"Yellowstone" Season 5 Part 2: Arrives on Peacock, Future of the Duttons Remains Unclear

After a long wait for fans, the second part of the fifth season of the immensely popular Paramount series "Yellowstone" is set to land on Peacock this week. The finale of the first part of Season 5 captivated a massive audience of 11.4 million viewers when it aired in December, and now those eager to see what happens next in the Dutton family saga can finally stream the conclusion.

"Yellowstone" has become a television phenomenon in recent years, drawing viewers in with its compelling portrayal of the Dutton family, who own the largest ranch in the United States. The patriarch, John Dutton, initially portrayed by Kevin Costner before his departure prior to the end of Season 5, leads the family as they fiercely fight to protect their land and legacy. The series, according to Paramount, unfolds against a backdrop of shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect.

The six episodes that comprise the second half of Season 5 plunge the Duttons into deeper turmoil. As NBC describes, the family faces new and daunting challenges in the wake of a tragedy that shakes them to their core and ignites a dangerous power vacuum in the state of Montana.

Peacock Streaming Details

Fans who have been patiently anticipating the opportunity to binge-watch the concluding episodes of "Yellowstone" Season 5 Part 2 can mark their calendars for this Sunday, March 16. NBC announced last month that the series will be available exclusively on Peacock. However, the specific time the episodes will be released on the streaming service remains unconfirmed. USA TODAY reached out to NBC for clarification but did not receive an immediate response. Adding to the excitement for fans, all five seasons of "Yellowstone" will be available to stream on Peacock starting Sunday.

It is important to note that the new episodes of "Yellowstone" Season 5 Part 2 originally aired on the Paramount Network in late 2024, and were not initially available on Paramount’s streaming service, Paramount+, or on Peacock. The exclusive streaming rights for "Yellowstone" are held by Peacock as part of an agreement made prior to the launch of Paramount+ in 2021.

Cast and Characters

The "Yellowstone" cast is set to return for Season 5, Part 2, including familiar faces who play pivotal roles such as Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, Kayce Dutton, and Wes Bentley’s Jamie Dutton.

An Uncertain Future for "Yellowstone"

While the ending of Season 5 provided a sense of closure, described by USA TODAY’s Bryan Alexander as "bloody but happy," the overall future of "Yellowstone" remains shrouded in mystery. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the series may continue with a spin-off focused on the characters of Rip and Beth, played by Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly. However, neither creator Taylor Sheridan nor any of the actors have definitively confirmed these plans.

Earlier statements from Hauser and Reilly hinted at both possibilities: a sixth season and a spin-off. Director and long-time collaborator Christina Voros, in an interview following the release of the first episode of Season 5, admitted uncertainty about whether "Yellowstone" would end after the second half of Season 5, as originally reported.

Voros stated that Sheridan has made strong choices that suggest the "Yellowstone" world will be forever changed by John Dutton’s absence. However, she also noted that the depth, heart, and complexity of the characters leave room to wonder what happens next, especially considering their popularity.

Reilly, on the other hand, shared that she has known how "Yellowstone" would end since the beginning. Costner’s early departure did not alter that fundamental vision, though she acknowledged it wasn’t supposed to happen so soon. However, she expressed satisfaction that the ending would remain true to the show’s authentic vision.

Hauser declined to make definitive statements, adding: "We don’t know, for real. The truth is, there is nothing definitive or set right now. We want everyone to see these last six episodes as their finale. And then, if there is a future, and Taylor writes something inspiring for us, we’ve both said, ‘We’re there.’"

Expanding the "Yellowstone" Universe

While the future of the main series is debated, the "Yellowstone" universe continues to expand with prequel spin-offs. "1883" and "1923," which explore the Dutton family’s ancestors, are available to stream on Paramount+.

Season 2 of "1923," starring Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford as Cara and Jacob Dutton, premiered recently with new episodes releasing weekly. This allows viewers to delve deeper into the rich history of the Dutton family and the challenges they faced in establishing their legacy.

The "Yellowstone" saga continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines, complex characters, and stunning landscapes. While the fate of the main series remains uncertain, the arrival of Season 5 Part 2 on Peacock and the continued exploration of the Dutton family history in the prequels ensures that fans will have plenty to enjoy for the foreseeable future. Whether the story continues in Montana with John Dutton’s descendants or the Yellowstone universe continues to expand, the show has set the bar for western drama.

The debate between fans and showrunners will likely carry on for years to come about whether the series will have another season, or whether the spin-off series are enough to keep the Dutton legacy alive. With the success of 1883, and the continued success of 1923, it seems Sheridan will continue to find new ways to keep audiences captivated and watching.