Riley Green Makes Acting Debut in CBS Spinoff Marshals

Riley Green, the 37-year-old country music star, is stepping into the acting world with his debut as Garrett, a former Navy SEAL, in the CBS spinoff Marshals. The show, which premiered on April 19, 2026, is a continuation of the popular Yellowstone series, and Green's character is set to add depth to the storyline through his complex background and interactions with established characters.

Green's character Garrett reunites with Kayce Dutton, played by Luke Grimes, and Cal, portrayed by Logan Marshall-Green. Their reunion is steeped in history, as all three served together in Afghanistan. In his first appearance, Garrett makes a controversial remark about Alabama, referencing the I-20 interstate, stating, "The only good thing to come out of there is the I-20, myself included." This line, according to Green, is purely a product of acting. "One thing about my fans, especially my Alabama fans: They know how I feel about being from here, and I am proud of this area where I'm from," he clarified in an interview with USA TODAY.

Green's transition from music to acting was encouraged by Grimes, with whom he collaborated during songwriting sessions. "I mentioned I had some interest in acting," Green said. "I didn't know it would turn into a job so quickly. (Grimes) certainly threw me a bone getting me on this show." This opportunity arose after Green watched Tim McGraw's performance in the Yellowstone spinoff 1883, which inspired him to explore acting.

Garrett's character is portrayed as a troubled veteran grappling with PTSD and emotional demons from his past. In his debut episode titled "Blowback," Garrett arrives at Kayce's ranch with little more than a guitar case, seeking solace and support from his old friends. The introduction of Garrett is not just a casual reunion; it brings forth layers of tension and unresolved issues between him and Cal, creating a dynamic that complicates their relationships. "There's a real issue between those two," Green explained, emphasizing the complexity of the interactions as the story progresses.

In the episode, Garrett's struggles are laid bare, as he admits to having been "in and out of jail, psych wards, rehab, sleeping on the streets" since his military service. This backstory adds depth to his character and highlights the real-life challenges faced by many veterans. Kayce offers Garrett a place to stay, providing a sense of camaraderie and support that echoes their shared history. "We might not be teammates anymore, but we’re still brothers," Kayce reassures him.

As the narrative develops, Garrett's character is expected to play a key role in upcoming episodes, including Episode 9, titled "In Low Places." His involvement in the storyline is anticipated to deepen as he helps Kayce and Cal navigate the challenges they face, including a dangerous enemy from their past. The character's connection to music is also integral, with Green performing his own song "My Way" during a poignant campfire scene, which reflects the emotional weight of his character's experiences.

Green, who hails from Jacksonville, Alabama, expressed excitement about his role and the opportunity to work alongside Grimes. "I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable experience," he said. The actor-singer also noted that he was pleasantly surprised that producers did not require him to alter his appearance significantly for the role. "I guess I look sort of Western with the mustache, the scruffy beard, and I cut my own hair half the time when I'm on the road," he said, referring to his rugged look that fits the character of Garrett.

As Green continues to explore his acting career, he has already received interest from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) and is open to future opportunities. "Somebody called me from the SAG office trying to give me a check for some show that I was on one time, and they wanted my Social Security number," he recounted, highlighting the unexpected nature of his new path.

In addition to his burgeoning acting career, Green remains committed to his music. He has been nominated for multiple awards at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, including best male artist and album of the year for his work on Don't Mind If I Do. This dual focus on music and acting showcases Green's versatility as an artist.

As the narrative of Marshals continues to evolve, viewers can expect to see more of Garrett's character and the impact of his past on his present relationships. With the show airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, fans are eager to see how Green's character will navigate the challenges ahead, particularly as he confronts his demons and seeks redemption through the support of his friends.

In an industry where many artists find it challenging to transition between music and acting, Green's debut in Marshals exemplifies how passion and opportunity can align to create new avenues for creativity. As he embraces this new chapter, it how Garrett's story will resonate with audiences and what future roles may await this rising star.