After months of anticipation, Yellowstone is set to make its comeback with the second half of Season 5, premiering on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, at 8 p.m. on Paramount Network and at 10 p.m. on CBS. With Kevin Costner’s iconic portrayal of John Dutton no longer part of the show, viewers are eager to see how the story will continue without the Dutton family patriarch. Let’s break down what to expect from this season’s return, how to watch, and where the storyline may head as Yellowstone comes to a dramatic close.

The Journey to Season 5’s Return

Originally debuting in June 2018, Yellowstone quickly became a cultural sensation. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, chronicles the life of the Dutton family and their vast Montana ranch, the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. The Duttons constantly grapple with threats from competing interests—including an expanding nearby town, a Native American reservation, and rival business moguls. With a mix of family loyalty, intense drama, and high-stakes confrontations, Yellowstone has captivated viewers worldwide.

Season 5 was initially split into two parts, with the first half airing in late 2022 and concluding on Jan. 1, 2023. The midseason finale left fans on the edge of their seats. The release of the second half was then delayed due to the 2023 writers’ strike. Now, Yellowstone returns, wrapping up the saga that has defined modern Western television.

What to Expect from the Second Half of Season 5

Without Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton, the dynamics of the Dutton family will shift significantly. Costner, who opted out of Season 5, Part 2 to focus on his own film projects, has left a notable absence in the storyline. Costner’s departure has been handled with strict confidentiality, and fans are waiting with bated breath to see how Sheridan writes off one of television’s most compelling characters.

The final episodes will delve deeper into the lives of Dutton siblings Beth, Kayce, and Jamie, played by Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, and Wes Bentley, respectively. With ongoing feuds, unresolved family tensions, and rivalries brewing, the absence of their father will test the Dutton children in unprecedented ways. Beth and Kayce, who remain loyal to their family’s legacy, will face new challenges, while Jamie, the more conflicted son, must navigate his complex relationships and ambitions within the family fold. The fallout from John’s absence will likely bring out different facets of these characters, testing their loyalty and resilience.

Where and How to Watch Yellowstone

Fans have several ways to tune in to the season premiere, both via cable and streaming services:

• Paramount Network: Airing at 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 10, Paramount Network is the primary channel for Yellowstone episodes.
• CBS: The episodes will also be available on CBS at 10 p.m. for a broader network audience.

For viewers without cable, Yellowstone is available on various streaming platforms, including Philo, fuboTV, and DirecTV Stream, all of which offer free trials.

Streaming Platforms Explained

Philo

Philo is one of the most affordable streaming services offering Yellowstone. For $28 a month, subscribers get access to over 70 live channels, including Paramount Network. Philo also offers a seven-day free trial for those wanting to try it out. Philo will air episodes from Seasons 3, 4, and the first part of Season 5 starting Friday, Nov. 8, allowing fans to catch up on recent episodes before the final season’s launch.

With more than 100 live and on-demand channels, fuboTV is another streaming option for Yellowstone fans. This service includes cloud DVR for recording episodes and offers a variety of channels, from AMC to ESPN. The fuboTV plans start at $79.99 a month, with a seven-day free trial for new users. Yellowstone seasons 1-4 and the first half of season 5 are available for on-demand viewing on fuboTV.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream offers over 100 channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing for flexible viewing options. Starting at $101.98 per month, with a $15 discount for the first two months, DirecTV Stream includes popular channels such as ABC, FX, Discovery, and of course, Paramount Network.

Recapping Yellowstone’s Impact and Storyline

Yellowstone has been a monumental hit, combining stunning landscapes, high-octane drama, and compelling performances to create a modern Western masterpiece. The Dutton family’s trials reflect universal themes of loyalty, power, and the lengths people will go to protect what they hold dear. As John Dutton, Kevin Costner’s character symbolized this fierce loyalty and commitment to family, forging an indelible bond with fans.

Catching Up: Where to Watch Previous Episodes

For fans wanting a refresher, past episodes are accessible through different streaming platforms. Seasons 1-4 and the first half of Season 5 can be streamed on Peacock, while fuboTV also carries on-demand episodes. Philo’s pre-premiere Yellowstone marathon on Nov. 8 is another great opportunity to get up to speed.

Spinoffs and Yellowstone’s Legacy

While Yellowstone is nearing its end, the universe it has created will continue. Taylor Sheridan has expanded the series with two popular spinoffs—1883 and 1923. Both spinoffs, available on Paramount+, provide rich backstories for the Dutton family, with 1883 starring Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and Sam Elliott, and 1923 featuring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. These shows explore the Dutton legacy, offering fans a deeper understanding of the family’s origins and the challenges they faced through history.

Looking ahead, another sequel titled The Madison, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, is slated for a 2025 release. This new series will continue the Western drama’s influence, exploring fresh narratives within the broader Yellowstone world.

What’s Next for Kevin Costner?

Although Costner won’t appear in the final episodes of Yellowstone, his career is anything but idle. He is currently focused on his multi-part film series Horizon, with the first part debuting earlier this year. Despite his departure from Yellowstone, Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton has left an undeniable mark on television, and fans may one day see him revisit the Western genre on the big screen.

Conclusion

As Yellowstone returns for the final episodes of Season 5, fans will witness the concluding chapters of a saga that has redefined modern Western storytelling. The second half of Season 5 will capture the struggles and legacies of the remaining Duttons as they navigate life without John Dutton. With multiple ways to watch and a wealth of content to explore within the Yellowstone universe, this last season is bound to be an emotional and captivating farewell.

Set your reminders for Nov. 10, and prepare to join the Dutton family one last time as they ride into the final stretch of their tumultuous journey on Yellowstone.