full franchise, including 'FBI: Most Wanted' and 'FBI: International,' with a third spinoff, 'CIA,' also in development. The success of 'Marshals' suggests that CBS may consider additional spinoffs from the 'Yellowstone' universe, following a similar strategy to Wolf's successful approach with his crime dramas.
🏷️ Themes
Television ratings, Franchise expansion, Audience popularity
Yellowstone National Park is a national park of the United States located in the northwest corner of the state of Wyoming, with small portions extending into Montana and Idaho. It was established by the 42nd U.S. Congress through the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act and signed into law by Pr...
CBS Broadcasting Inc., commonly known as CBS (an abbreviation of its original name, the Columbia Broadcasting System), is an American commercial broadcast television and radio network and the flagship property of the CBS Entertainment Group division of Paramount Skydance. It is one of Paramount Skyd...
A premiere, also spelled première, (from French: première, 1re, transl. first, 1st) is the debut (first public presentation) of a work, i.e. play, film, dance, musical composition, or even a performer in that work.
Marshal is a term used in several official titles in various branches of society. As marshals became trusted members of the courts of Medieval Europe, the title grew in reputation. During the last few centuries, it has been used for elevated offices, such as in military rank and civilian law enforce...
Mar 3, 2026 3:00pm PT ‘Yellowstone’ Spinoff ‘Marshals’ Premieres With 9.5 Million Viewers on CBS By Selome Hailu Plus Icon Selome Hailu Latest Apple TV Sets First Look Deal With ‘Imperfect Women’ Creator Annie Weisman 3 hours ago Ex-‘Bachelor’ Host Chris Harrison Sets New Dating Series on Fox Nation About ‘Traditional Marriage’ 5 days ago ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Finale Hits 9.5 Million Viewers in Three Days, Setting Another Series Record 5 days ago See All “ Marshals ,” the new “ Yellowstone ” spinoff series on CBS , had a strong premiere on Sunday night. Per Nielsen, the first episode reached an average of 9.5 million viewers. That total marks the largest audience for a scripted broadcast series premiere in more than seven years, excluding titles that benefitted from airing directly after NFL games. Previously, that record was held by “FBI,” the first series in what is now a full-fledged franchise executive produced by Dick Wolf including “FBI: Most Wanted,” “FBI: International” and “CIA.” The “FBI” premiere hit 10.1 million viewers on Sept. 25, 2018. Related Stories ‘Wuthering Heights’ Holds No. 1 at U.K., Ireland Box Office
