Yellowstone became an immediate fan-favorite when it first hit CBS in 2018. But recently, fans of the show, which originally starred Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton, have been clamoring for more news about its fate. ICYMI, the first part of Season 5 debuted last November, and wrapped up in January 2023. Since then, it’s seemed like the show has been a bit up in the air.
In February, DEADLINE reported that the show’s co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, was planning to “end the show in its current form,” which followed long disputes between Kevin Costner and the network over shooting schedules, according to the publication. A few months later, in May of 2023, ET confirmed Kevin would not be returning to the show—but the exit agreement has still not been officially settled.
With so much uncertainty regarding the show’s future, it’s natural to wonder what to expect from the second installment of season 5—and specifically, *when* to expect it. Below, Women’s Health has all the deets.
What is Yellowstone‘s premise again?
Yellowstone is a western series created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. The show follows the Yellowstone ranch in Montana, and the people who run it. John Dutton (Kevin Costner) is the ranch owner, and his children—Kaycee (Luke Grimes), Beth (Kelly Reilly), and Jamie (Wes Bentley)—help him run it.
The series generally follows the Dutton family, and other people who help them at the ranch. Other characters include Beth’s love interest, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and Kaycee’s wife Monica Long Dutton (Kelsey Asbille). And then there’s Jimmy (Jefferson White), the thief turned cowboy.
What happened in Season 4?
A lot, actually. Before season 5 kicked off, most of the characters’ conflicts felt pretty resolved. In fact, most of them were in a pretty okay place, per Esquire. Beth and Rip finally get married. Monica is pregnant, and Jimmy leaves Yellowstone once and for all (phew).
Most shockingly (or not), Jamie kills Garrett. Yup. It is called the Wild West, after all. If only things had wrapped up there!
What happens in Season 5 Part 1?
First off, John Dutton is elected governor of Montana. While his Beth is excited about the revelation, it doesn’t seem to thrill John. Or anyone else. The governor also does some pretty shady stuff throughout the season.
Season 5 also includes a bit of a time jump, as Monica quickly gives birth to a baby boy early on in the season. Unfortunately, the baby doesn’t survive. Later in the final episode of the first half of the season, Jimmy returns (!), and he establishes a life with Emily in Texas. Some of the Yellowstone ranchers—including Rip—head down to the state later in the episode.
John also proposes Monica take over the ranch while Rip is in Texas. The finale ends with Jamie plotting, and Monica and Kaycee deciding whether to take John up on his offer.
When does Season 5 Part 2 release?
It’s unclear—but hopefully around 2024. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the second part has not been filmed yet, Kevin Costner told People in July.
“We have not [started filming the second half of season 5] because of the writers strike,” he told the publication. “I think we would be if it weren’t for that.”
Where can I watch it?
If you’re looking for an old school way to watch, you can catch two episodes each night of Yellowstone from beginning (as in, starting from season 1) to end this fall on CBS every Sunday at 8:30, per TV Guide (football may conflict with this sometimes).
However, you can also currently stream the show on Peacock, too.
Which cast members are returning?
It seems like every core cast member, except potentially Kevin Costner, will be returning for season 5. It’s unclear whether Costner’s end of contract, means he will absolutely not be included in the second installment of season 5, but it is looking that way, per People. At a court hearing in September for child support, Costner’s lawyer stated, “[Kevin] is not involved in any future episodes of [Yellowstone],” per Entertainment Tonight.
Here’s a look at the some of the cast members:
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
- Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
- Luke Grimes as Kaycee Dutton
- Kelsey Asbille as Monica
- Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton
- Lainey Wilson as Abby
Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom, may not be returning again for Part 2, as the character only briefly appeared in the show’s first installment.
Who is joining the cast?
It’s unclear if any new cast members have joined on for Part 2 of Season 5, but watch this space for more details.
Is there a trailer?
Not yet! There’s a general trailer for season 5, though, which you can watch below:
Will there be a season 6?
Nope! Season 5 is, for better or worse, the last season of the original Yellowstone. However, keep an eye out for more spin-off plans (possibly starring Matthew McConaughey) soon, per DEADLINE.
While you’ll still have to wait a little while longer to stream the last few episodes, the network announced that repeat episodes will start airing on Sunday nights starting September 17, 2023, at 8:30 p.m. EST, starting with season 1. That should keep you occupied for a little while!
Olivia Evans (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Her work has previously appeared in The Cut and Teen Vogue. She loves covering topics where culture and wellness intersect. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, and watching rom-coms.
