Yellowstone — the epic modern Western drama that became one of the most-watched shows in U.S. TV history — is back with Season 5 Part 2, and fans couldn’t be more excited. After a long break filled with production delays, strike issues, and major cast changes, the final episodes of the series have finally arrived, bringing more drama, twists, and the conclusion to the Dutton family saga.
What Is Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2?
Season 5 of Yellowstone was split into two parts. The first half of the season aired in early 2023, leaving fans on edge with a major cliffhanger. After a long wait, Part 2 premiered on November 10, 2024, on the Paramount Network in the U.S. and ran weekly episodes every Sunday through December 15, 2024.
This second half, consisting of six intense episodes, picks up immediately from where the first half left off and pushes the story toward its dramatic conclusion.
Release & Where to Watch
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U.S. TV Premiere: November 10 – December 15, 2024 on Paramount Network (weekly Sunday broadcasts).
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Streaming: The full Part 2 became available for streaming on Peacock starting March 16, 2025 — not Paramount+ in the U.S. due to licensing deals.
For viewers without cable, live TV streaming services that carry Paramount Network (like Hulu + Live TV or Philo) have also provided access to new episodes when they aired.
What Happens in Part 2
Season 5 Part 2 continues the gritty Wyoming drama among the Duttons — one of TV’s most turbulent families — as they wage battles on multiple fronts:
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Political Power Games: The Duttons face political challenges and internal family conflict following the cliffhanger ending of Part 1.
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Ranch Under Threat: Outside forces — land developers, political rivals, and rival factions — continue to pressure the Yellowstone Ranch.
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Emotional Farewells: Major characters experience shocking twists across the run of the six final episodes.
While creators kept many plot details under wraps leading into Part 2, the story focused on bringing long-running conflicts to a head and setting up the future of the Yellowstone universe.
Cast: Who’s Back (and Who’s Not)
Season 5 Part 2 includes many familiar faces — but also significant changes:
Returning Cast:
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Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
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Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton
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Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton
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Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
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Kelsey Asbille as Monica Dutton
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Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton
…among other fan favorites.
Notable Absence:
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Kevin Costner — who played family patriarch John Dutton — did not return for Part 2 following his departure from the show amid scheduling conflicts and creative differences.
Despite his absence, the story remains centered on how the remaining Duttons manage the fallout and legacy of the ranch.
Record Viewership and Fan Reaction
Season 5 Part 2 proved hugely popular. The finale became one of Yellowstone’s most-watched episodes ever, drawing millions of viewers across cable and broadcast — a testament to the show’s sustained appeal.
Social media also lit up with discussions over key moments, character arcs, and the emotional send-offs of beloved figures.
The Future of the Yellowstone Universe
Even though Yellowstone’s flagship storyline is wrapping up, its world isn’t going away:
New spin-offs and franchise expansions are already in the works — including series like Marshals — promising fresh stories in the same rugged Montana setting.
Final Thoughts
Yellowstone Season 5 Part 2 delivers closure to one of the most iconic modern Western sagas on television. With its mix of family drama, political intrigue, high stakes, and unforgettable characters, it remains a must-watch for fans of epic storytelling — and it sets the stage for an expanding universe of stories to come.
If you’re catching up or planning to dive in now that all episodes are available on Peacock, you’re in for a dramatic, pulse-pounding farewell to the Duttons.