Paramount
It’s the question “Yellowstone” fans have been asking all year: is this the end of the Dutton family saga, or just the beginning of a new chapter? With only days left before the highly anticipated Season 5 finale, the “Yellowstone” universe is making headlines once again. Paramount has confirmed a modern-day spinoff series starring Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. And no, this isn't just another prequel or side story — this is “Yellowstone” continuing in a bold new direction.
Deadline broke the story: Reilly and Hauser have officially signed on to lead a new spinoff that keeps "Yellowstone" in its title, marking the first of Taylor Sheridan’s shows to do so. Sources say the spinoff will carry forward many of the themes and characters from the original series, though specifics remain under wraps (which is something fans have already come to expect). What we do know is that Sheridan, the architect of the “Yellowstone” universe, is crafting a continuation that will keep fans glued to their screens.
Rumors about a Rip and Beth-centered show first surfaced last August when negotiations with Reilly and Hauser began. Both actors, who reportedly sought $1 million per episode — a figure matching Kevin Costner’s pay — expressed openness to continuing their roles. In interviews, Hauser hinted at “ideas on the horizon” for his character and Beth, promising fans they weren’t saying goodbye just yet.
Paramount Network
As the Season 5 finale approaches, fans have been dissecting every promo and teaser. Paramount’s refusal to label it a “series finale” has fueled speculation about what’s next. Kevin Costner’s abrupt departure midway through Season 5— and the subsequent focus on John Dutton’s death — left many wondering if the show’s original vision could continue. But sources close to the production say this decision wasn’t made lightly, Deadline reports. By moving forward with a new series rather than a sixth season, Paramount avoids complications stemming from “Yellowstone’s” streaming rights deal with Peacock, ensuring future installments live exclusively on Paramount+.
Season 5 has already shaken up the Dutton universe. With John Dutton gone, the ranch’s fate hangs in the balance. Kayce (Luke Grimes) appears to be hatching a plan to save the property, while Beth continues her relentless fight to preserve her family’s legacy. But as executive producer Christina Alexandra Voros teased, the finale will mark “the end of an era.”
Fans can expect closure but also hints of what’s to come. And with this spinoff confirmed, one thing’s for sure: neither Rip nor Beth is going anywhere. I guess that takes credence away from any speculation that either Beth or Rip’s characters would make a trip to the “train station”.
Beyond storytelling, the move to launch a new series is a strategic play for Paramount. The original “Yellowstone’s” streaming deal with Peacock has long been a thorn in Paramount’s side. A new show — even one featuring familiar faces — allows the network to reclaim streaming exclusivity on Paramount+.
Sheridan’s plate is already full, with projects like “1923,” “The Madison” (currently filming here in Fort Worth), and the upcoming “1944” series. Yet, he continues to find time to expand the “Yellowstone” universe, proving once again why he’s one of the busiest and most ambitious creators in Hollywood.
For die-hard “Yellowstone” fans, this is bittersweet news. The flagship series may be ending, but the world Sheridan built will live on. And with Reilly and Hauser at the helm, this next chapter promises all the drama, passion, and high-stakes storytelling that made “Yellowstone” a cultural phenomenon.
