‘Terrible Ending!’: Fans React to the Season 5 Finale of ‘Yellowstone’

“Yellowstone” viewers are airing out their grievances with the show’s Season 5 finale, which aired on Sunday, December 15, and included the farewell that the Duttons bid to the patriarch of their family, John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner).

A snippet of the finale, shared on Facebook by the show’s official account, displayed an emotional Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) laying a final white rose on her dad’s coffin before leaning closer to the casket to let him know that she plans to avenge him.

Following the funeral, Beth pays her brother, Jamie Dutton (played by Wes Bentley), a visit at his house. Once there, the siblings get into a rough fight. Just as Jamie is about to end his sister’s life, Beth’s husband, Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser), comes to her rescue.

The end of the sibling debacle concludes with Rip allowing Beth to attack Jamie with one final blow, which sees her fatally stab the brother she held a deep disdain for.

With the help of Lloyd Pierce (aka Forrie J. Smith), Rip takes Jamie’s body to the train station, while Beth informs the police about her late brother’s involvement in their father’s demise.

On the matter of the family’s land, Kayce Dutton (played by Luke Grimes) reveals his intention to retain the East Camp for his family and their 300 cows.

He sold the rest to Thomas Rainwater (aka Gil Birmingham) for $1.25 per acre, which — according to Entertainment Weekly’s episode synopsis — comes to a total of $1.1 million. Kayce’s terms for the deal include a stipulation that Thomas cannot make developments on the land or sell it. Thomas agrees to these terms.

After watching the finale, “Yellowstone” viewers did not hold back with their opinions about how disappointing the episode was. “That was a terrible ending!” remarked a Facebooker.

Another echoed, “Season finale was lackluster. Deserved a much better ending,” while someone else opined, “Trash season. What a waste of such a great saga.”

“This season felt extremely rushed, too much fluff added and the parts that needed time didn’t get time. The longer the series went on, the worst [sic] it got! A disappointing ending to a series that started out so hot!” penned a viewer.

An observer expressed, “Such a predictable ending. Weak. Was hoping for a surprise at the end. After what everyone knew that was bound to happen, the rest was boring. 😴💤.”

“Nope, the writing was all over the place. This series deserved a better ‘ending,'” added an Instagrammer, while another asserted, “Horrible ending, so rushed, I feel robbed from this series 😭 ‘Yellowstone’ was amazing up to this season. Very disappointed.☹️.”

Another Instagrammer chimed in with, “Terrible ending. Hastily written. Seemed so rushed and cheesy. Sheridan ruined a great show.”

On the other hand, however, some people praised how “Yellowstone” ended. “Great finale! Was hoping they didn’t blow it. Everyone went on their separate ways and the natives got their land 💜,” commended a fan.

Another stated, “This ended exactly as it should. Just a hard show to say goodbye too [sic]. It was an amazing series. Everyone did an exceptional role as actors and actresses.” “Wrapped up nicely. Hope it ends there for good..” said a netizen.

A fan gushed, “Kelly Reilly was amazing in tonight’s episode. This was the most fitting end for Beth or should I say the end of Jaime. ❤️🔪 I love how happy they all were in the end.”

Some viewers even got emotional about the ending, with one user noting, “Gosh. Yep. Cried again tonight. It was rough. But let out a little cheer when she maxed and stabbed Jamie.”

“Great episode. I laughed, I cried, I cheered. Very satisfying that Jamie got taken to the train station. Loved that Ryan found Abby and loved seeing Rip and Beth at their new place,” highlighted an admirer. Adding to the discussion, someone else mentioned, “Tonight’s episode had me in tears 😭.”

Before the episode aired, “Yellowstone’s” Instagram account shared a post, made in collaboration with Paramount Network, on social media announcing the show’s finale.

The post includes an eye-catching photo of Reilly, Hauser, Grimes, Bentley, and Kelsey Asbille (who plays Grimes’ on-screen wife) posing as their characters. “Don’t miss a single second of tonight’s extended Yellowstone finale,” reads the post’s caption.

