Deciphering the Rumors About Possible 'Yellowstone' Season 6

Fans of Yellowstone are waiting with bated breath for the show's return on Nov. 10 on Paramount Network, lamenting that these episodes may be the end of the dramatic and intense Western family drama. But is it really the end? Both Deadline and Variety reported that some of the cast of Yellowstone are in talks to carry on the Dutton legacy into a sixth season and possibly more.

Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly are reportedly in talks to continue the series as the lead cast. The two, who play ranch foreman Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton, respectively, are in talks to continue the series. It's been rumored that Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, is also in negotiations and that the three are holding out for a higher payday before signing on the dotted line.

Earlier this year, Reilly downplayed the Yellowstone rumors, saying only that “there are discussions” about continuing the franchise.

“I just care about finishing [Yellowstone] with as much care and as much passion and as much love as I can muster to put into it,” she said. “That’s what I care about. I’m sort of prepping for that now [and] that’s my tunnel vision thing that I care about most.”

Kevin Costner, who led the series as the Dutton family patriarch decided to exit the show when there were no firm production start dates or scripts for the second half of Season 5. Rumored to have had a falling out with Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, Costner chose to leave so that he could produce, direct and act in Horizon: An American Saga, the four-part film series he had wanted to make for decades.

While it's unclear how Costner will be written off the show, one can speculate that John Dutton dies and leaves the family ranch to his daughter Beth and his son-in-law Rip.

Yellowstone, a modern-day Western, premiered in 2018 to huge numbers and an enthusiastic fan base. The series follows the Dutton family, who runs a large cattle ranch in Montana and their fight to both control the ranch as well as leave a lasting legacy.

The series has been a boon for the Paramount Network, as the show has been a ratings juggernaut and a critical darling. Its Season 5 premiere was reported by The Hollywood Reporter to have reached 12.1 million live-plus-same day viewers, making it the top scripted series premiere of 2022.

“After four seasons, the show’s massive audience base continues to impress with its latest season premiere becoming the most watched scripted television premiere of 2022,” Ashwin Navin, co-founder and CEO, Samba TV told THR. “Yellowstone continues to tap into the passions of a broad swath of viewers throughout the American Midwest hungry for Western-themed genres that have been largely underrepresented on television in recent years.”

With numbers like that, it seems obvious that producer will try to find a way to continue the series for Season 6—even without Costner.

Details are scarce but read on for what we expect for Season 6 of Yellowstone.

Will there be a Yellowstone Season 6?

While we don’t know for sure if Season 6 of Yellowstone will happen, a few pieces of evidence have revealed that the story may not end after Season 5.

Speaking to People at the red carpet premiere of Season 5, Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler) said firmly, “It’s not the last season.”

That was before the Hollywood strikes disrupted TV production in 2023 and before Kevin Costner walked away from the second half of Season 5.

So while Paramount has not made an official announcement, we do have a glimmer of hope that we'll get at least one more season.

Who is in the Yellowstone cast?

Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton)

Kelly Reilly portrays the ruthless businesswoman Beth Dutton, John Dutton's only daughter and his newly appointed chief-of-staff. Always on her father’s side, she has been his most powerful ally, risking it all to do his bidding. In Season 5, Beth is also recently married to her longtime paramour, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser).

Cole Hauser (Rip Wheeler)

Cole Hauser plays the role of Rip Wheeler, a foreman at the Yellowstone Ranch. Rip may not say much but when he does, it's either romantic or a hard truth. He's one of the few people who isn't afraid of Beth. In fact, he seems more amused by her than anything else.

Luke Grimes (Kayce Dutton)

Luke Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, John Dutton's youngest son. Kayce is married to Monica, and finds himself in the middle of his own family versus the one he was raised in. In Season 5, he and his wife suffer a tragic loss and have to decide how to proceed.

Related: Get To Know Luke Grimes' Gorgeous Real-Life Wife

Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater)

We've heard no speculation on whether Gil Birmingham will return as Chief Thomas Rainwater of the Confederated Tribes of Broken Rock but it's hard to imagine the series without his fight to take back the Dutton land for his people.

Moses Brings Plenty (Mo)

Moses Brings Plenty was made a series regular for Season 5, returning as the always helpful Mo. After helping Kayce on his vision quest, he has proven to be not just Rainwater’s go-to-guy, but someone who seeks the truth. With Kayce rumored to be in negotiations for the season, we expect that Mo would be back too.

Are any new cast members joining Yellowstone Season 6?

No official announcements have been made about Season 6 or its cast, but there will be room for some new players—to fill the massive void left by the departure of Costner.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Sheridan said, “If you look at everyone as a chess piece in Season 5, it is impossible to keep playing the game without taking chess pieces off the board.”

Related: Does Rip Wheeler Die In Yellowstone Season 5? Cole Hauser Dishes on Rumors of Character's Death

Where does Yellowstone film?

