Yellowstone fans still haven’t recovered from the way the flagship series came to an abrupt halt. After five explosive seasons and the promise of a full seven-season arc, the show simply stopped—and viewers have been vocal about their disappointment ever since. While many were reluctantly coming to terms with its premature end, a surprising post from the official Yellowstone YouTube channel sparked new hope—and fury—within the fandom.

On a seemingly ordinary Tuesday, the Yellowstone YouTube channel posted a photo of Kevin Costner as John Dutton with a caption that read: “Do you wish there was another season coming out?” Fans didn’t know whether to be excited or insulted. The reactions were immediate and passionate. After all the drama surrounding Costner’s exit, the lack of closure in Season 5, and the shift in narrative control, this teaser felt like rubbing salt in a deep wound.

For many, it wasn’t just a question of missing the show—it was about how the show ended. The post reignited feelings of betrayal over how Costner was handled behind the scenes. He was the heart and soul of Yellowstone, and the final season sidelined him in a way fans felt was disrespectful. The notion that they’re now asking if viewers want another season—after ignoring pleas for over a year—struck many as a bit too little, too late.

However, buried beneath the frustration is a flicker of possibility. Kevin Costner has previously stated that he holds no ill will toward creator Taylor Sheridan or the Yellowstone franchise. In fact, he has even expressed a willingness to return under the right circumstances. Could this recent post be a way to test the waters and see if a Season 6—with John Dutton front and center—is something the fanbase still craves?

The answer, clearly, is yes. Even if the fandom has its doubts, the desire for closure and for more of John Dutton’s story remains strong. There’s speculation that, if anything, a sixth season could potentially focus solely on John Dutton’s final chapter—filling in the missing pieces between Season 5 Part A and Part B. It would be a bittersweet farewell, but one fans would likely embrace if handled properly.

Still, there’s a catch. Even if Season 6 never arrives in its original form, the Yellowstone universe is far from over. A slew of spin-offs and sequels are actively in development, each one designed to carry on the Dutton legacy in unique and compelling ways.

First up is the untitled Beth and Rip spin-off. Set on a new working ranch in Montana, this project will feature Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser reprising their roles as the fan-favorite couple. The show is described as being the closest in tone and storytelling to the original Yellowstone, essentially making it a spiritual Season 6—even if it carries a different name. That’s not just a creative choice but a business strategy, too. Due to the original licensing deal with Peacock, Paramount is now positioning new entries under separate titles to retain exclusive rights.

The upcoming series will also include Carter, Beth and Rip’s surrogate son, providing even more emotional depth and continuity. While Kelly Reilly has remained tight-lipped, her heartfelt farewell to the Yellowstone role spoke volumes. She described the character of Beth as life-changing, calling the experience transformative and deeply personal.

Then there’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves star Luke Grimes returning to lead his own series centered around Kayce Dutton. This show, reportedly titled Wyoming Marshals, will air on CBS, marking the first Yellowstone-related project to be developed specifically for broadcast TV. Kayce’s story in Season 5 saw major developments—particularly his pursuit of justice after reopening the investigation into his father’s death. His spin-off promises more grit, action, and the emotional stakes that have defined his character from the beginning.

Taylor Sheridan seems to be using this approach to split what would’ve been Yellowstone Season 6 into character-driven spin-offs. Instead of cramming multiple narratives into one series, he’s allowing each arc to expand organically. In some ways, this may allow for richer storytelling and more focused development for individual characters.

Beyond Rip, Beth, and Kayce, even more spin-offs are on the way, each diving into different parts of the Dutton universe. One of the most intriguing is The Madison, starring Michelle Pfeiffer as a wealthy New York matriarch named Stacy Klyurn. Following a family tragedy, she relocates to Montana, setting the stage for a dramatic culture clash and exploration of grief, survival, and rebirth. Originally rumored to star Matthew McConaughey or Kurt Russell, The Madison has solidified Pfeiffer as its lead, with cameras beginning to roll in August 2024. The series is expected to debut by late 2025.

Meanwhile, 6666, also known as Four Sixes, continues development. This series focuses on the legendary Texas ranch introduced through Jimmy’s storyline in Yellowstone Season 4. It promises to explore modern-day ranching through a different lens and offers a grounded, realistic portrayal of cowboy life. What makes this one especially unique is that Sheridan owns the actual Four Sixes Ranch, so authenticity is virtually guaranteed.

Also on the horizon is 1944, another historical prequel that will pick up where 1923 left off. This series will delve even deeper into the Dutton family’s early struggles and triumphs, tracing how their legacy was forged in the fires of hardship and resilience. There were also talks of a prequel set in the 1980s featuring a young John Dutton III—Kevin Costner’s character—but that project was shelved after Costner’s exit. Still, given the renewed interest and ongoing expansion, it wouldn’t be a shock if Sheridan revisits that concept.

As for Kayce’s spin-off, there are rumors that it won’t just be a family drama but also include procedural elements—giving it a fresh dynamic while staying rooted in the world Yellowstone fans love.

So, is Yellowstone Season 6 really happening?

Technically, no. The original Yellowstone is unlikely to return as it once was—especially with so much water under the bridge. But spiritually, Season 6 is already unfolding before our eyes. It’s just taking place across multiple shows, each carrying a piece of the legacy forward.

Whether it’s the emotional complexity of Beth and Rip, the justice-driven journey of Kayce, or the origin stories in 1944, Sheridan is still telling the Dutton family saga—just in a broader, more segmented way. In that sense, Season 6 exists. It’s just been scattered like seeds across the Yellowstone universe, waiting to grow into something new.

If Kevin Costner does return, even for a limited arc or a standalone finale, it would be the closure fans crave. Until then, the spin-offs are picking up the mantle. The Duttons aren’t going anywhere.

So what do you think? Would you welcome a true Yellowstone Season 6 featuring Costner, or are you ready to embrace this new era of Dutton storytelling? Let us know—and stay tuned for weekly updates, recaps, and analysis from the ever-expanding Yellowstone universe.