A Western Phenomenon That Redefined TV

When Yellowstone first premiered, it instantly stood out as the definitive TV Western of the modern era. While other series like Longmire and Justified explored contemporary frontiers, Taylor Sheridan’s creation blended modern storytelling with the grit and grandeur of a classic Western.

At the heart of it all was Kevin Costner’s John Dutton — a stoic patriarch, fiercely protective of his land and family. His presence gave the series gravitas, cementing Yellowstone as the genre’s crown jewel. Yet, ironically, the character that made the show unforgettable also played a part in its downfall.

Kevin Costner’s Exit Changed Everything

Costner’s decision to step away during Yellowstone’s fifth and final season forced Sheridan to rewrite the show’s trajectory. Costner clashed with the production over the split-season structure, which conflicted with his Horizon: An American Saga film project.

Though he publicly expressed love for the series and admiration for Sheridan, Costner admitted he was disappointed no one defended his contributions. His absence left a vacuum — one that no other character, not even fan favorites Beth or Rip, could fill.

John Dutton’s Death Fell Flat

Without its lead actor, Yellowstone was forced to improvise an ending that felt unworthy of its central figure. Season 5, part 2, initially suggested John had died by suicide on the eve of his impeachment trial — a baffling and uncharacteristic twist. It was later revealed he was assassinated by Sarah Atwood’s hired killers.

The problem? Sarah had no personal history with John, making the storyline cold, impersonal, and lacking the poetic weight the character deserved. For viewers, watching the legendary rancher bleed out on a bathroom floor felt less like an epic sendoff and more like an afterthought.

A natural death — hinted at since season 1 with John’s cancer diagnosis — would have been more fitting. Sheridan even planted the seeds in an earlier episode, when John admired a cowboy friend who passed away peacefully on the range, calling it “the perfect cowboy death.” Such an ending could have honored both the man and the myth.

Where Yellowstone Failed, Others Succeeded

TV history is filled with powerful protagonist deaths that reinforced a show’s themes — Logan Roy in Succession, Nate Fisher in Six Feet Under. In contrast, John Dutton’s assassination did nothing to underline Yellowstone’s exploration of loyalty, land, and legacy.

Instead, it tarnished the series’ ending, leaving fans frustrated that a character of John’s stature was written off in such a hollow way.

Hope Lies in the Spin-Offs

Despite its flawed conclusion, the Yellowstone universe is far from over. Sheridan has multiple spin-offs in development, including:

• 1883 (Dutton family origins)

• 1923 (Duttons during Prohibition and the Great Depression)

• The Madison (a family in Montana’s Madison River Valley)

• Y: Marshals (Kayce Dutton joins the U.S. Marshals)

• Dutton Ranch (Beth and Rip’s new life post-Yellowstone)

• 1944 (another historical prequel)

• 6666 (Jimmy’s story at the legendary Texas ranch, currently on hold)

Among these, the Kayce- and Beth-centered spin-offs have the most potential to uphold the Dutton legacy while keeping Sheridan’s universe alive.

A Tarnished Legacy, but an Enduring Impact

Yellowstone may have stumbled in its finale, but it still revived the TV Western for a new generation and created a sprawling universe of stories. Sheridan’s bold vision and Costner’s gravitas ensured its place in television history.

Its ending may have been flawed, but its impact is undeniable — and if Sheridan’s spin-offs deliver, the Dutton legacy may still ride strong into the future.