Yellowstone star Luke Grimes opens up about what might be the final episode of the hit Western series, explaining why some won’t feel satisfied. Paramount Network’s show has continued to set viewership records, but the return of Yellowstone season 5 has proved a bit contentious due to the handling of Kevin Costner’s departure and the decision to kill off John Dutton, as well as bemused reactions to a recent cameo from series creator Taylor Sheridan. According to Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, that divisiveness may stretch into the finale, which premieres on Sunday, December 15.
In an interview with Esquire, Grimes shared why he thinks not everyone is going to like the show’s last episode. The actor was asked whether he thinks fans will be satisfied with how the show wraps up, answering that some will appreciate how the finale is executed. Others, though, will be mad that the Western is over. Read Grimes’ response below:
At the rate we’re headed, I don’t think they’re going to be satisfied with anything. [Laughs.] Some people will realize that it was very well written and well executed. But a large part will just be mad that it’s over, which is fair.
Yellowstone’s Future Explained & What Grimes’ Comments Could Mean
A Spinoff Is Officially Happening
It was recently confirmed that, after months of negotiations, Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) and Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) will continue their story in an upcoming Yellowstone spinoff. The possibility had been floated for months, although there was also some discussion about continuing with Yellowstone season 6. It was ultimately decided that it was better to move forward with a spinoff, which could feature other characters from the series, because the new project would be a part of Paramount rather than stream on Peacock.
Even though it’s announced that Reilly, Hauser, and potentially others will move on to a Yellowstone spinoff, it is not immediately clear what will become of the main series—Yellowstone season 5 had initially been advertised as the show’s last installment. That designation has since been dropped in recent promos, prompting further confusion. There may be more clarity in the coming weeks and months, either in interviews with producers or in new reporting.
Regardless of what happens, Grimes’ remarks point to the fact that the upcoming installment will be the end of an era for a show that has always been a strong performer in terms of viewership. It has evolved in the last few seasons, however, into one of television’s biggest franchises. There’s understandably a great deal of interest in the season 5 closer, particularly for the viewers who have invested in the story.
Our Take On Yellowstone’s End
It’s Time To End One Chapter
From the outside, it seems like the conflict surrounding Costner’s departure threw a lot of uncertainty into the plans for Yellowstone. The fifth installment is heavily influenced by the absence of the former series lead despite the fact that he’s nowhere to be seen. The best thing that could happen to the main series at this point, in the form of a spinoff, is to focus on the characters that are still there.