After a long and protracted hiatus informed by an ugly dispute between its lead actor and show creator, conflicting shooting schedules, plus two drawn-out industry strikes — Writers Guild of America, SAF-AFTRA — the Yellowstone season 5 (Part 2) release date has been confirmed. There’s just one heartbreaking catch…
Aside from the fact that this represents the main saga’s final chapter, in light of every production-delaying obstacle outlined above, fans of Paramount Network’s hit neo-western drama will have to wait a year longer than initially promised. Yes: the Yellowstone season 5 (Part 2) release date has been slated for November 2024.
The breakdown of Paramount’s serialised gravy train has not only been spectacular, but extremely public. For the better part of a year, multiple publications indicated there was an irreconcilable beef between Kevin Costner — who portrays family patriarch, fictional Governor of Montana John Dutton III — and creator Taylor Sheridan.
Key reasons for this high-profile falling out apparently ranged from the veteran actor’s unwillingness to cooperate with the show’s ongoing production schedule; to a pay dispute over the proposed sixth season.
Back in September, after months of radio silence from Costner himself (though not his camp), the man broke his silence on this prolonged ordeal during a child support hearing; an integral part of his divorce proceedings from estranged wife Christine Baumgartner (only in Hollywood, right?).
“I’ve been told it’s a little disappointing that [it’s] the #1 show on TV, I’m not participating,” Kevin Costner said when prompted about whether he’d return for Yellowstone season 6, according to People (via Variety).
“I couldn’t help them any more. We tried to negotiate, they offered me less money than previous seasons, there were issues with the creative.”
Costner added he’ll “probably go to court” to claim the US$12 million owed to him for the second half of Yellowstone season 5, given the “pay or play” clause in his contract.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however.
In addition to all the existing spin-offs the Yellowstone / Taylor Sheridan universe has already spawned, we’re on track to receive another two: a prequel currently titled 1944 and a contemporary continuation dubbed 2024.
“Within five years, we grew Yellowstone from a hit US cable show with five million viewers into a global hit franchise with over 100 million fans around the world and multiple extensions — and, we’re just getting started,” said Chris McCarthy, President/CEO of Showtime & MTV Entertainment Studios.
“On the heels of 1883 and 1923’s success, our new planned spin-offs, 1944 and 2024, will take audiences on a thrilling, new and unexpected journey with the complex and compelling storytelling that has become a hallmark of the franchise and has helped turn it into a worldwide cultural phenomenon — thanks to the creative mastermind of Taylor Sheridan.”
“The global success of Yellowstone continues to thrill and excite us at 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch,” stated David Glasser, CEO of 101 Studios.
“This has been such an exhilarating ride with our partners at MTV Entertainment Studios and we can’t wait to bring 1944 and 2024 to audiences everywhere.”
The latter is believed to be the Matthew McConaughey-led successor to Yellowstone, which will reportedly serve as a life raft for the original.
“It is unclear which of the Yellowstone cast will move over to the McConaughey-led series, but it is expected to include several of the big stars,” Deadline‘s Peter White previously noted; referring to the likes of Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham.
To borrow from McConaughey’s own distinctive vernacular, everything’s gonna be alright, alright, alright. At least for the series network and financially over-leveraged creator.
We’ll update you on the specific Yellowstone season 5 (Part 2) release date beyond the open window of November 2024 when the time comes.