Where the Yellowstone Universe is at the end of Season 5

IIt's been almost two years since Paramount Network aired new episodes of YellowstoneTaylor Sheridan and John Linson's western drama starring Kevin Costner. That's not the norm for a show that premiered a new season every year from 2018 to 2022. During this time, the show's ratings steadily rose to new heights, with each premiere breaking live and same-day broadcast records. As spin-offs were greenlit and Sheridan's empire expanded, Yellowstone established itself as the most-watched show on cable television. And yet, the show stalled after the first half of season five aired in early 2023. While it wasn't the only show to experience delays due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes last year, Yellowstone was also plagued by scheduling conflicts and drama both before and after the Hollywood shutdown.

But this Sunday, November 10th, Yellowstone is officially back at 8 p.m. ET, airing the first of six episodes that will conclude the season and end this story (at least for now). Unfortunately, Costner won't be seen, so what happens next remains a bit unclear. Here's what you should know about recent events Yellowstone– and what could happen next.

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Why isn't Kevin Costner returning?

Costner is currently directing, producing and starring in the film Horizon: An American Saga, his self-financed series of four planned epic westerns. (Both Chapter 1 And 2 premiered earlier this year, with Chapter 3 And 4 (in production, despite reported challenges with financing.) It was originally reported that Costner might leave Yellowstone to focus on his passion project after completing season five, with some sources saying he even refused to finish filming the second half. But according to Costner, he always planned to come back to finish John Dutton's story when it fit his schedule, and possibly film a sixth and even seventh season.

There were reports of a feud between Costner and Sheridan. From Costner's perspective, Sheridan was too busy with other projects to deliver the scripts on time and complete filming on the fifth season horizon began. Costner, meanwhile, responded with a long list of demands, including a raise and the right to veto scripts from the season if necessary. As Sheridan told Hollywood reporter“I've never had a problem with Kevin that he and I couldn't resolve over the phone. But once lawyers get involved, people can't talk to each other and start saying things that aren't true and trying to shift blame on the apparent reaction of the press or public. … I really hope the film is worth it – and that it's good.” Sheridan claims that Costner's absence “doesn't change” the conclusion of his character story, but shortens it.

What happened last? Yellowstone?

Much of the first half of season five revolved around John Dutton's new role as governor of Montana, a job he took on solely for the purpose of tackling Market Equities' new airport and commercial developments planned for his country. He did this with the help of his daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly), now his chief of staff, and his once-estranged Attorney General son Jamie (West Bentley). John also enjoyed time on the ranch away from his base in Helena and began a romance with his new environmental consultant, animal rights activist and general liberal stereotype Summer (Piper Perabo).

While John's other son Kayce (Luke Grimes) and his wife Monica (Kelsey Asbille) mourned the little boy they lost throughout the season, the rivalry between Beth and Jamie heated up, bringing Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri) to the latter to calling for his own father's son to be impeached to help Market Equities. Now Beth wants Jamie dead – and based on his suggestion of hiring “professionals,” he’s willing to see his sister go, too.

In addition, Rip (Cole Hauser) and many of the ranch workers travel to Texas with half the cattle to wait and see how an escaped Yellowstone buffalo contaminates the ranch.

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What will the final half of the season focus on?

The new trailer doesn't offer much insight into what we'll see in the final six episodes: it's mostly just the usual snippets of dialogue about protecting the family and protecting the ranch. Still, it's safe to say that the civil war between Beth and Jamie will be a big part of the season and Kayce may be forced to choose a side.

It's also unclear how Costner will emerge from the series, although director Christina Voros recently called John's presence in these episodes “integral.” She was tight-lipped about what exactly that means – could Costner make an appearance (or appearances) after all, or will he just be a powerful, invisible character hanging over everything? Many have called Yellowstone “Consequence in the West,” and these comparisons are sure to continue in the final seasons of both series, in which an absent patriarch plays a major role.

What else? Yellowstone Spin-offs are being planned?

There is still speculation about this Yellowstone could return for a sixth season, with Hauser and Reilly reportedly in talks about continuing their characters. But there is still a lot to do until then Yellowstone-Verse to look forward to. Paramount+ has already aired two prequel series focusing on previous generations of the Dutton family: 1883 (with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Sam Elliott) and 1923 (with Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford). The latter still has a second and final season ahead of it; it is currently being filmed. Additionally, a number of other shows are in development, including a sequel to 1923 called 1944. 6666announced back in 2021 and brought to life by Jimmy's (Jefferson White) appearances in seasons 4 and 5 at the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, is currently on hold.

The biggest confirmed upcoming project is The Madisona sequel to the main series that was originally announced as 2024: Michelle Pfeiffer will play a wealthy matriarch who moves with her family from New York City to Montana after her husband's death in a plane crash. As far as we know, there are no immediate plans to introduce any Yellowstone characters in this film, but Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Matthew Fox, Beau Garrett, Amiah Miller and Ben Schnetzer have already officially joined the cast.