Audience Scores Plummet for Season 5

The launch of Yellowstone Season 5 has sparked intense reactions from fans, many expressing frustration over the show’s story direction. Rotten Tomatoes reveals the starkest divide yet: while critics still praise the season with an 84% score, audience approval has fallen to just 40%.

For a series that has consistently earned high fan ratings, the drop is dramatic. Longtime viewers are clearly disappointed with key plot choices, particularly the off-screen exit of central character John Dutton, which many feel undermines the series’ emotional core.

---

Comparing the Seasons

When looking at past audience scores, the contrast becomes even more striking:

• Season 1: 83% audience, 57% critic

• Season 2: 90% audience, 89% critic

• Season 3: 87% audience, 100% critic

• Season 4: 82% audience, 91% critic

• Season 5: 40% audience, 84% critic

While critics continue to enjoy the show’s direction, the audience response is less forgiving. Season 5 has effectively become the lowest-rated installment by fans, signaling a major disconnect between critical acclaim and viewer satisfaction.

---

Why Fans Are Upset

Many fans cite several reasons for their disappointment:

1. John Dutton’s off-screen departure: Viewers invested in Kevin Costner’s character feel his exit lacks proper resolution.

2. Storyline choices: Some plot developments are seen as rushed or inconsistent with previous seasons.

3. Shift in focus: Fans argue the narrative drifted away from the Dutton family’s core struggles, leaving character arcs unresolved.

This dissatisfaction is particularly notable for a series that has traditionally been celebrated for its tight storytelling, family drama, and Western authenticity.

---

The Divide Between Critics and Fans

The disparity between critical and audience scores highlights an ongoing phenomenon in popular television: what appeals to critics may not always resonate with a devoted fanbase. While critics acknowledge strong performances, cinematography, and thematic ambition, longtime fans are more focused on continuity, character payoff, and satisfying story arcs.

Season 5’s Rotten Tomatoes numbers exemplify this split. The series maintains a solid critical reputation but faces vocal backlash from the very viewers who supported it from the start.

---

Looking Ahead

As Yellowstone moves through its final episodes, the question remains: can the series reconcile fan expectations with its creative choices? With the gap between audience and critic opinion widening, the final season faces one of the most challenging receptions in the show’s history.

For fans who have followed the Dutton saga from the beginning, Season 5 may feel like a bittersweet conclusion—critically celebrated, yet emotionally divisive.