Another post shared by the show and network depicted riveting snapshots of the season finale, giving viewers glimpses of what was to become of the Dutton family and their land after the death of their patriarch.

“TONIGHT! Don’t miss the epic finale of ‘Yellowstone,’ only on @paramountnetwork. #YellowstoneTV,” captioned Paramount and “Yellowstone.”

The show’s stars dedicated their own posts about the finale, too. A lengthy and emotional one comes from Reilly, who shared the same finale teaser the show and network did.

After disclosing the fact that she is currently working on a different project in the U.K., the actress divulged, “Whatever the future holds this is the ending of the show we have been making for the past 7 years. Words cannot convey how I feel about the people I got to work and create with over the seasons.”

Reilly went on to express, “I have made true life long friends. The support from the crew and the trust and dedication of the cast. The words I got to say and the woman I got to inhabit. It changed me. It lit me up. It challenged me in every way possible and I will forever be grateful for it.”

She then addressed “Yellowstone’s” creator Taylor Sheridan, whom Reilly said took a chance on her and constructed her character in a way that made her feel alive as an actress.

After thanking Sheridan and expressing gratitude to the viewers, Reilly concluded, “We really cared about making something special for you all …Enjoy tonight, get your tissues and your 🥃✌️.”

Joining Reilly in bidding farewell to the show, Grimes shared a photo of himself sitting shirtless with his head bowed by a raging fire pit. “End of an era. Goodbye Kayce. You are a better man than I. To my ‘yellowstone’ family, thank you for the experience of a lifetime,” wrote the “True Blood” actor.

Like Grimes and Reilly, Asbille also dedicated a post about the “Yellowstone” finale on her Instagram page. She shared a photo of her and Grimes, as their characters, looking out into the distance while standing against a wooden fence. Her caption noted, “One episode left. To share the screen with Luke over these past 7 years was such a dream.”

Although “Yellowstone” has come to an end, news reports have revealed that a new potential spinoff series may be on the horizon for Reilly and Hauser’s characters. According to Deadline, both actors have closed deals for the spinoff series, which Sheridan has been developing the creative for.

While Hauser and Reilly are expected to lead the spinoff, which will adopt a present-day time frame, reports stipulate that they will be joined by other cast members from “Yellowstone.”

Buzz concerning the potential spinoff began when it became public knowledge that the show’s producers, MTV Entertainment Studios and 101 Studios, had been negotiating with Reilly and Hauser for months, which Deadline spoke about in August.

It was then suggested that the duo would carry the series on as the lead stars of “Yellowstone’s” sixth season after Costner’s character’s death.

This was further bolstered by how Paramount Network promoted the finale of Season 5. Instead of referring to the recent episode as the overall end to the series, they called it the season’s finale.

Months before Deadline’s recent report, Reilly spoke to Entertainment Weekly about the potential for the show to continue. At this time, reports of her and Hauser’s negotiations had already come out.

“Nothing is set in stone. But if Taylor wants to write it, I would want to do it. That’s it. Because he’s the one that’s written every single line I’ve ever said. She came from his imagination,” revealed Reilly in September.

The “Eden Lake” actress clarified that should the spinoff happen, both she and Sheridan are in agreement that there needs to be a shift in the storyline. “‘Yellowstone’ as we know it is ending, but if there is more story to tell with some of the characters, it’s going to be a little different,” disclosed Reilly.

According to Entertainment Weekly, talks about continuing “Yellowstone” began after Paramount Network announced the upcoming arrival of a new show called “2024,” following previous reports that “Yellowstone” would end with Season 5.

Since then, “Yellowstone’s” first present-day spinoff (“2024”) underwent a title change, and it is now called “The Madison.” Thus far, the project has not added any of the original actors from “Yellowstone” to its cast, which includes industry heavy hitters Michelle Pfeiffer, Patrick J. Adams, and Matthew Fox.

Aside from “The Madison,” and the potential project starring Reilly and Hauser, “Yellowstone” has had other spinoffs. “1883,” which stars Sam Elliot, is one such spinoff that began in 2021 and ended in 2022.

