Hey folks, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been counting down the days for more Yellowstone drama. The hit neo-Western series finally wrapped up its epic run with Season 5 Part 2, delivering the kind of intense family feuds, shocking deaths, and land-grabbing showdowns that made the show a massive hit. After a long wait—thanks to strikes, scheduling hiccups, and some real-life off-screen tension—the final six episodes hit Paramount Network in late 2024, and man, did they deliver some jaw-dropping moments. Whether you’re catching up on Peacock now or just reliving the chaos, here’s the lowdown on what went down and why it’s still got everyone talking.
The Explosive Return and Premiere Details
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 kicked off on November 10, 2024, airing Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount Network. It picked up right where Part 1 left off, with the Dutton family in total disarray after a huge cliffhanger. The six-episode run built week by week, ending with the series finale on December 15, 2024. For streaming fans, all episodes dropped on Peacock starting March 16, 2025, so you can binge the whole thing without waiting. No more agonizing weekly waits—it’s all there if you want to dive in.
The biggest shock right out of the gate? John Dutton (Kevin Costner) was gone. His assassination sets the tone for everything that follows, leaving Beth, Kayce, and the rest scrambling to hold the ranch together. Costner’s exit had been rumored for a while, but seeing it play out hit hard and shifted the power dynamics in wild ways.
Major Twists That Shook the Dutton World
This half-season was packed with betrayals and high-stakes moves that kept viewers glued. Jamie’s scheming ramps up big time—he teams up with Sarah Atwood and even hires assassins to take out threats. Beth’s revenge plot against him reaches boiling point, leading to some brutal confrontations. Then there’s Rip handling dirty work in Texas, Kayce making a blood pact with Thomas Rainwater, and the whole family dealing with the fallout of John’s death.
One of the wildest parts? The internal family war turns deadly, with alliances shifting and old grudges exploding. The show doesn’t hold back on the violence or emotional gut punches, making it feel like the ultimate payoff for years of buildup. Taylor Sheridan really went all out to give the series a memorable send-off.
Key Cast Members and What They Brought
Even without Costner front and center, the core cast carried the load like champs. Kelly Reilly’s Beth is fiercer than ever, Cole Hauser’s Rip stays loyal and lethal, Wes Bentley’s Jamie spirals into full villain mode, and Luke Grimes’ Kayce tries to find some peace amid the storm. Supporting players like Kelsey Asbille (Monica) and Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater) add depth to the cultural and land conflicts.
The writing keeps that signature Sheridan mix of gritty realism, cowboy grit, and modern politics. It’s no wonder the show built such a loyal fanbase—the characters feel real, flawed, and impossible to look away from.
Episode Release Schedule at a Glance
Here’s a quick table of the Season 5 Part 2 episodes for easy reference:
- Episode 9: “Desire Is All You Need” – Premiered November 10, 2024
- Episode 10: “The Apocalypse of Change” – November 17, 2024
- Episode 11: “Three Fifty-Three” – November 24, 2024
- Episode 12: “Counting Coup” – December 1, 2024
- Episode 13: “Give the World Away” – December 8, 2024
- Episode 14: “Life Is a Promise” – December 15, 2024 (Series Finale)
All are now streaming on Peacock if you missed the original airings.
Why It Still Matters and What’s Next
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 wasn’t just the end of the flagship show—it wrapped one chapter while opening doors for the expanding universe. With prequels like 1883 and 1923, plus new spinoffs in the works, the Dutton legacy lives on. The twists here feel earned after all the setup, and the emotional weight of saying goodbye to the ranch hits different.
If you haven’t watched it yet, grab some popcorn and dive in. It’s raw, it’s intense, and it’s pure Yellowstone. What did you think of those final moments? Drop your takes below—let’s talk about it!