Summary
Yellowstoneseason 5 will wrap up in the near future, but I find it shocking to think the show plans to wrap up five seasons' worth of storylines in so few episodes. When the first half ofYellowstoneseason 5 premiered on Paramount Network in 2022, the sky was the limit for the show. It still attracted huge audiences, meaning all signs pointed toYellowstonesecuring a season 6 renewal. That hope came crashing down when Paramount announced in 2023 thatYellowstoneseason 5, part 2would conclude the hit western.
The decision to endYellowstonewas likely fueled by the behind-the-scenes drama with Kevin Costner, who reportedly prioritized hisHorizonmovie series. As a result, one of the bestYellowstonecharacterswill not be a part of the show’s conclusion. Due to the cancelation, the series has limited episodes to bring the narrative to a satisfying close and set up moreYellowstonespinoffs. Creator Taylor Sheridan will have to take some creative swings to condenseYellowstone’s big finish.
10 Reasons 1883 & 1923 Are Better Than Yellowstone
The story of the Dutton family may have started with the original Yellowstone series, but its two prequel series occasionally manage to outshine it.
Yellowstone Season 5 Is Only 14 Episodes (& There Are Only 6 Left)
Yellowstone Was Canceled After The First 8 Episodes Aired
Eight episodes ofYellowstone’s season 5 order have already aired, but there was no setup for the show’s endgame. This can be attributed to the cancelation news dropping months after the first half of the season aired. Consequently,Yellowstoneseason 5, part 1 introduced conflicts to drive the rest of the season and beyond. Sadly, I don’t think six episodes to end years-long character arcs is plausible. It concerns me because the show has many characters, and some may not get the appropriate screen time.
WhileKevin Costner’sYellowstoneexitis a big issue, it does open up more screen real estate to give the other characters time to shine. That might be the show’s saving grace in order for the final episodes to feel less rushed. Otherwise,Yellowstone’s finale will leave a bad taste and tarnish the franchisewithout a satisfying conclusion. The easiest method to secure its future is to handle John Dutton’s departure in a way that honors the character.
Yellowstone’s Final Season Needs To Explain John Dutton’s Departure
Kevin Costner’s Exit Will Have A Detrimental Effect On Yellowstone
Kevin Costner’s time onYellowstoneis already over, but I hopeYellowstoneadequately explains what happened to John Dutton. Writing out the number one name on the call sheet before the series finale even airs will the show into uncharted territory. The reality is thatwithout Costner attached,Yellowstonemay never have gotten off the groundin the first place. He’s a big name, and the show was a considerable risk for Paramount when it initially premiered. Due toYellowstone’s reliance on John Dutton, there’s no doubt the show will differ significantly after his departure.
Thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s intricate storytelling,Yellowstoneis one of the few shows that surprises me nowadays.
Costner’s been the glue holding the entire series together, seeing as the most critical storylines involve him. Costner was the draw for me initially, but the show has done an excellent job of fleshing out the other characters to make me care about them, too. While I believeYellowstonecan thrive without Costner, it may also alienate me if the exit isn’t handled well enough. Making things more difficult is thatYellowstoneseason 5, episode 8 featured no indication John Dutton wouldn’t be back.
The only logical way to explain why John is off-screen is to feature a time jump following a life-changing event that shakes up the dynamics. Thanks to Taylor Sheridan’s intricate storytelling,Yellowstoneis one of the few shows that surprises me nowadays. He’s a fantastic writer, so he may already have the perfect way to handle John’s last act. Aside from this, I believe that all key storylines need to end without ushering in spinoffs.
Six Episodes Isn’t Enough Time To End Yellowstone And Set Up Spinoffs
At the time ofYellowstone’s demise, it was revealed aYellowstone sequel series titled2024had been ordered. Initial reports indicated that Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, and Kelly Reilly would be returning. However, their involvement has not been confirmed.The trio areYellowstone’s breakout stars, so returns down the line for them are inevitable. My biggest problem with cast members moving to2024is that revealing the news earlier eliminates the stakes for their characters.To make matters more difficult,Yellowstoneseason 5, episode 8, wrapped with many questions about the future of the Duttons.
Although Beth, Kayce, and Rip are some of my favorite characters, knowing that they’ll escape the last-ever episodes ofYellowstoneunscathed removes all the tension.With such a short time frame to conclude the plot, the barometer of success is low. However, the resolution is the deciding factor in whether I will continue supporting theYellowstonefranchise. A surefire way to ruin one of my favorite shows is to leave important storylines on the table.
Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2, will premiere on Paramount Network on Sunday, July 23, 2025.
