Yellowstone fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the hit show for its final season, but the drama surrounding Kevin Costner’s exit has cast a long shadow over the much-anticipated conclusion. While the critics have generally remained supportive of Taylor Sheridan’s vision for the show’s finale, the fan reception has been less than enthusiastic. In fact, the Rotten Tomatoes audience score for Season 5 is currently at an all-time low, almost half of what it was for the previous seasons. So, what went wrong? Let’s take a closer look at why Yellowstone’s farewell is leaving such a bitter taste in viewers’ mouths.
The Gaping Hole Left by Kevin Costner’s Exit
When Yellowstone first began, Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton was one of the central driving forces behind the show’s success. His presence as the rugged, no-nonsense patriarch of the Dutton family kept audiences hooked for seasons. But, as we all know now, Costner’s departure from the show’s final season left a significant gap that could not be easily filled.
The circumstances surrounding Costner’s exit are complex. He was unable to return for the second half of Season 5 due to his commitment to his own movie, Horizon. This meant that, in a season already under pressure to deliver a satisfying conclusion, John Dutton had to be written out in a way that was, frankly, rushed and unsatisfying. To the dismay of many fans, the show chose to have John Dutton’s character die quickly—and controversially.
Fans React to John Dutton’s Sudden Departure
The way in which John Dutton was written out didn’t sit well with many viewers. The show chose to have the character die by suicide in an abrupt and shocking manner. For a character who had been the emotional and moral backbone of the series, his exit felt hollow and unjust. Fans were not shy about their frustration, calling it a “disservice” to one of the most complex and compelling characters in television.
Many viewers expressed that John Dutton deserved a more emotional and meaningful farewell, one that would honor the legacy he had built throughout the series. Some even theorized that his death was not actually a suicide, but a planned hit orchestrated by one of his children—something that had been hinted at in earlier seasons. Regardless of which theory fans cling to, the fact remains that the exit of Costner’s character has left a sour taste in the mouths of longtime Yellowstone followers.
The Trouble with Yellowstone Season 5B: Is It Rushed?
While the loss of Costner’s John Dutton has certainly been a major point of contention, it’s not the only problem plaguing Yellowstone’s final season. The overall pacing and direction of the show have also been criticized for feeling rushed and unpolished. Many fans have voiced their disappointment with how the story has unfolded in the latter half of Season 5.
One common criticism is that the series is trying to tie up too many loose ends too quickly, resulting in a lack of focus and depth in the episodes. When a show has been running for five seasons, viewers expect a slow, methodical build toward a satisfying conclusion. Instead, many believe that the series feels like it’s been hastily rushed into its final chapters, leaving some key character moments underdeveloped and the storytelling feeling like a checklist rather than a conclusion.
Is Yellowstone Trying to Do Too Much?
A recurring issue with Season 5B is the overwhelming sense that the series is trying to do too much. The success of Yellowstone was, in part, built on the intricate relationships between its characters, the exploration of the Dutton family legacy, and the raw, emotional storytelling. However, with Sheridan expanding the Yellowstone universe with several spin-offs (1883, 1923, 6666), there’s a growing sense that the writers have spread themselves too thin. Instead of focusing on crafting a satisfying conclusion for the core show, the franchise appears to be trying to juggle too many different storylines and projects at once.
The rapid release of additional spin-offs may have stretched the creative team thin, leaving the central series to feel like a last-minute effort to wrap up a sprawling narrative. There’s also the possibility that Sheridan’s focus has shifted more toward expanding the Yellowstone brand rather than providing the fitting ending that loyal fans of the original series expected.
Viewer Expectations and The Problem of Legacy
Yellowstone’s initial success set high expectations for its finale. Viewers had followed the Dutton family for several years, watching them struggle, survive, and thrive on the rugged Montana landscape. As the show entered its final season, fans were understandably expecting a grand and emotionally charged resolution to the saga. Instead, many have been left feeling disappointed by what seems like a rushed and uninspired finish to the story.
Comparing Yellowstone’s Decline to Other Shows
Many have drawn comparisons between Yellowstone and shows like Game of Thrones, which also suffered from a highly controversial final season. In both cases, fans had invested years into these shows, building up expectations for a rewarding conclusion. When the endings failed to meet those expectations, it led to widespread backlash. Yellowstone, it seems, is following a similar trajectory.
When a show has been as beloved and critically acclaimed as Yellowstone, the stakes are higher. Fans expect more than just a “decent” ending—they want a resolution that feels earned, consistent with the story arcs developed over many years. In Yellowstone’s case, the absence of Kevin Costner, paired with what many perceive as a rushed plot, has left fans wondering if the show could have delivered more.
Can Yellowstone Recover Before Its Final Episode?
With the conclusion of Yellowstone set for December 15, 2024, fans are left wondering if the show can rebound in the final episodes. Is there a way to salvage the legacy of this once-great series, or is it destined to go down as a disappointing end to an otherwise exceptional journey?
The Final Episodes: A Chance for Redemption?
It’s possible that the last few episodes of Season 5 could turn things around. After all, Yellowstone has always excelled in its ability to surprise viewers with unexpected twists and emotional payoffs. If the writers can find a way to make the final episodes feel purposeful and impactful—perhaps by tying up loose ends in a way that feels true to the characters—there may still be hope for the show to end on a high note.
There’s also the possibility that Yellowstone’s conclusion will pave the way for more spin-offs or a potential return to the Dutton family saga down the line. However, whether or not this happens, it’s clear that the show’s finale will leave a lasting impression on fans, for better or for worse.
Conclusion: Is Yellowstone’s Legacy Doomed?
While Yellowstone Season 5B has its share of problems, including Kevin Costner’s controversial departure and the series feeling rushed, it’s still too early to completely dismiss the show’s legacy. The final episodes could either redeem the series or cement it as a missed opportunity. What’s certain is that fans will continue to discuss, dissect, and analyze the show’s conclusion for years to come.
The series has already left its mark on television, changing the landscape of modern Western dramas and becoming a cultural phenomenon. But whether Yellowstone goes down as a triumph or a disappointment in its final chapter remains to be seen.
