The wait has been long—and intense—for Yellowstone fans. Part 1 of Season 5 aired all the way back in January 2023, leaving viewers suspended in one of the most explosive chapters of the Dutton family saga. Now, after production delays, scheduling conflicts, and behind-the-scenes drama, the final batch of episodes is officially on the horizon.

With the neo-Western juggernaut created by Taylor Sheridan nearing its conclusion, fans are desperate to know: When does Yellowstone return? Who’s back? And is this really the end?

Here’s everything we know.

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⭐ Return Date: When Will Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Premiere?

Paramount has confirmed that Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 will premiere in November 2024, marking the official beginning of the end for the original series.

This final run of episodes will wrap up the Dutton family’s story—or at least this version of it.

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🟨 Is Yellowstone Really Ending? The Confusing “Final Season” Question…

Officially, Season 5 Part 2 has been marketed as the final season.

Unofficially? Things are way more complicated.

There have been quiet whispers of a potential Season 6 in development, but likely without the original branding and, more importantly, without Kevin Costner.

That means:

• The Dutton story may continue

• But Yellowstone as we know it is ending

• And John Dutton’s chapter is closing—whether on or off screen

Sheridan reportedly has no intention of killing off John Dutton on-screen without Costner present, so expect creative maneuvering rather than a dramatic death scene.

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🐂 Kevin Costner: Confirmed NOT Returning

The biggest headline:
Kevin Costner is officially out.

After contract negotiations collapsed and Costner shifted focus to his own Western project (Horizon), the actor confirmed he will not appear in the final episodes.

What this means for the story:

• John Dutton could be written out quietly

• Or his absence becomes a major plot point

• Or flashbacks / archival footage are used (unlikely)

Either way, the show must resolve the political war brewing around the ranch without the face of the franchise.

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🤠 Who Is Returning for Season 5 Part 2?

Expected returning cast includes:

• Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton)

• Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler)

• Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton)

• Kelsey Asbille (Monica Dutton)

• Wes Bentley (Jamie Dutton)

• Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater)

• Brecken Merrill (Tate Dutton)

• Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd)

• Ian Bohen (Ryan)

• Jen Landon (Teeter)

• Wendy Moniz (Lynelle Perry)

Beth and Jamie’s rivalry is expected to be the emotional core of the final episodes, with the ranch’s fate hanging in the balance.

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🎥 Trailer: Is There a Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 Trailer Yet?

Not yet—but Paramount is expected to drop the official trailer in late October 2024, ahead of the November premiere.

Expect:

• Shots of the ranch under siege

• Beth and Jamie’s final showdown

• Rip and the bunkhouse preparing for war

• Tension between the Duttons and Rainwater

• Hints of who won’t survive the finale

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🌄 The Spin-Offs: The Dutton Universe Lives On

Even though Yellowstone is ending, Taylor Sheridan’s universe is expanding faster than ever.

🔶 Y: Marshals (Starring Luke Grimes)

• Follows Kayce Dutton after the events of Yellowstone

• Set in Montana with federal stakes

• Premieres March 1, 2026 on CBS

🔶 The Dutton Ranch (Beth & Rip Spin-Off)

• Stars Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser

• Present-day continuation

• Includes Finn Little returning as Carter

• Expected late 2026 / early 2027

🔶 1944

• Another period prequel like 1883 and 1923

• Still in early development

Sheridan is not slowing down anytime soon.

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⚔️ What Will Season 5 Part 2 Be About?

While story details are tightly guarded, here’s what insiders say:

• Jamie and Beth’s war will reach its final, irreversible conclusion

• The battle over the ranch becomes political, legal, and brutal

• Rip and the bunkhouse may return from Texas early

• Kayce faces a life-changing decision that impacts Monica and Tate

• Major deaths are expected—but not yet confirmed

With Costner gone, the creative focus will shift heavily toward the remaining Duttons—especially Beth, Rip, Kayce, and Jamie.

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🌟 Final Thoughts

Whether Yellowstone truly ends with Season 5 or evolves into another chapter under a new title, the show’s legacy is already massive. But one thing is certain:

The final episodes will change the Dutton dynasty forever.