Yellowstone season 5 premiered back in late 2022, with the first eight episodes of the western series having aired. But at long last, the hit western is back with Yellowstone season 5 part 2.
Taylor Sheridan's flaghship series has gone through some dramatic and unexpected changes in the time since the last episode aired, which have resulted in this new batch of episodes potentially marking the end of the series (though talks of spinoffs and the chance for a Yellowstone season 6 are still on the table).
Here is everything we know about Yellowstone season 5.
When is Yellowstone season 5 next episode
The Yellowstone season 5 finale airs on Sunday, December 15, at 8 pm ET/PT on Paramount Network.
UK fans of Yellowstone will be able to watch the Yellowstone season 5 finale on Monday, December 16, on Paramount Plus.
Yellowstone season 5 recaps
Here are the official synopses for all of the Yellowstone season 5 episodes released so far, as well as our recaps for each:
Yellowstone season 5 episode 1, "One Hundred Years is Nothing"
"John Dutton is sworn in as Governor of Montana; as John settles into the powers of his new office, he makes bold moves to protect the Yellowstone from his opponents." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 1 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 2, "The Sting of Wisdom"
""As John makes a passionate speech to the state of Montana, a new formidable opponent from Market Equities arrives in Montana. The cowboys at the ranch deal with a new problem." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 2 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 3, "Tall Drink of Water"
"Beth heads to Salt Lake City to take care of unfinished business; a trap is set for Jamie; Kayce makes an important decision for his family." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 3 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 4, "Horses in Heaven"
"The venom between Jamie and Beth reaches a boiling point. John makes changes at the Capitol." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 4 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 5, "Watch 'Em Ride Away"
"John tells Clara to cancel his Capitol meetings to brand cattle with the Yellowstone cowboys; Beth's disdain for a perceived rival reaches a boiling point." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 5 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 6, "Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You"
"The Duttons and the Yellowstone enjoy an almost perfect day branding cattle; Montana gets an unexpected visitor from outside; Sarah continues to sink her teeth into Jamie; Rainwater deals with a challenger from within." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 6 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 7, "The Dream Is Not Me"
"John deals with a problem with his herd; Senator Perry delivers news to Rainwater; Jamie and Sarah plan their next move; the entire ranch enjoys a rare evening of fun together; Beth discusses a new business plan with the ranch in mind." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 7 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 8, "A Knife and No Coin"
"Jamie goes through with his plan. John has an ask for Monica, and lends support to an unexpected friend. The Yellowstone cowboys embark on a big change. A flashback reveals a source of Rip’s loyalty." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 8 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 9, "Desire Is All You Need"
"After an event rattles the state of Montana, nothing will ever be the same." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 9 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 10, "The Apocalypse of Change"
"Beth comes to a realization; Kayce reaches out to an old friend in search of information; Jamie meets with Market Equities." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 10 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 11, "Three Fifty-Three"
"Beth discusses the fate of the ranch with an unlikely ally; Kayce takes the investigation into his own hands; Jamie looks to advance his political agenda." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 11 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 12, "Counting Coup"
"Kayce makes a bold move. Rip asks for help from a friend in Texas, while the bunkhouse contemplates their future. Jamie attempts to cover his tracks." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 12 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 episode 13, "Give the World Away"
"Jamie begins to spiral and later seeks advice. Beth and Travis make a deal. Kayce has an idea about the future of the ranch." Read WTW's Yellowstone season 5 episode 13 recap.
Yellowstone season 5 cast
The big casting news as we head into the second half of Yellowstone season 5 is that Kevin Costner, who has played lead character John Dutton throughout the series, is not returning. There were rumors for a while that this may be the case, but it was made official by Costner and Paramount Network shortly after the November 2024 premiere date was announced, with scheduling conflicts cited as the reason. Exactly how John Dutton will be written out of the show is TBD, though for those who need a refresher, Jamie was planning an assassination attempt at the end of the first half.
As for the rest of the Dutton family, here is who plays them.
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton: John Dutton’s children include Beth a ruthless businesswoman and her father’s most loyal defender. Reilly is also known for Flight and Cavalry.
- Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton: Kayce is the youngest son of John Dutton, who attempts to balance what is best for his dad and his own wife and son. Some of Luke Grimes other credits include American Sniper and Fifty Shades of Grey.
- Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton: Jamie is the black sheep of the family as John Dutton's adopted son. Wes Bentley is known for American Beauty and Interstellar.
Other members of the Dutton family include Beth’s husband and foreman of the Yellowstone Ranch Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser (Rogue, Olympus Has Fallen); Kayce’s wife Monica Dutton, played by Kelsey Asbille (Fargo, Wind River); and Kayce’s son Tate, played by Brecken Merrill.
Here's other series regulars of the Yellowstone cast, all of which are set to return for season 5:
- Jefferson White as Jimmy Hurdstrom
- Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater
- Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd
- Denim Richards as Colby
- Ian Bohen as Ryan
- Ryan Bingham as Walker
- Finn Little as Carter
- Jen Landon as Teeter
- Kathryn Kelly as Emily
- Mo Brings Plenty as Mo
- Wendy Moniz as Governor Lynelle Perry
We've also gotten a number of flashback scenes in season 5, which have included Josh Lucas as young John Dutton, Kylie Rogers as young Beth Dutton and Kyle Red Silverstein as young Rip Wheeler.
Jacki Weaver is also back as Caroline Warner, one of the season 4 antagonists.
A number of new faces have also been confirmed for season 5. They include Kai Caster as Rowdy, a young cowboy; Lainey Wilson as Abby, a musician; Lilli Kay as Clara Brewer, the Dutton's new assistant; and Dawn Olivieri as Sarah Atwood, a new corporate player who arrives in Montana.
We've got more on the Yellowstone season 5 cast right here.
Yellowstone season 5 trailer
At long last, we have our first look at Yellowstone season 5 part 2. Check out the trailers for the western's final batch of episodes right here:
You can also watch this behind the scenes look at the new season, with the cast teasing what's in store:
Yellowstone season 5 music
A cool feature of Yellowstone season 5 has been the music in the show. A number of big name and lesser known country music stars have either appeared in person or have had their songs featured in episodes. Here are some of the music references in Yellowstone season 5 so far:
- A well known Taylor Sheridan favorite band was in the Yellowstone season 5 premiere
- Country music star Lainey Wilson plays a singer on the show, appearing in multiple episodes
- Fans got another tune stuck in their heads with a song that was featured in Yellowstone season 5 episode 4
- There were two songs in Yellowstone season 5 episode 5 for fans to enjoy
- Lainey Wilson and Ryan Binghman performed some of their songs on Yellowstone season 5 episode 6.
- Another band was in Yellowstone season 5 episode 7 getting the spotlight.
- The songs in Yellowstone season 5 episode 8 included a musician already featured this season and one of the Yellowstone cast's debut single.
