The days leading up to those final Yellowstone episodes are only getting closer and closer everyday.
It took an eternity to get to this pointârumors, speculation, and alleged disputes between Kevin Costner and showrunner Taylor Sheridan (which have now been cleared up by Costner himself) seemed to be the main causes for delay. But now, in May 2024, there is officially an update pertaining to Yellowstone's long-awaited final episodes, and it's pretty exciting!
While there is still no concrete answer on whether Costner will be reprising his role as John Dutton for season 5 part 2 of the Western series, there are other important details to reveal. And, speaking of the series finale, when does Yellowstone actually return?! Read on for everything there is to know about the future of the hit TV show.
Is there a part 2 to Yellowstone season 5?
Yes, there will be a part 2! The mid-season finale aired on January 1 2023, leaving fans with many questions that hopefully will be answered in Yellowstone season 5 part 2. Limited information has been released about what the second half of the season will bring for the Duttons. Based on the mid-season finale, it's probable that Rip (Cole Hauser), Ryan, Teeter, Walker, and Jake are all Texas-bound with the herd.
There's a good chance they will make an appearance at the 6666 ranch, where fans last saw Jimmy and his fiancĂ©e, Emily. But, the length of that hiatus is what has everyone shaking in their cowboy boots. As Paramount itself once wrote on social media: "Patience wearing thin." đ
It's also worth noting that Josh Lucas, the actor who played a younger version of John Dutton in previous seasons, had some comments about Yellowstone's future.
Speaking to Deadline in March, the actor referenced a conversation that he had with Sheridan: âI did text Taylor a couple of months back and said, âhey man, Iâve loved working on the show so much. Heâs like, âwell weâll be back,â Josh said.
To add some more confirmation, Josh also went ahead and touched on the episode count for the series finale: "I think we're going to do 10 or so more episodes and wrap up the story."
Sounds promising!
What is the release date for season 5 of Yellowstone?
Yellowstone season 5 part 2 (aka, the final episodes of Yellowstone) is expected to premiere in November 2024, according to Paramount Network. After what seems like a long pause, filming for the show has officially started! Yes, those last and final episodes are being worked on as you read this, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter!
Yellowstone was originally set to return in 2023 so while the new date may seem far away, at least it's on the horizon. And now that we know the actors are back on set, we have even more to look forward to!
Will Kevin Costner return for season 5 part 2?
Back in May of 2023, it was reported that Kevin Costner was leaving the series. His departure was primarily due to conflicts between Yellowstone's filming schedule and his upcoming personal passion project, Horizon: An American Saga.
Taylor Sheridan confirmed the news himself in June, telling The Hollywood Reporter, âIâm disappointed. It truncates the closure of his character. It doesnât alter it, but it truncates it.â
However, Costner recently gave fans some hope in a new "tell all" with Deadline. The actor finally opened up by saying that he's willing to come back to the series!
"Iâm very open to coming back," he said, "If theyâve got so many other things going on, maybe this circles back and itâs a really cool two seasons... But if the writing is there, I will be there too."
Well, the show has officially started filmingâso, will Costner return to set? Who's to say for now!
What happened in season 5 part 1?
The last time fans saw the ranchers, John Dutton's dynasty seemed on the verge of crumbling beneath his feet. Part 1 was packed with twisty Dutton-style drama that lassoed us in from the jump and ended with way too many cliffhangers. Beth (Kelly Reilly) finally forced her father John to see how unprofitable the ranch had become. John tasked Kayce with taking over ranch operations. Jaime (Wes Bentley) and John's battle of wills reached a fever pitch, thanks to Jamie's "friend" Sarah Atwood over at Market Equities. Oh, and half the main bunkhouse boys set off on a prolonged journey to save the herd!
It's really too bad there isn't more Taylor Sheridan content to consume while fans wait for season 5 part 2 (sarcasm, folks). You can binge a plethora of Sheridan shows and Yellowstone spinoffs, including 1883 and 1923.
Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.