In seasons 1-3, the show filmed in Utah and Montana but due to the pandemic and COVID restrictions, the Season 4 was filmed entirely in Montana. With spinoffs taking place in Texas, some filming for Season 5 has also been shot on location in the Lone Star State.

Are there any pics from Season 6 of Yellowstone?

As Season 6 of Yellowstone has not yet been confirmed, there are currently no official photos from the new season.

Is the Dutton ranch on Yellowstone a real working ranch?

The vistas behind that heart-stopping action on Yellowstone are so beautiful you may wonder whether a place like that really exists or it's the product of a crafty computer programmer and special effects software. Believe it or not, the stunning scenery portrayed as the Dutton family ranch is the real-life Chief Joseph Ranch. That's right! Yellowstone is filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana.

The Chief Joseph Ranch is a real working cattle ranch and family home but it doubles as a vacation spot with cabins for rent. The main house, the lodge great room, kitchen, back porch, front porch, heli pad, and yard have been used for filming various scenes of heartbreak and triumph for the Duttons.

Other filming locations on the property include the armory, cabins, barns, corrals, arena, round pen, bunkhouse, cemetery, entrance, woods and several locations along the Bitterroot River.

Related: Where Is Yellowstone Filmed? Everything You Need to Know About the Real-Life Chief Joseph Ranch

What happened in Season 5 of Yellowstone?

Only the first half of Season 5 has aired. The second half of Season 5 will not return until Nov 10, but here’s what we do know about Season 5:

Related: How to Watch and Stream Yellowstone

The two-episode season premiere kicked off with the swearing-in of John Dutton (Costner) as governor of Montana. Beth Dutton (Reilly) was promoted to his chief of staff, and took her relationship with Rip Wheeler to the next stage in her personal life. Jamie Dutton (Bentley) set his own political ambitions aside to contribute to his father’s gubernatorial success. Youngest son Kayce Dutton (Grimes) and wife Monica (Asbille) suffered a horrible family tragedy when their infant dies.

From there, the first half of Season 5 has addressed the fallout of the Dutton family going into politics full throttle, making a number of new enemies and keeping old rivalries alive. Back in the mix are Chief Thomas Rainwater and Sen. Lynelle Perry, as well as the sinister Market Equities company which now includes the dangerous Sarah Atwood (Olivieri).

What can we expect in Yellowstone Season 6?

It is not yet known what—or if—a Season 6 of Yellowstone will happen. Fans will always speculate (or make predictions they hope will come true), but until the rest of Season 5 airs, it’s anyone’s guess!

What other shows is Taylor Sheridan making?

Along with shows that are currently out like Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Lioness and 1883 (all on Paramount+), there's the upcoming spinoff series, 6666.

With a multi-million dollar, 5-year deal with Paramount to create content for their streaming service Paramount+, look for several new shows from Sheridan including, The Madison, Fast, Landmen and more.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Yellowstone Season 5, Including a Sneak Peek of the Premiere and New Pics!

How much do the Yellowstone stars make per episode?

Kevin Costner’s Yellowstone salary became something of a legend when Variety reported that Costner makes $1.3 million per episode—one of the highest paychecks in television. With a longer season containing 14 episodes, that means Season 5 will bring home an $18.2 million payday.

The star of the biggest show in streaming, Costner has certainly earned his right to be at the top, after winning multiple Oscars and Golden Globes throughout his career.

Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Wes Bentley, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille and other series regulars haven’t exactly made similar headlines. No reports have been made about the precise salaries of these important members of the cast. Speculation suggests they are only earning a fraction of what Costner is making.

When the show premiered, Cinema Blend estimated the series regulars made around $200,000 per episode—but that has almost certainly gone up in conjunction with the show’s consistently growing popularity.

What is the Train Station and where is it?

In the world of Yellowstone, the Train Station is code for the secret location where the skeletons are—literally—buried. Just across the Montana state line in Wyoming, it’s in “a county with no people, no sheriff and no 12 jurors of your peers,” according to Lloyd.

What channel is Yellowstone on?

Season 5 is currently only airing on the Paramount Network cable channel. Although the Yellowstone spinoff shows are on Paramount+, the current season of Yellowstone itself is not. New episodes are available for purchase on Amazon and iTunes, if you're not a cable subscriber.

How many episodes are in Yellowstone Season 6?

It’s hard to predict how many episodes might be in Season 6, especially since Season 5 is a two-part, super-sized season. Only time will tell.

Is Yellowstone Season 5 available on DVD/Blu-ray?

Yes! As of May 9, 2023, Seasons 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5A of Yellowstone are available for purchase on Amazon Prime, or streaming through Peacock, with a premium subscription. The first four full seasons and the first half of Season 5 are also available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.