‘Yellowstone’ Returns: How Did Season 5 End? Is Kevin Costner Gone? Is This the Last Season?

variety.com:

William Earl administrator It’s been nearly two years since the finale of Part 1 of Season 5 of “Yellowstone” — the massive Taylor Sheridan-created show’s most recent episode — debuted on Paramount Network on New Year’s Day 2023.

Chances are, you’ve forgotten about some of the intricacies of the Dutton family feuds and overall chaos that fuels “Yellowstone,” but never fear: Here is a refresher of the events that transpired in that finale, context on the behind-the-scenes events that led to Kevin Costner‘s departure from the show — and information about the future of the series.

During the first half of the season, audiences learned more about Rip (Cole Hauser) and his early days at Yellowstone. “A Knife and No Coin,” the final episode of the first half of Season 5, begins with another flashback with Young Rip (Kyle Red Silverstein) and Young John (Josh Lucas).

They’re dropping off Rowdy, a cowboy Rip killed after he spoke inappropriately about Young Beth (Kylie Rogers), at the Train Station (a.k.a., disposing of his body), and Young John makes it clear that this now bonds them forever: “You’ll be part of this ranch until the day you die.” Young John also figures out that Young Rip is sweet on Young Beth himself, and offers some prophetic words — “The only time you fight working for me is to protect someone working for the ranch, or the ranch itself.