A lot of fans went into the finale expecting clear bridges — new characters, teaser moments, or obvious threads pointing straight toward upcoming projects like Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Patrick J. Adams, and Beau Garrett.
But here’s the reality:
None of those actors appear.
None of those storylines are referenced.
Not even a subtle hint is planted.
If you were watching closely, the finale simply doesn’t function as a backdoor pilot for Madison or any other new series.
So What Does the Finale Actually Set Up?
The only real connective tissue to the future of the franchise runs through Beth and Rip.
That’s it.
Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly have both signed on for a new Yellowstone sequel series, though notably in completely different roles and circumstances from what fans might expect. The finale doesn’t tease this outright — but it does leave Beth and Rip in a place that feels intentionally open-ended.
Not dramatic.
Not tragic.
Just… unresolved enough.
The Irony of a Beth & Rip Spinoff
Here’s where things get interesting — and ironic.
By the end of Season 5B, Beth and Rip are finally happy. They’ve found peace in their new home. Their relationship is stable. The town near their ranch isn’t crawling with enemies or political chaos.
In other words:
There’s no obvious conflict.
And conflict is the lifeblood of Yellowstone.
So if Beth and Rip are meant to anchor a new series, the question becomes uncomfortable but unavoidable:
👉 Where does the drama come from?
Right now, there isn’t a clear hook — unless Taylor Sheridan plans to introduce entirely new problems, threats, or moral dilemmas once the sequel officially launches.
Why the Finale Feels So Divisive
This is why fans are split.
Some appreciate that the finale focused on closure, not setup. It feels more like an ending to Yellowstone than a commercial for what comes next.
Others feel frustrated — expecting the finale to guide them toward the future of the franchise, only to be left guessing.
Both reactions are valid.
Because the truth is, the finale wasn’t designed to sell the spinoffs. It was designed to let the Dutton era breathe — and end — on its own terms.
