“Yellowstone” returns for new season on CBS, but top star will be missed: Kevin Costner exits amid tensions

Despite previous announcements by Paramount+ that Taylor Sheridan’s hit series “Yellowstone” would end with Season 5, Deadline reports that negotiations for a sixth season are in progress. While the deal is still uncertain, upcoming episodes are expected to focus on Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) after Kevin Costner’s departure from the show.

There have been discussions about Reilly and Hauser joining the “Yellowstone” spinoff, “The Madison,” which stars Michelle Pfeiffer. Reilly expressed her commitment to finishing “Yellowstone” with passion and care but hinted at ongoing conversations about the show’s future beyond Season 5.

Kevin Costner’s Exit and Fan Reactions

Season 5B, which premieres on November 10, was initially announced as the final installment of “Yellowstone.” Following Costner’s confirmed exit, fans have reacted strongly, with some calling for his return and others speculating on the show’s future without him. Many fans have also expressed a desire for a spin-off focused on Beth and Rip.

In June, Costner, 69, confirmed his departure from “Yellowstone” in an Instagram video, stating he would not appear in Season 5B or any future seasons due to his work on his Western epic “Horizon: An American Saga.” Costner had been in conflict with producers over pay, scheduling, and his availability for “Yellowstone.” Despite fan hopes for a dignified ending for his character John Dutton III, Costner’s announcement seems final.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama

Reports indicated that Costner and producers clashed over the number of days he wanted to film for Season 5B to accommodate his “Horizon” shooting schedule. Costner has since disputed these reports, stating that he was willing to return but the scripts for the second half of the season were not ready. Some fans and critics have pointed to Taylor Sheridan, the show’s co-creator and showrunner, suggesting that his numerous projects may have stretched him too thin, causing delays in script production. Sheridan, however, has disputed these claims.

What’s Next for “Yellowstone”?

Costner’s final episodes were in Season 5A, which aired from November 2022 to January 2023. His character, John Dutton III, managed the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, the largest fictional ranch in Montana, often clashing with neighboring Native American communities and developers over land rights.

With Costner’s exit, the show’s future remains uncertain. A potential Season 6 may focus on the remaining characters, and there is ongoing speculation about possible spinoffs and how the show will navigate Costner’s absence moving forward. The next chapter of “Yellowstone” is still unfolding, with fans eagerly waiting to see what direction the drama will take.