What to Expect in Yellowstone Season 5’s Return

The Yellowstone Journey So Far

“Yellowstone,” the hit neo-Western drama created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, follows the powerful Dutton family as they fight to protect their massive Montana ranch from developers, neighboring reservations, and nature itself.

Starring Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, and Kelly Reilly, the series’ fifth season (its last) launched in two parts, concluding on November 10, 2024.

Since its 2018 debut, “Yellowstone” has gained an ardent fanbase, spawning spin-offs like 1883, and 1923, and a coming sequel titled The Madison. With its gritty take on family, power, and survival, “Yellowstone” leaves an unforgettable mark on TV.

The Final Ride Begins

The wait ended on November 10, 2024, with the highly anticipated premiere of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2. The Dutton family returned to screens, with Paramount Network kicking off the final episodes on CBS at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

The show, chronicling the Duttons’ control of the largest cattle ranch in the U.S., faced a major shift after Kevin Costner’s departure, leaving John Dutton III’s fate unresolved. The series delved into shifting alliances, unresolved murders, and the ongoing conflict with neighboring forces.

Kevin Costner’s Absence Sparks New Storylines

Kevin Costner’s departure from Yellowstone in Season 5, Part 2 shifts the focus to the fallout from John Dutton’s disappearance. While John isn’t present in the final episodes, his absence profoundly impacts the Dutton family.

Beth will search for him while fighting to protect the ranch, escalating tensions with Jamie. His absence creates a power vacuum, fueling a potential sibling war.

This pivotal absence proves just how central John has been to Yellowstone, with his fate shaping the series’ conclusion. The storyline ensures a satisfying send-off, even without Costner’s presence.

Beth’s Search for Truth

Beth Dutton is deeply impacted by the death of her father. John was everything to Beth, alongside Rip (her husband), and his absence shakes her to the core.

While his physical presence is gone, his legacy lives on through Beth, and his values will continue to shape her. As the show delves into the mystery surrounding John’s death, Beth suspects her brother Jamie may be involved.

This pivotal moment propels Beth’s search for the truth, driving the final episodes as she navigates her grief and seeks justice for her father.

A Flashback to Montana’s Legacy

In Yellowstone Season 5, Part 1 finale, viewers dive into Rip’s past, with flashbacks showing his bond with Young John and the brutal legacy of the Dutton family. Tensions rise as Jamie seeks to impeach his father, Governor John Dutton, and Beth retaliates with violence.

Meanwhile, Rip heads to Texas to protect the ranch’s cattle, and John navigates family drama. Behind the scenes, Kevin Costner’s departure stems from scheduling conflicts with his film franchise, “Horizon.” As Yellowstone nears its end, spin-offs like “The Madison” and “1923” continue to expand the franchise’s legacy.

A New Role for Kayce

With John Dutton’s death, Kayce Dutton may find himself taking on a more prominent role at the ranch. Luke Grimes teased that while Kayce and Rip have had conflicts in the past, the final episodes will force them to set aside their differences for the greater good.

As the family faces new challenges, the two might have to work together to protect the Dutton legacy. Grimes hinted that their combined efforts could make them a formidable team, signaling potential growth in their relationship as they confront the ranch’s uncertain future.

Fans Catch a Glimpse of ‘The Madison’ Spinoff

The Yellowstone universe is expanding with The Madison, a new spinoff starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn, a wealthy matriarch who relocates her family from New York to Montana after a tragic event.

Unlike previous prequels, The Madison will be set in the present day, introducing a fresh perspective on the series’ neo-Western world.

The Madison features a unique “fish-out-of-water” storyline and a diverse cast including Matthew Fox and Patrick J. Adams, promising fans an exciting twist on the iconic Yellowstone legacy.

Major Threats Loom Over the Dutton Ranch

Yellowstone’s return brings intense drama. Civil war erupts among the Duttons, with Beth and Jamie locked in a bitter feud.

John Dutton faces impeachment, while a devastating illness threatens their cattle. Kevin Costner’s departure adds further tension, but new faces like Kai Caster and Lainey Wilson join the cast to shake things up.

