The much-anticipated series finale of Yellowstone aired Sunday night, but rather than delivering a universally satisfying conclusion, the episode left fans sharply divided. The Season 5 finale, touted as the end of the Dutton family saga, drew mixed reactions online, with some viewers comparing it to the heavily criticized conclusion of Game of Thrones.
A Polarizing Ending
The finale saw major developments in the Dutton family’s story. Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) sold the iconic Yellowstone Ranch to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), while Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) exacted revenge for her father John Dutton’s (Kevin Costner) murder by killing her brother Jamie (Wes Bentley). Meanwhile, Beth and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) were shown settling into a new life in Texas, leaving the Yellowstone legacy behind.
Fan Reactions: A Letdown for Many
Disappointed fans were vocal on social media, criticizing the episode’s pacing, predictability, and overall resolution.
- “This #Yellowstone finale is lazy writing,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
- “It is official. Game of Thrones is no longer the worst final season of any TV show ever. Yellowstone has taken that award. What a disaster of a final season,” declared another.
- “Watching the ranch be dismantled by the reservation Indians and them desecrating the graves of the Dutton family was disgusting,” wrote a frustrated viewer.
Others criticized creator Taylor Sheridan’s increased presence in the show, saying it detracted from the family drama that made Yellowstone compelling.
“Taylor Sheridan put himself into too many scenes when he was not an integral part of the family. Kevin Costner was Yellowstone, and the day he left the show, it died with him,” said one fan.
A Legacy Tarnished?
Some fans argued the finale damaged the show’s legacy, comparing it unfavorably to other controversial TV endings.
“The last season of Yellowstone was awful and damaged the series’ legacy in a way we haven’t seen since the disaster that was the last season of Game of Thrones,” one viewer remarked.
Others echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment that the series failed to provide a fitting conclusion to the Duttons’ epic story.
Praise for the Finale
Despite the backlash, some fans found the finale satisfying, appreciating its decisive conclusion and performances.
“Farewell to one of the best series I have ever seen,” tweeted one supporter. “Loved all of it, and to think in the start I thought it was boring…”
Another viewer added, “I surprisingly enjoyed that finale. Shows should end leaving the audience wanting more. I actually think it was time to end it.”
Kelly Reilly Steals the Show
Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton remained a standout, with fans praising her emotional depth and commanding presence.
- “Kelly Reilly deserves all the Emmys,” declared one fan.
- “If Kelly Reilly doesn’t win an Emmy this year, it will go down as the WORST snub in the award’s history,” another said.
A Spinoff on the Horizon?
While Yellowstone may have ended, reports suggest the story isn’t over for Beth and Rip. Stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have reportedly closed deals to lead a spinoff series focusing on their characters. Additionally, rumors of a potential Season 6 persist, though Paramount has yet to confirm them.
Kevin Costner’s Departure and Controversy
The finale had to address the absence of Kevin Costner, who left the show midway through Season 5 amid rumors of a feud with Sheridan. John Dutton’s death—a hitman attack staged to look like suicide—was revealed early in the season, a plot point that drew mixed reactions from fans and Costner himself.
Speaking on SiriusXM, Costner admitted he wasn’t informed about John’s fate beforehand. “I didn’t see it. I heard it’s a suicide. That doesn’t make me wanna rush to go see it,” he said.
A Divided Legacy
The Yellowstone finale has left fans debating its place in TV history, with some celebrating its bold choices and others lamenting its failure to deliver a satisfying conclusion. Whether the spinoffs or rumored continuations can redeem the franchise remains to be seen, but for now, Yellowstone joins the ranks of iconic shows with divisive endings.
