Even though Paramount previously declared Yellowstone season 5 would be the Taylor Sheridan TV show’s last, recent reports suggest otherwise, which would be the best news following Kevin Costner’s exit. The neo-Western drama follows the Dutton family, led by Costner’s John Dutton III, who owns the famous Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana. Over the course of Yellowstone’s four and a half seasons, the family has gone through many ups and downs. It was all set to come to an end following the premiere of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, which made sense, given Costner’s exit from the series.
Per TVLine, Yellowstone season 6 is reportedly happening at the Paramount Network. After rumors surrounding a possible sequel series, Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are in talks to reprise their roles as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, respectively, in the sixth season. Paramount has yet to confirm this report, but it would make sense. If Sheridan planned on continuing the Dutton family’s story via a Yellowstone sequel series featuring Beth and Rip, the obvious move would be to just carry on with the original (and mightily successful) series following the season 5, part 2 finale.
Yellowstone Season 5 Doesn’t Have Enough Time To End The Show Without Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner’s controversial exit from Yellowstone was quite sudden, giving the writers minimal space to craft John Dutton III’s (and the show’s) perfect ending without Costner appearing. Only six episodes remain in the neo-Western drama’s fifth season, making it hard to explain John’s absence while also concluding the story. However, if Yellowstone continues into season 6, Taylor Sheridan and co. have more time to figure out what the TV series looks like without Costner’s character.
Since the premiere of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, and the remaining episodes will likely handle John Dutton’s exit, season 6 can explore how the show can operate without Kevin Costner.
The entirety of Yellowstone season 5, part 2 is (unfortunately) already set in stone. Since it was written with the knowledge of it being the end in mind, the upcoming six episodes will undoubtedly wrap up John’s story. Hopefully, it will give him a satisfying ending, while still leaving the door open for more possibilities concerning the other characters. However, if the Yellowstone season 6 report is true, Sheridan has time to circle back to and expand the story.
Yellowstone Season 6 (& Beyond) Can Properly Grow The Show Beyond Kevin Costner
Since the premiere of Yellowstone season 5, part 2, and the remaining episodes will likely handle John Dutton’s exit, season 6 can explore how the show can operate without Kevin Costner. Another season would allow the characters and narrative to settle into a new normal — one that doesn’t include Costner. Perhaps Yellowstone season 5, part 2, will feel rushed given the nature of its creation. But that won’t matter if Paramount greenlights season 6.
Hopefully, if the reports concerning Yellowstone season 6 happening even after Costner’s exit are true, the neo-Western drama will be given an earlier heads-up the next time it gets canceled. Instead of being rushed to wrap up a complex story and excuse John’s absence, Sheridan would have the time to craft the perfect ending. That way, Yellowstone can have a more natural conclusion, as opposed to season 5, part 2’s assumingly jarring and disappointing ending without Costner.
