It’s been almost two years since Yellowstone last aired a new episode. Fans of Taylor Sheridan’s epic Western drama have been waiting anxiously for its return, and now, the moment is finally here. This Sunday, November 10, 2024, the Paramount Network is bringing the show back for the final six episodes of its fifth season. However, as excited as we are for new episodes, the road to this point has been anything but smooth.
From delays caused by strikes in Hollywood to behind-the-scenes drama involving key players, Yellowstone fans have had to wait much longer than anticipated for the show’s grand conclusion. Here’s everything you need to know about what’s going on with Yellowstone, including Kevin Costner’s exit, the plot developments we’ve seen so far, and what the future holds for the Dutton family.
Why Isn’t Kevin Costner Returning to Yellowstone?
One of the most pressing questions surrounding the return of Yellowstone is about Kevin Costner’s absence. For the first time since the series began in 2018, the iconic actor will not appear in the final six episodes of Season 5. Costner’s character, John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, has been at the center of the show since its inception, so his absence raises some serious questions.
The Battle Between Costner and Sheridan
So, what happened? Why isn’t Costner sticking around to finish his character’s arc? The simplest answer is that Costner is busy with his own projects. The actor, director, and producer is currently hard at work on Horizon: An American Saga, an ambitious self-funded series of four Western films. The first two chapters of Horizon premiered earlier this year, with Chapters 3 and 4 currently in production.
For a while, there were rumors that Costner was leaving Yellowstone to focus on Horizon, and at one point, it was reported that he refused to return to finish filming the second half of Season 5. However, Costner himself has since clarified that he always intended to return to Yellowstone to wrap up his character’s story—if his schedule allowed it. Unfortunately, due to a conflict over timing, that never materialized.
The Feud with Taylor Sheridan
The situation became more complicated with reports of a fallout between Costner and Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan. The tension reportedly stemmed from Costner’s demands regarding the show’s production schedule and compensation. Sources close to the actor claimed that Costner was frustrated by Sheridan’s busy schedule and delays in getting the scripts for Season 5, which led to his inability to finish filming before Horizon required his attention.
Sheridan, in turn, has expressed disappointment with how things played out, with both men seemingly at odds over the direction of the show. Despite these issues, Sheridan has stated that John Dutton’s story will still be concluded in Season 5, even if it’s done without Costner on screen.
What Happened in the First Half of Yellowstone Season 5?
While the show has been on a lengthy break, let’s recap what happened in the first half of Season 5. John Dutton, now the governor of Montana, is in full force as he tries to protect his land and family from outside forces. The season kicked off with John’s political ascent, which he took on with the sole purpose of halting the development of a massive airport planned by Market Equities—a company that poses a serious threat to his family’s ranch.
Beth Dutton, John’s fiery daughter, has assumed a significant role as his chief of staff, helping him navigate the political world. Meanwhile, John’s relationship with his son Jamie Dutton (played by Wes Bentley) is in turmoil. As the two characters clash, Beth manipulates Jamie into pushing for John’s impeachment, a move that only deepens their familial rift. In the midst of this, a new antagonist in the form of Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) enters the picture, using her power to influence Jamie’s decisions for her own gain.
Elsewhere, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) and his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) are mourning the loss of their child, which leads to some emotional and dramatic moments for their characters. Meanwhile, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and other ranch hands make their way to Texas, where they’re temporarily relocating cattle to deal with contamination issues caused by runaway Yellowstone buffalo.
As the first half of the season unfolds, it’s clear that the Duttons are facing threats both internal and external. The family’s fragile alliances are put to the test, and it’s clear that the power struggles are only going to intensify.
What Can We Expect from the Final Six Episodes of Season 5?
With the second half of Season 5 about to air, here’s what we know so far about what’s coming:
Beth vs. Jamie: The Sibling Civil War
The rivalry between Beth Dutton and Jamie Dutton has been one of the most intense aspects of Yellowstone’s storytelling, and it’s expected to escalate in the final six episodes. Beth’s hatred for Jamie has reached new heights, especially after he contemplated turning against their father. As the battle for control over the Dutton empire continues, it’s clear that one of these two siblings will come out on top, but not without casualties.
Kayce will likely be caught in the middle of this family feud, and it’s possible that his loyalties will be tested. Will he side with his father, John, or will he join forces with Beth and Jamie in a fight for power?
John Dutton’s Absence: How Will They Write Him Out?
Since Costner’s departure is confirmed, the biggest question surrounding the final episodes is how they’ll handle John Dutton’s character. Director Christina Voros recently mentioned that John’s presence will remain “integral” to the story, which suggests that while Costner won’t be physically present, his character will still loom large in the final episodes.
There’s speculation that John could be written out in a way that keeps his influence alive, perhaps through flashbacks, letters, or other indirect means. It’s also possible that Yellowstone will go the route of an absent patriarch, similar to how the final seasons of Succession dealt with the absence of Logan Roy.
The Fate of the Ranch
The central question of the show—who will control the Dutton ranch—remains unanswered. Will Market Equities succeed in its bid to take over the land? Will the Duttons manage to fend off the encroaching threats to their legacy? With the show’s focus on power, land, and family, the ranch’s fate will likely be central to the conclusion.
The Yellowstone Universe: What’s Next After Season 5?
While the end of Yellowstone may be in sight, the franchise as a whole is far from over. Taylor Sheridan’s sprawling Yellowstone universe is continuing to expand, with multiple spinoffs in development.
Prequel Series: 1883 and 1923
Fans of Yellowstone can already enjoy two prequel series that explore earlier generations of the Dutton family. 1883 starred Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott, while 1923 featured Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. 1923 still has a second season on the way, and it promises to dive deeper into the Dutton family’s early years.
Upcoming Spinoffs: 1944 and The Madison
In addition to the ongoing prequels, there are several other spinoffs on the horizon. A sequel to 1923 titled 1944 is in the works, which will likely explore the Dutton family’s role during World War II. There’s also the highly anticipated The Madison, which will be set in modern-day Montana and star Michelle Pfeiffer as a wealthy matriarch moving to the area after the death of her husband. This new show is not expected to feature any of the main Yellowstone characters, but it will still be set in the same universe.
The Future of Yellowstone Itself
While it’s still unclear if Yellowstone will return for a sixth season, there’s plenty of potential for the Duttons to continue their saga, especially with Rip and Beth potentially taking center stage. For now, though, fans will have to wait and see how the story plays out in the final episodes of Season 5.
Conclusion: The Final Chapter for Yellowstone?
As the Dutton family’s saga nears its end, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion filled with family drama, power struggles, and, of course, the rugged beauty of Montana. While Kevin Costner’s absence will certainly leave a void, the show’s strong ensemble cast, including Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Luke Grimes, will keep things exciting as we head toward the end.
With multiple spinoffs already in the works and a massive fanbase to keep happy, the Yellowstone universe isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But as for the Duttons’ story? It looks like we’ll get some answers soon enough—just don’t expect them to be easy ones.
