Look, no one that has endured Yellowstone this long is ready to say goodbye forever. However, the reality is that the ending of Yellowstone has been expedited by the nasty fallout involving Kevin Costner and Taylor Sheridan. Consequently, it’s been announced by Paramount that Yellowstone plans to wrap up with the season-finale episodes beginning in November 2023.
For this reason, many fans are speculating how Sheridan will decide to end Yellowstone. The series creator is notoriously private about the future direction of the neo-western, even with fellow stars. In fact, it was recently reported that Costner may stonewall Yellowstone until he approves how his character is written off the series.
Be that as it may, there are still many theories as to how Yellowstone may conclude, some of the explanations more plausible than others. Here are 5 of the most common theories on how Yellowstone should end:
1. The Duttons are finally punished for their crimes
One theory is that Yellowstone will end with the Duttons going to jail. While it seems like one of the less likely scenarios, there are many Redditors that have alluded to how many crimes the Duttons have gotten away with over the years. Currently, Jamie is attempting this approach in order to sabotage his father.
2. Jamie and Beth Dutton feud leads to costly loss of Yellowstone ranch
It’s never been a secret that Beth cannot stand her adopted brother and has attempted for years to manipulate him. Now, with the threats echoed in the season five, part 1 finale, neither character appears to have an optimistic forecast for part 2.
Therefore, Yellowstone could end with Jamie and Beth killing one of the other, or both, or some other outcome that leads to the Duttons having to sell the land. The other scenario is that Jamie, or possibly a young Tate, inherits the property after the loss of other characters.
3. Yellowstone Ranch is returned to Broken Rock Reservation
The return of the land to its rightful owners – the Native Americans who presided over the Duttons’ occupation of the property – is an interesting ending. Also, there have been hints of this outcome in the past, as Chief Rainwater remains a major character.
Still, it seems doubtful despite some prophecies in the past (see, below) that have contributed to this theory. It seems like the right thing to do, but will it really happen? Unlikely.
4. Kayce Dutton’s vision comes true
Another popular theory is related to a vision Kayce Dutton had in season four. Kayce decides to take a mind-altering substance as part of a ritual, and the experience takes him through a vision, in which, he forecasts ‘the end of us.’
In the past, it’s been debated whether Kayce is referring to his relationship with Monica and Tate, or regarding the Dutton clan and their future being able to retain the ranch following John’s death.
5. John Dutton dies, brutally
Okay, we all hate to think of John Dutton being killed off Yellowstone yet that is a likely outcome. It doesn’t help that Kevin Costner has been feuding with the guy who writes the scripts and oversees the direction of the show.
Thus, it’s fair to speculate that John will die in Yellowstone, and his demise will be ugly. Here’s to hoping he doesn’t go out the same way as Patrick Dempsey in Grey’s Anatomy and that at least it’s a happy ending for someone else in the family.