Is the ‘Yellowstone’ finale the final episode? Updates on Season 6 and spinoffs
After a tumultuous second half that resulted in the deaths of three characters, including the family patriarch John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), anticipation is building for the Season 5 finale of “Yellowstone.” Fans are eager to see how many of their lingering questions will be addressed in this episode.
Despite the upcoming airing of the finale titled “Life Is A Promise,” there are indications that we may not have seen the last of the Dutton family. Reports suggest that Rip and Beth will continue their journey beyond the conclusion of “Yellowstone,” which is set to officially finish on Sunday.
Kelly Reilly (who portrays Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (as Rip Wheeler) have reportedly finalized contracts to reprise their roles in an upcoming “Yellowstone” spinoff, according to multiple sources, including Deadline.
Paramount Network has not yet provided a comment on these developments.
With plenty still unclear, here’s what you should know about the future of “Yellowstone” and its potential spinoffs.
Is this the last episode of ‘Yellowstone’?
As the finale of “Yellowstone” Season 5 approaches on Sunday, Dec. 15, it remains uncertain whether this episode will mark the end of the series. Reports indicate that Reilly and Wheeler have secured their roles in a new spinoff, leaving many questions about the future of the franchise.
Moreover, the Paramount Network is promoting the last episode of Season 5 as the “season finale,” which adds to the ambiguity surrounding the series’ future.
In May 2023, Paramount officially announced the conclusion of the original series after the second half of Season 5; however, production delays stemming from strikes in Hollywood postponed the finale’s release to this year.
Just months before Part 2 of Season 5 was set to air, Kevin Costner, a pivotal figure in the “Yellowstone” saga, revealed he would not be returning. His departure followed extensive discussions regarding control and pay with series creator Taylor Sheridan.
Is ‘Yellowstone’ Season 6 happening?
It’s still uncertain if “Yellowstone” will be renewed for another season. However, reports indicate that a spinoff focusing on Beth and Rip is in development.
Reilly and Hauser have hinted at both a possible Season 6 and the spinoff, and director Christina Voros mentioned in an interview with YSL News that she was unsure if “Yellowstone” would wrap up after the second half of Season 5.
Voros noted that Sheridan “has made significant decisions regarding the future of the ‘Yellowstone’ universe without John Dutton,” indicating that while the series may change, there may still be stories left to tell.
“These characters are some of the most beloved figures on modern television,” she remarked.
Reilly has previously shared that she has known from the beginning how “Yellowstone” would conclude, and while Costner’s exit may have shifted some dynamics, it hasn’t altered the overall plan.
“It wasn’t meant to happen this quickly,” she remarked. “However, it’s truly rewarding to return to the show’s original vision.”
Hauser, who was hesitant to make a promise, added: “We really don’t have a clear answer. The reality is that there’s nothing confirmed or established at the moment. We’d like everyone to view these final six episodes as the conclusion. If there’s a possibility for more in the future, and if Taylor pens something inspiring for us, we’ve both agreed that we’re in.”
What are the spinoffs of ‘Yellowstone’?
The “Yellowstone” franchise, which started in 2018, has grown with several spinoffs, each centered around a different generation of the Dutton family.
Here’s a rundown of the “Yellowstone” spinoffs:
- “1883”: This limited series narrates the journey of James and Margaret Dutton, who are the great-grandparents of John Dutton. They make their way through the Great Plains with the aid of Shea Brennan (played by Sam Elliott) and his associate, Thomas (LaMonica Garrett), toward Montana.
- “1923”: Focusing on Jacob and Cara Dutton, who are the ancestors of John Dutton from “Yellowstone,” this series details events in the early 20th century, a time marred by pandemics, severe droughts, and the Challenges posed by the end of Prohibition that affect those living in the mountain west.
- “1944”: Serving as a sequel to “1923,” this will act as a prequel to the original “Yellowstone,” as previously reported by YSL News.
- “2024”: Set in the present day, “2024” will continue the story from “Yellowstone,” introducing new settings and characters, alongside some returning characters from the original series.
Where to watch ‘Yellowstone’ and ‘1923’
Currently, Part 2 of Season 5 of “Yellowstone” is not available for streaming. New episodes are broadcast every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the Paramount Network.
You can stream earlier seasons of “Yellowstone” on Peacock, while “1923” is available on Paramount+.
This article has been revised to correct a typographical error.