According to its IMDb description, the mini series follows the story of “the post-Civil war generation of the Dutton family” who travel to Texas and join “a wagon train undertaking the arduous journey west to Oregon, before settling in Montana to establish what would eventually become the Yellowstone Ranch.”

After “1883,” Sheridan created a series called “1923,” which tells the origin story of “Yellowstone.” In “1923,” the Dutton family confronts early 20th century challenges such as the Great Depression, the Prohibition, and the rise of the Western Expansion. Notable stars featured in this ongoing series include Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.

Drawing back to “1923’s” successor (in terms of storyline), the recent commentary made about the Season 5 finale is not the first time viewers expressed their frustrations with “Yellowstone.”

After watching the episode before the finale (Episode 13), netizens were left disappointed by the unexpected cameo supermodel Bella Hadid made.

In the episode titled “Give The World Away,” which aired on December 8, 2024, Reilly’s character travels to Texas to meet with Travis Wheatley, portrayed by Sheridan.

Upon arriving at his home, she is introduced to his girlfriend, Sadie, played by supermodel Hadid. The episode also features a brief cameo from Hadid’s real-life boyfriend, Adan Banuelos.

Viewers were surprised by Hadid’s casting, questioning its necessity and criticizing the writers for straying from the show’s core. One viewer said, “Worst episode in ‘Yellowstone’ history.” Another viewer added to the criticism, “This part of the episode was very unnecessary…”

A different user voiced their displeasure, “Worst episode ever, just wasted my hour watching nonsense. Hopefully next episode is better.” Another person penned, “A spoiled brat actor ruined it,” while someone else declared, “‘Yellowstone’ TRASH, tonight’s episode! So disappointing and left off with so many unanswered questions [sic].”

Others focused on the unexpected nature of the supermodel’s unexpected appearance, with one person noting, “This is the most random cameo on tv 😂,” and another individual wondering, “What is Bella Hadid doing here?”

“This was unnecessary, no point to ‘Yellowstone’! Just someone showing how much money they have and wanted to show it off! Very disappointed, when your [sic] the writer, you can do what ya want!” lamented an Instagrammer.

Similarly, another viewer voiced, “Ugh was this necessary? We want to see the OGs, not some random model posted in the 2nd to last episode.”

Meanwhile, a conflicted person expressed, “I really love Bella but this was unnecessary from my point of view. Now you’re going to think I’m watching ‘Yellowstone’ just because she appears.”

On the performance side, one person bluntly remarked, “Zero talent,” while another humorously added, “Bella Hadid on ‘Yellowstone’ is crazy work.” A frustrated user also weighed in, “Gotta be honest, when I saw Bella Hadid, kinda rolled my eyes. Awful casting, bring back Abby! #Yellowstone.”

Some took their criticism a step further wondering if the plot and casting choices were the reason Kevin Costner, a former main character, departed. One viewer remarked, “I see why Kevin had enough and left. These episodes are stupid.”

Another didn’t mince words either, jotting, “Can do without this episode! No wonder Costner quit.” Someone else who had strong feelings about the episode shared, “Tonight’s episode of ‘Yellowstone’ was the worst in it’s [sic] series history, nauseating to even watch. Team Kevin even more than before if that’s even possible.”

Other people had a more specific gripe about the casting, with one joking, “I know this man Taylor Sheridan didn’t just write Bella Hadid into ‘Yellowstone’ and made her his girlfriend 😂.”

Finally, a viewer summed up the overall sentiment by stating, “‘Yellowstone’ has gotten so random 🤷🏽‍♀️Bella Hadid! The gross scene with the women in their undies. The writers are phoning it in for the last season.”

Juxtaposing the online criticisms, Bella Hadid received a warm welcome from the “Yellowstone” team, who took to Instagram to pen, “Welcome to the Yellowstone family, @bellahadid! #YellowstoneTV.”

Still, a series reviewer criticized the penultimate episode for wasting valuable time with unnecessary filler, rather than advancing the season’s key storylines. They expressed disappointment with the episode, noting that it failed to deliver exciting moments, leaving viewers with a forgettable experience.