AceShowbiz - Marshals, the latest neo-Western series produced by Taylor Sheridan, has officially become the lowest-rated show in his growing television empire according to audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes. This unexpected development marks a notable shift for a creator whose projects generally enjoy strong viewer loyalty.

Currently, Marshals holds a 28% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it below all other Sheridan-produced series listed on the platform. For comparison, 1923, another Yellowstone universe spin-off, has a 54% audience score, while Landman sits even higher at 57%. The critical consensus for the first season of Marshals is also unfavorable, with Rotten Tomatoes stating the show "lacks the narrative spark and intrigue that Yellowstone managed instantly."

The series stars Luke Grimes reprising his role as Kayce Dutton, alongside Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos, and Tatanka Means. Despite the negative reception, the show continues to air on CBS at 8 PM every Sunday and streams on Paramount+.

Collider’s review of Marshals highlighted its strategic choice not to attempt a direct continuation of Yellowstone. Instead, it positions itself as a network television-style series focusing on Kayce’s fresh start. The review acknowledges some inherent challenges of the format, such as less grit, sometimes repetitive dialogue, and a condensed 42-minute episode length, but argues these constraints serve Kayce’s storyline better than the sprawling, soap-operatic tone of the original series.

Michael John Petty of Collider praised the show’s potential, noting it is "action-packed, thrilling, and full of everything you could ask for in a Kayce Dutton-led series." He also emphasized the strong chemistry between Luke Grimes and Logan Marshall-Green, describing their dynamic as fitting for two former Navy SEALs. The rest of the cast has been positively received as viewers gradually learn more about their characters.

Despite the critical and audience setbacks, Marshals aims to carve out its own identity separate from the shadow of Yellowstone. The showrunner Spencer Hudnut, along with directors Christopher Chulack and Greg Yaitanes, and writers including Tom Mularz and Dana Greenblatt, have crafted a series that attempts to blend crime, drama, and western elements into a fresh narrative.

While Taylor Sheridan is not directly credited as the creator of Marshals—that role belongs to Spencer Hudnut—the series remains firmly tied to Sheridan’s neo-Western brand, expanding the universe that began with Yellowstone. Fans of Sheridan’s work have closely followed this expansion, making the poor audience reception of Marshals particularly notable in an otherwise successful franchise.

As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether Marshals will improve its standing with viewers and critics alike or if it will linger with the lowest audience approval of any series connected to Taylor Sheridan. For now, the show faces an uphill battle to win over fans who expect the high levels of intrigue and narrative depth associated with the original Yellowstone saga.

Stay tuned to Collider for updates on Marshals and other developments from the world of Taylor Sheridan television projects.