‘Yellowstone’ will end with season 5 in the fall, new spin-off will follow, Paramount says

Associated Press | Friday, May 5, 2023 11:03 a.m.

The Missoulian via AP

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock (foreground from left) appears with actor Kevin Costner, production designer Ruth De Jong and writer-director Taylor Sheridan in the lodge at the Chief Joseph Ranch during a visit to the set of the TV series “Yellowstone” in Darby, Mont.

At least one mystery surrounding the Paramount Network blockbuster hit “Yellowstone” has been answered.

Paramount announced on Friday, May 5, 2023, that season 5 of the drama will be the last and the second half of the season will air in November. The midseason finale aired on Jan. 1.

The end of “Yellowstone” will be followed by a new spin-off, debuting in December, reportedly starring Matthew McConaughey.

There has been no official word on Kevin Costner, who portrays John Dutton in “Yellowstone.” It was reported earlier this week by Entertainment Tonight that Costner will not be returning.

That news came on the heels of Costner’s representative on Tuesday saying that Costner and his wife, Christine Baumgartner, are getting a divorce.

“Yellowstone” co-creator Taylor Sheridan and Costner have reportedly disagreed about the filming schedule for the show. Costner is currently filming a Western movie called “Horizon: An American Saga.”

Chris McCarthy, president and CEO, ViacomCBS-MTV Entertainment Group, said in the statement, “‘Yellowstone’ has been the cornerstone on which we have launched an entire universe of global hits — from ’1883′ to ’Tulsa King,’ and I am confident our ’Yellowstone’ sequel will be another big hit, thanks to the brilliant creative mind of Taylor Sheridan and our incredible casts who bring these shows to life.”

“The Dutton story continues, picking up where ’Yellowstone’ leaves off in another epic tale,” said David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios. “We are thrilled to bring this new journey to audiences around the world.”

Entertainment Tonight had reported that Costner, Sheridan and the rest of the cast did not appear “at a previously announced panel at PaleyFest in Los Angeles.”

“Yellowstone” airs on the Paramount Network on Sunday nights. “Yellowstone” can be watched live on the streaming services Philo (free trial), fuboTV (free trial) and Sling TV.

The show premiered in 2018.

The synopsis of “Yellowstone,” according to Paramount Network, is, “Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect — the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders — an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and vicious business rivalries.”

The drama also stars Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton, Dave Annable as Lee Dutton, Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, Danny Huston as Dan Jenkins, Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater and Kelsey Asbille as Monica.

Prequels to “Yellowstone,” “1883,″ starring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, and Sam Elliott as Shea Brennan; and “1923,” starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren as Jacob and Cara Dutton, were wildly successful.