✅ 1. Yellowstone Ends with Season 5

Paramount officially confirmed that Season 5, which wraps up in December 2024, marks the final chapter of the original Yellowstone series. Although rumors hinted at Season 6, no continuation is planned under that title. Instead, the franchise will continue exclusively through spinoffs. New York Post+15Wikipedia+15People.com+15

🚪 2. Kevin Costner’s Exit: A Forced Break

Kevin Costner exited due to major creative and scheduling conflicts. He was offered less money than previous seasons and struggled with production delays—including missing scripts for Season 5B amidst his own long-gestated passion project, Horizon: An American Saga. Costner initially hoped for Season 6 but ultimately walked away. The Indian Express+13People.com+13People.com+13

Series creator Taylor Sheridan expressed disappointment, noting that Costner’s departure “truncates the closure” of John Dutton’s character arc. People.com+4EW.com+4Los Angeles Times+4

🧨 3. Legacy Collapses

With Costner gone, the central force of the Dutton clan—a spiritual and narrative anchor—disappears mid-arc. Reports reveal that Sheridan had initially planned three more seasons, ending around 7 total, but Costner’s surprise exit forced an early conclusion. People.com+15The Indian Express+15New York Post+15

This sudden pivot leaves unresolved cliffhangers, fractured relationships, and a legacy that viewers feel was cut short. Reddit

🔄 4. No Season 6: The Spinoff Transition

Rather than extending the main series, Taylor Sheridan is expanding the Yellowstone universe through multiple spin-offs—including The Madison (Michelle Pfeiffer-led), Y: Marshals (Kayce Dutton procedural), and a Beth & Rip sequel starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. News.com.au+15Wikipedia+15entert.online+15

These projects signal that although Yellowstone ends, its ethos and characters live on in new narratives.

😢 5. Fan Shock & Fallout

Fans reacted with disappointment. Many feel John Dutton’s exit was rushed and underserved by the writing team. Comments like “felt disrespectful” and “not as good without Costner driving the story” reflect strong audience discontent. Reddit+15Reddit+15entert.online+15

With the franchise now shifting to future-focused stories, fans lament the abrupt end—but remain hopeful that upcoming spin-offs might restore some closure.

✅ Final Take

Yes—it’s official. Yellowstone is over after Season 5, and Kevin Costner is done with the show. His departure forced the early conclusion of the Dutton saga and halted plans for multiple future seasons. Though spinoffs continue, the Dutton dynasty’s fall lands with emotional weight. John Dutton’s exit is irreversible, and the series ends with flames of legacy rather than triumph.