Yellowstone’s future after Season 5B remains unclear. Paramount earlier stated the show would not return for another season.
Fans believed it was over until Season 5B’s promotions created confusion. Some hints suggested the finale might not be in Season 5.
Meanwhile, reports about spinoffs and cast comebacks have spread, but nothing is confirmed.
1923 will return and explore more of the Dutton family’s history. The creators first planned The Madison as a direct sequel to Yellowstone.
However, they shifted the focus to another family, leaving the Duttons’ future unclear. Rumors suggest the studio may release a Beth and Rip spinoff after Season 5B.
Now that the final episode has aired, fans are questioning what will happen next with Yellowstone.
Fans Still Hope for Yellowstone Season 6
Paramount announced in 2023 that Yellowstone would end with Season 5B, canceling the sixth season. Instead, the network planned a sequel series.
David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios, stated that “the Dutton story continues” with “another epic tale,” continuing from where Yellowstone stopped. Reports about the cancellation have been conflicting.
Matthew McConaughey was initially linked to a sequel called 2024, later renamed The Madison, focusing on a new family.
The sequel stars Michelle Pfeiffer as Stacy Clyburn, Beau Garrett, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Amish Miller, Alaina Pollack, Rebecca Spence, Kevin Zegers, Ben Schweitzer, and Danielle Vasinova.
McConaughey’s role in the project remains unclear, and he does not seem to be part of it. Earlier, his involvement in a Yellowstone sequel appeared confident.
In an interview, Taylor Sheridan, the creator, mentioned they were in “late-stage negotiations” with McConaughey.
He also said the actor seemed “a natural fit” for the sequel. But McConaughey never confirmed he would join.
Talks about his role did not progress, and the 2024 release of Yellowstone 5B shifted the franchise’s direction.
Will Yellowstone Return for Another Season?
The promotional content for Yellowstone Season 5B does not call it a series finale. Many fans thought the show might return, even after its cancellation.
The teaser trailer for Season 5B used the phrase “season finale” instead of “series finale,” which kept speculation alive.
Paramount has not entirely ruled out bringing the show back. Meanwhile, the network is focusing on Yellowstone-related projects.
These could expand the Dutton family’s story. “The Madison” now seems more like a spinoff than a direct sequel. What happens next to the Duttons remains uncertain.
The Dutton Story Reaches a Turning Point
Yellowstone Season 5B begins with the Dutton family’s leader dying. The final episodes wrap up the family’s long history in the series.
A deal between Kayce (Luke Grimes) and Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) settles the ranch’s future.
This agreement follows a promise made in 1883 by Jamie Dutton and Indigenous leaders. When James and Margaret Dutton arrived in Montana, they agreed to return the land after seven generations.
In the final episode, Yellowstone Ranch officially becomes part of the Native American Reservation. Meanwhile, Beth takes revenge for her father’s death.
Luke Grimes told Esquire about Season 6. The actor would return if the network kept the show. But another season did not seem necessary. Kayce’s story felt complete. The statement included:
“I’d do it. I just don’t know how the story would continue after the ending. Kayce wants a peaceful life with his family. He doesn’t want to kill anymore. He doesn’t want the burden of running a massive ranch in modern times. He just wants a simple life.”
Birmingham believes Yellowstone’s story is not over. The Dutton family has protected the ranch for generations.
Now that the land is part of a Native American reservation, the show can explore the Indigenous perspective.
Speaking about the treaty between Kayce and Rainwater, the actor told Screen Rant that Thomas would respect the deal.
He hoped Yellowstone would continue, showing more interactions between the Duttons and the reservation, especially with Tate belonging to both sides.
“He’s coming from both worlds,” he said. The story could take a new turn as Yellowstone 5B wrapElsa diedtons’ journey since Elsa died in 1883.
Birmingham pointed out that the land once belonged to the Duttons but now has shifted to the other side, making Tate’s future an enjoyable experience.
Fans have speculated about possible spinoffs since Yellowstone 5B’s release, including one focused on Broken Rock.
Birmingham expressed enthusiasm about expanding his character’s story.
“Taylor keeps his plans secret,” he told Screen Rant. “Maybe that makes it even more exciting because it builds trust.” He trusts Sheridan’s vision for a Native-led story. He said:
“Many have suggested a Broken Rock spinoff. It would be a great way to explore Rainwater and Mo’s world, where they now protect the land instead of the Duttons.”
A Spinoff Featuring Rip and Beth Is Confirmed
Kelly Reilly (Beth) and Cole Hauser (Rip) purchased a ranch near Dillon, Montana. Their story will continue in a new series.
Rumors about them leading the Duttons’ story after Yellowstone 5B had circulated for a long time. Some reports suggested they might return for a sixth season, but a spinoff became the final decision.
In August 2024, Deadline reported that MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios were in talks with Reilly and Hauser.
By December, Deadline confirmed both actors had finalized deals to star in a spinoff within the Yellowstone universe.
The report also mentioned that the series would be the first to include “Yellowstone” in its title.
Many doubted the news, but Reilly addressed it on social media. In a post reflecting on her time as Beth, she responded to a fan’s question about the spinoff.
The fan asked if the UK rumors about the project were false. Reilly confirmed the news by replying “True” with a white heart emoji.
Yellowstone Series Is Not Over Yet
Taylor Sheridan may have finished the Yellowstone story as planned, even after Kevin Costner left following Season 5A.
Christina Alexandra Voros, an executive producer, told Variety that she never spoke directly with Sheridan.
However, she learned from others that he always intended the story to end with the patriarch’s loss and the passing of his legacy. Season 5B still accomplished that, even without Costner.
Season 5B is the show’s final chapter. However, the network has not officially confirmed its conclusion.
Sheridan’s universe continues to expand with new spinoffs, prequels, and sequels in development.
The uncertainty about the best path forward is likely confusing. However, spinoffs seem to be the future of Yellowstone for now.