As the family navigates these crises, the stakes are higher than ever. With Costner gone and the ranch at risk, the Duttons must fight to maintain their empire, while preparing for a potential showdown that could change everything.

A Sibling War*

The feud between Beth and Jamie reaches new heights in this part. From past betrayals, like Jamie’s role in Beth’s hysterectomy, to his hiring hitmen, the stakes are higher than ever.

Kelly Reilly teases a “final battle” between the siblings, with Jamie’s morality pushed to the brink. As he seeks to impeach his father and protect his son, a pivotal “Earth-shattering event” could occur, possibly explaining Kevin Costner’s exit.

With both characters desperate, it’s unclear who will come out on top in their explosive showdown.

The Ranch’s Future at Stake

With Kevin Costner’s John Dutton written out of Yellowstone, the Dutton family’s grip on Montana is in jeopardy.

Kayce faces the heavy responsibility of running the ranch, though it’s not what he wants. Tensions rise between Beth and Jamie, who’s still grappling with his fractured relationship with John.

Meanwhile, the show’s other prequels are on hold as creator Taylor Sheridan reflects on the legacy of the iconic Four Sixes Ranch. Big, earth-shattering events loom, and the Duttons’ future remains uncertain.

High Production Costs for Big Stories

“Yellowstone” has faced high production costs, particularly with delays due to actor negotiations and strikes. Kevin Costner’s exit from the series, combined with his new projects, added to the turmoil.

With a reported $500 million in costs for Season 5, the show’s heavy production demands contribute to the decision to wrap up the flagship series.

Yet, multiple spin-offs are in the works proving that while Yellowstone may close its chapter, its expansive universe and high-cost storytelling are far from over.

Huge Viewership Success

“Yellowstone” has become a massive hit, with CBS helping expand its reach. After airing its first three seasons during the 2023 strikes, the show continued to draw huge audiences, with 6.8 million tuning in during its first CBS week, surpassing earlier viewership.

Paramount Network’s Season 5 finale saw record-breaking numbers, and CBS aired the show’s Season 5 Part 2 premiere just hours after the Paramount release. Sheridan is also developing spin-offs and additional prequels, ensuring that the Dutton family’s saga will continue thrilling fans for years to come.

Yellowstone Future Plans Still Unclear

With Kevin Costner’s departure, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 marks the end of the series, though there’s speculation about a possible sixth season or spinoff. Paramount has confirmed no sixth season, but rumors of a spinoff starring Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes persist.

Meanwhile, creator Taylor Sheridan is expanding the Yellowstone universe with several spinoffs. The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer, is already filming and set for 2025. Fans are left wondering if the Dutton legacy will continue in other forms.

Stream Platform for Yellowstone Season 5

Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 will not be available on Paramount+. While previous seasons of the show can be streamed on Peacock, the new episodes are airing exclusively on Paramount Network.

The season premiere airs at 8 p.m. on Sundays, with CBS also broadcasting it at 10 p.m. After a long hiatus, the series is back with six new episodes.

New and Returning Characters Shine

This season features familiar faces and new characters as the Duttons face a final family showdown. With Kevin Costner’s departure, Jamie (Wes Bentley) and Beth (Kelly Reilly) take the spotlight in their rivalry.

Rip (Cole Hauser) returns, while Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Monica (Kelsey Asbille) return to the ranch. New characters like Carter (Finn Little) and Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) introduce fresh conflicts as the series heads toward a dramatic conclusion.

To dive deeper into the exciting new and returning characters, check out Yellowstone S5 Part 2 Finale: All You Need to Know for all the details.

How Many Episodes?

Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 has six new episodes, airing every Sunday night from November 10, 2024, until December 15, 2024. The return of the show comes after a long break, as Season 5, Part 1 aired in early 2023.

These final episodes are expected to continue the Dutton family’s high-stakes drama, though fans will notice the absence of Kevin Costner, who is not returning due to his focus on his film Horizon: An American Saga.

For more details on how to watch Yellowstone S5P2: Watch New Episodes Live, here are the full schedule and streaming options.