Yellowstone fans are still buzzing after the dramatic Season 5 finale that aired in 2024. With shocking deaths, the ranch changing hands, and the Dutton family going their separate ways, millions of viewers are wondering one big question: Is Yellowstone coming back for Season 6 in 2025?
The official answer is complicated—but the good news is that more Dutton drama is coming. Here’s a simple, complete breakdown of everything confirmed and rumored as of November 2025.
Why Yellowstone Originally Ended With Season 5
Yellowstone was always meant to be a five-season story, but behind-the-scenes conflicts made the ending arrive faster than expected.
Kevin Costner’s Exit Changed Everything
- Costner stepped away from the series to work on Horizon: An American Saga
- Reports of scheduling issues and disagreements with writers led to his early departure
- John Dutton was killed off in Season 5 Part 2, shifting the show’s focus to Beth, Rip, and Kayce
A Finale That Closed the Main Story
The final episode, Life Is a Promise, tied up several long-running plots:
- Beth ended her war with Jamie permanently
- Kayce helped sell much of the ranch to the tribal nation
- Rip and Beth rode off to start a quieter life in rural Montana
- The legendary Yellowstone ranch officially changed ownership
With these events, Season 5 served as the emotional ending the creators wanted.
Season 5 Finale: Key Moments That Changed the Future
| Major Event | What Happened | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| John Dutton’s Death | Killed off-screen due to betrayal | Ends Costner’s storyline forever |
| Beth vs. Jamie | Beth eliminates Jamie | Ends the longest-running feud |
| Ranch Sale | Sold to Broken Rock Tribe | Breaks generational curse |
| Rip & Beth Move | Leave to rebuild elsewhere | Sets up new stories |
| Kayce’s Choice | Keeps small land for his family | Begins a peaceful chapter |
These closures created space for the franchise to evolve.
So, Is Yellowstone Season 6 Happening in 2025?
Short Answer: No official Season 6 — but a major continuation is coming.
While Paramount confirmed Yellowstone officially ended with Season 5, the network has now shifted plans toward a new series centered on Beth and Rip. This new show is widely considered the spiritual Season 6, since it continues the modern storyline.
What We Know About the New Beth & Rip Spinoff
- Written by Taylor Sheridan
- Stars Kelly Reilly (Beth) and Cole Hauser (Rip)
- Set after the events of Yellowstone Season 5
- Expected to feature Kayce, Monica, and other familiar faces
- In active development as of November 2025
Industry insiders suggest a late 2025 or 2026 premiere.
Will Kevin Costner Return?
No. Costner has confirmed multiple times he is finished with the role of John Dutton. He may appear in flashbacks if the studio chooses, but he is not returning as a main character.
What’s Next for the Yellowstone Universe?
Paramount has turned Yellowstone into a major franchise with multiple shows:
Upcoming Shows in the Dutton Universe
| Title | Type | Status | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Madison | Sequel | Premiering 2025 | Modern Montana drama with potential crossovers |
| Beth & Rip Spinoff | Direct continuation | In development | Their life after the ranch sale |
| 1944 | Prequel | In development | Duttons during World War II |
| Kayce Spinoff (Rumored) | Sequel | Early discussions | Kayce and his family’s future |
| 1923 Season 2 | Prequel | Premiered 2025 | Depression-era Dutton struggles |
Whether or not Yellowstone proper returns, the universe is very much alive.
Why Fans Still Want a Yellowstone Season 6
Yellowstone remains popular because it blends:
- Family loyalty
- Revenge and power struggles
- Breathtaking Montana landscapes
- Complex characters like Beth, Rip, and Kayce
- Emotional themes: legacy, land, and sacrifice
For many viewers, the story doesn’t feel complete without seeing the Duttons rebuild their lives.
FAQs
1. Is Yellowstone Season 6 officially confirmed?
No, but the Beth & Rip spinoff serves as a continuation of the same storyline.
2. When will the new spinoff release?
Most predictions point to late 2025 or sometime in 2026.
3. Will Kayce appear in the new show?
Very likely, though not officially confirmed.
4. Is John Dutton coming back?
No. Kevin Costner has ended his involvement in the franchise.
5. Where can I watch Yellowstone now?
All seasons are available on Peacock and Paramount+.
Conclusion
Yellowstone Season 6 may not happen in name, but the story of the Duttons is far from over. With a new Beth and Rip-focused continuation on the way—and several prequels and sequels in development—fans can expect more drama, heartbreak, and Western intensity in the years ahead. The Dutton legacy continues to grow, and the Yellowstone universe is just getting started.