‘Yellowstone’ season 5 finally has a return date. Here’s what we know, and whether Kevin Costner will be back.

There may be a question mark hovering around Costner’s status on the show, but most of the rest of the cast is returning.

Audiences can expect to see John’s business-minded daughter Beth (Kelly Reilly), his adopted lawyer son Jamie (Wes Bentley), and the youngest and most wayward of the siblings, Kayce (Luke Grimes), all back at the ranch.

Alongside them are his right-hand man Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser), daughter-in-law Monica (Kelsey Asbille), one-time girlfriend Lynelle Perry (Wendy Moniz), and long-standing adversary Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham).

Lastly, there’s the ragtag group of ranch hands who make the Dutton spread what it is: Lloyd (Forrie J. Smith), Ryan (Ian Bohen), Teeter (Jennifer Landon), and Walker (Ryan Bingham).

One notable absence from the trailers and first-look photos is Summer Higgins (Piper Perabo), the animal rights activist who John was dating before the mid-season break.

Interestingly, Reilly, Grimes, and Hauser requested significant pay increases for their return, per a report from Puck’s Matthew Belloni.

Paramount and 101 Studios are said to have pushed back on the proposed new salaries, which come close to the $1.3 million per episode Costner was paid during the first half of season five. No update has been given about their salary negotiations since February 2024.

It’s understood that the second half of season five will consist of six episodes. 

However, while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter about the show’s final run, Sheridan revealed that the number of episodes is not set in stone and that should it take more than six episodes to conclude the story, that wouldn’t be an issue with Paramount bosses.

“If I think it takes 10 episodes to wrap it up, they’ll give me 10,” he said. “It’ll be as long as it needs to be.”

As John’s last surviving legitimate son, Kayce (Luke Grimes) is the obvious choice to inherit the sprawling cattle ranch. 

According to Grimes, the fact that John asked Kayce to take over the day-to-day running of Yellowstone in the midseason finale suggests some exciting new developments in the upcoming episodes. 

“I think this a huge moment for Kayce,” Grimes said. “It’s his legacy, and I’m honestly really excited about this chapter for Kayce and Monica, because I think we’re going to see a whole different side to them.”

“Obviously it’s going to put him in a position where he has to take on a lot more than he probably has been comfortable with,” he continued. “With what John’s got to go do, it’s time for Kayce to step up.” 

Reilly predicted how the show will end, but emphasized she doesn’t “have any insight into what’s going to happen,” as Sheridan has not shared scripts with her.

“The main theme of protecting and sustaining this way of life in this land is the bottom of everything,” Reilly said in a behind-the-scenes clip. “So I don’t know which way it’s going to go, but we’re in season five, and who knows what’s in store.”

She said of the show’s conclusion: “Though it will probably be beautiful and epic, I’m not sure it will be happy.”

Her costar, Ian Bohen, recently echoed this last sentiment while speaking to Entertainment Tonight. Asked about the final run, he said: “The fans are going to get the [best] conclusion that could possibly be written.”

He added: “I don’t know that any show has finished this strongly, ever. We’re expecting to have the best series finale in history. Overconfident maybe, but I think that’s what it’s going to be. We thank everyone for their patience. It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”

While it was initially billed that this would be the “epic final cycle” of the flagship series, it has been reported that Sheridan may not be putting “Yellowstone” out to pasture after all.

Industry newsletter Puck reported earlier this year that the show was looking for a way to retain fan favorites, Reilly and Hauser. According to Deadline, as of August negotiations are underway for a sixth season of the show headlined by the pair.

Representatives for Reilly, Hauser, Sheridan, and the show itself did not respond to a request for comment sent by Business Insider.

Sheridan has already showcased his talent for spinning a long yarn out of the “Yellowstone” franchise, having already created two prequel series, and has more franchise expansions on the way.