Yellowstone Returns: Yellowstone is back and wrapping up in a big way with Season 5 Part 2 — the final chapter of the Dutton family saga that’s kept us glued to our screens. After a long wait that felt like forever (thanks to delays, strikes, and some real-life drama), the show returned to Paramount Network in late 2024. Fans finally got the closure they’ve been craving, and if you haven’t caught up yet, now’s the time — especially with streaming options making it easy to binge.
The Long-Awaited Return: What Happened with the Premiere
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 kicked off on November 10, 2024, airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network. It picked up right after that massive cliffhanger from Part 1 back in early 2023. The six-episode run built to an intense series finale on December 15, 2024. For folks who prefer streaming, all episodes landed on Peacock starting March 16, 2025, so you can watch the whole thing without waiting week to week. Internationally, it hit Paramount+ in places like Canada and the UK around the original air dates too.
The wait was tough, but it paid off with high-stakes drama that had everyone talking.
Cast Shake-Ups: Who’s In and Who’s Out
The core family is still front and center, minus one big name. Kelly Reilly shines as the fierce Beth Dutton, Cole Hauser brings the tough-guy energy as Rip Wheeler, Luke Grimes holds it down as Kayce, and Wes Bentley keeps the tension high as Jamie. Kelsey Asbille (Monica) and Gil Birmingham (Chief Thomas Rainwater) round out the key players who returned.
Kevin Costner didn’t come back as John Dutton — he stepped away to focus on his Horizon films, and the show handled his exit early in Part 2. It changed the dynamic, but the rest of the cast carried the emotional weight just fine. Supporting folks like the bunkhouse crew popped in too, keeping that classic Yellowstone feel alive.
Plot Teasers and What Fans Got
Without spoiling too much for anyone still catching up, Part 2 dives deep into the fallout from John’s situation and ramps up the threats to the ranch. Beth and Jamie’s feud hits boiling point, outside forces like Market Equities keep pushing, and the family fights tooth and nail to protect their legacy. It’s full of those signature twists, betrayals, and heart-pounding moments that made the show a hit.
The episodes delivered an emotional roller coaster, wrapping up storylines that built over years while setting the stage for what’s next in the Yellowstone universe.
The Yellowstone Universe Keeps Growing
Even though the flagship series ended, Taylor Sheridan’s world isn’t done. Spin-offs and sequels are rolling out. A Beth-and-Rip focused follow-up is in the works, Luke Grimes leads Marshals (premiering early 2026 on CBS), and The Madison (starring Michelle Pfeiffer and others) dropped its first trailer and hits Paramount+ in March 2026. It’s a new family story in Montana, but tied to that same gritty vibe.
Quick Specs at a Glance
- Premiere Date: November 10, 2024 (Paramount Network)
- Episode Count: 6 (total Season 5: 14 episodes)
- Finale Air Date: December 15, 2024
- Streaming Availability: Peacock (full Part 2 from March 16, 2025)
- Key Returning Cast: Kelly Reilly (Beth), Cole Hauser (Rip), Luke Grimes (Kayce), Wes Bentley (Jamie)
- Notable Absence: Kevin Costner (John Dutton)
If you’re a fan who’s been holding out, grab some popcorn and dive in — it’s classic Yellowstone with all the family drama, ranch battles, and Montana magic. The end of one era, but plenty more stories on the horizon. What did you think of the finale? Drop your thoughts!