Everything You Need to Know About Yellowstone Season 6 and the Expanding Dutton Universe
Since its 2018 debut, Yellowstone has become one of the most popular shows on television. Taylor Sheridan’s modern Western brought the rugged beauty of Montana to the small screen and revitalized Kevin Costner’s career as John Dutton, the patriarch of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Over five seasons, audiences watched as the Duttons faced betrayal, corporate threats, and family drama, all while holding on to one of the largest ranches in the state.
The series concluded its fifth season in December 2024, bringing the main storylines to a close. Yet the world of the Duttons continues to expand through spinoffs and prequels. Here’s everything you need to know about what comes next, including new series, returning characters, and the future of Yellowstone.
Will There Be a Yellowstone Season 6?
While the original plan was for Yellowstone to end with Season 5, Paramount explored ways to continue the story. Discussions initially focused on a sixth season starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. However, rather than continuing the main series, the network opted to develop a spinoff that follows the couple after the events of Season 5. This project is set to keep the spirit of Yellowstone alive while giving Beth and Rip their own story arc.
Filming for the spinoff has already begun in Ferris, Texas, though the official title has not been announced. Reports confirm it will not be called Rio Palo or Dutton Ranch, even though those names were previously floated. Paramount expects the series to premiere in late 2025, most likely on Paramount+.
The Beth and Rip Spinoff Cast
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser will headline the series, reprising their roles as Beth and Rip. Finn Little will also return as Carter, continuing his journey from the original show. Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, will not appear in the spinoff but will star in Y: Marshals, a new CBS procedural set in Montana.
In Y: Marshals, Kayce uses his experience as both a cowboy and a Navy SEAL to protect communities while balancing family life and personal challenges. Logan Marshall-Green will co-star as Kayce’s military friend, Pete Calvin. The show is slated to premiere in 2026 as part of CBS’ midseason lineup.
Expanding the Universe: The Madison and Prequels
Another Yellowstone spinoff, The Madison, will feature Michelle Pfeiffer in the lead role as Stacy Clyburn, a matriarch who relocates her family from New York City to Montana’s Madison River Valley after her husband’s death. Patrick J. Adams will co-star as Russell McIntosh, Stacy’s husband; Elle Chapman will play their daughter Paige, while Beau Garrett plays Abigail Reese, Paige’s sister. Matthew Fox will appear as Paul, a self-reliant outdoorsman, while other cast members include Kevin Zegers, Alaina Pollack, and Danielle Vasinova.
Prequels continue to explore the Dutton family history. 1883 and 1923 are streaming on Paramount+, chronicling the earlier generations’ struggles in the West. 1944, a new prequel, is in development, as is a spinoff centered on the historic 6666 Ranch in West Texas. These series promise to expand the timeline and explore untold stories while keeping fans connected to the Yellowstone universe.
The Season 5 Finale and John Dutton’s Fate
Season 5 ended with dramatic changes for the Duttons. Kayce sold most of the ranch to the Broken Rock Reservation for $1.25 per acre, keeping a smaller portion for his family. Beth completed her revenge against Jamie, fulfilling a promise that had driven her character throughout the series. She and Rip moved to a nearby ranch, starting a new chapter in their lives.
Kevin Costner’s John Dutton had a reduced role due to scheduling conflicts with his film Horizon. Discussions with Paramount over creative control and shooting schedules prevented him from returning for the full season. Costner has expressed interest in returning under the right circumstances but ultimately confirmed he would not appear in future episodes.
Where to Watch
Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock. Prequels and spinoffs, including 1883 and 1923, stream on Paramount+. The upcoming spinoffs, including the Beth and Rip story and The Madison, will expand the franchise across multiple platforms.
Looking Ahead
Although the main series has ended, the Yellowstone universe continues to thrive. Spinoffs, prequels, and new stories will explore the lives of both familiar and new characters. Fans can expect fresh adventures, intense family drama, and the breathtaking landscapes that made the original series so iconic. The Dutton legacy lives on, offering endless possibilities for stories set in Taylor Sheridan’s modern Western world.