The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons Of Yellowstone Aired, And What's Next For The Dutton Saga
The global phenomenon that captivated millions of viewers, Yellowstone, concluded its epic run on December 15, 2024, definitively answering the question of its total length. The series, which chronicled the intense power struggles of the Dutton family and their massive Montana ranch, officially wrapped up after five seasons, with the final installment—Season 5 Part 2—bringing the primary storyline to a close.
As of today, December 23, 2025, the complete, official count for the flagship series stands at five seasons, consisting of 53 episodes. While the show itself has ended, the sprawling universe created by Taylor Sheridan is far from over, with multiple prequel and sequel series confirmed to continue the saga of the Dutton family’s legacy on the ranch.
The Definitive Answer: How Many Seasons of Yellowstone Aired?
The original, flagship series Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner as patriarch John Dutton, consists of five seasons.
The show premiered on June 20, 2018, and its final episode aired on December 15, 2024. [cite: 1, 10 from step 1] The final season, Season 5, was unique in that it was split into two separate installments, which caused a significant delay and much speculation among fans and the media. [cite: 4, 16 from step 1]
- Season 1: 9 Episodes
- Season 2: 10 Episodes
- Season 3: 10 Episodes
- Season 4: 10 Episodes
- Season 5: 14 Episodes (Split into two parts) [cite: 16 from step 1]
The first part of Season 5 concluded on January 1, 2023. The highly anticipated second and final installment, Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2, finally premiered on November 10, 2024, and concluded the main story arc a little over a month later. [cite: 2, 7, 11 from step 1]
The Controversial End: Kevin Costner's Absence in Season 5 Part 2
The conclusion of Yellowstone was marked by a major behind-the-scenes drama: the departure of lead actor Kevin Costner. Costner, who played John Dutton III, did not return for the final episodes of Season 5 Part 2. [cite: 12, 19 from step 2]
The highly publicized exit was attributed to scheduling conflicts related to Costner's passion project, the multi-part Western film series Horizon: An American Saga, alongside reported disputes over the filming schedule for Yellowstone. [cite: 13 from step 2]
The final episodes were written to conclude the Dutton saga without the presence of its main star, a narrative challenge that left many fans wondering how the story of John Dutton would be resolved. Costner himself later shared a "brutal response" to the Season 5 finale, confirming the strained relationship that characterized the show's final chapter. [cite: 14, 17 from step 2]
Despite the controversy, the remaining cast members, including Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler), and Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton), carried the dramatic weight of the final episodes, ensuring the Dutton ranch's fate was sealed. [cite: 19 from step 2]
The Complete Dutton Family Saga: A Guide to Every Yellowstone Spinoff
While the original series is over, the story of the Dutton family is an ongoing, multi-generational epic known as the "Taylor Sheridan Universe." To date, there are two completed or active prequels and several other spin-offs and sequels in various stages of development, all designed to give the franchise massive topical authority. [cite: 9, 12, 16 from step 2]
Prequels (The Past)
These series explore the origins of the Dutton family's arrival and settlement in Montana, showing how they came to own the land that becomes the Yellowstone Ranch.
- 1883: This limited series follows James Dillard Dutton (the great-great-grandfather of John Dutton) and his family as they embark on a treacherous journey west to settle the land that is now the Yellowstone Ranch.
- 1923: Starring Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren, this series follows John Dutton's grandparents, Jacob and Cara Dutton, as they navigate the challenges of the Great Depression, Prohibition, and a devastating drought in Montana. A second season for 1923 is confirmed. [cite: 7 from step 2]
- 1944: This announced prequel is expected to explore the Dutton family during the World War II era, though its development status remains uncertain. [cite: 4, 7 from step 2]
Sequels and Other Spin-offs (The Future)
The conclusion of the main Yellowstone series has paved the way for a new era of the saga, focusing on the future of the ranch and the characters who remain.
- Untitled Matthew McConaughey Sequel (Tentatively 2024 or The Madison): This is the most anticipated follow-up. It is expected to star Matthew McConaughey and potentially feature surviving key cast members from the original Yellowstone, such as Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and Kayce Dutton. The series is intended to immediately succeed Yellowstone and continue the modern-day ranch story. [cite: 1, 5, 11, 15 from step 2]
- 6666 (Four Sixes): This spin-off was planned to focus on the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, where Jimmy Hurdstrom spent time in Season 4. While a release was highly anticipated, updates on its production have been minimal, and its future remains unclear. [cite: 7, 9 from step 2]
- Lawmen: Bass Reeves: While not directly about the Duttons, this series is set within the same universe and is an anthology series that focuses on the true story of the legendary lawman Bass Reeves. [cite: 13 from step 1]
The total number of seasons for the main Yellowstone series is a firm five, but the total number of seasons across the entire Dutton family saga—including 1883, 1923, and the upcoming sequel series—is expected to grow significantly, ensuring the dramatic Western legacy continues for years to come.
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