Viewers Refuse to Watch the Long-Awaited New Season of ‘Yellowstone’ – Here’s Why
On June 20, the official Instagram page for the hit Western drama Yellowstone shared a teaser video for the much-anticipated second half of the show’s fifth season. Featuring dramatic visuals and a fiery rendition of the series’ signature “Y” emblem, the post excitedly announced the show’s return, set for November 10 on the Paramount Network. However, fan reactions were mixed, with a significant portion of viewers expressing disappointment over one major change: Kevin Costner’s absence.
Fans React to the Return Announcement
While the teaser aimed to build excitement, many fans took to the comments section to voice their dissatisfaction. Kevin Costner, who has been a cornerstone of the series as John Dutton III, is notably missing from this new chapter.
One fan lamented, “Won’t be the same without Kevin Costner…I’m so sad. 😭💔” Another echoed this sentiment, writing, “What’s the point without Kevin Costner?!” Criticism also extended to the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, with one comment stating, “There’s no point watching this show if Kevin Costner isn’t in it. Taylor Sheridan, you really messed up this one.”
For many, Costner’s departure feels like a major loss, with one fan boldly asserting, “Pass! No Costner – no show! Sorry!”
Kevin Costner Addresses His Departure
A day after the teaser’s release, Costner addressed his absence in a heartfelt video posted on Instagram. Standing before a backdrop of greenery, he explained his decision to step away from Yellowstone.
“After this long year and a half of working on Horizon and thinking about Yellowstone, I realized I’m not going to be able to continue season five B or any future seasons,” he shared.
The Hollywood legend expressed his love for the series and the transformative impact it had on him, concluding, “I’ll see you at the movies.”
Costner later elaborated in an interview with USA Today, clarifying that his decision wasn’t due to any specific conflict with Sheridan or Paramount Studios. Instead, he felt it was time to move on, saying, “Whatever I’d hoped for maybe was not in the cards. I just wanted to get that done and move forward.”
The Cast Weighs In
Luke Grimes, who plays Costner’s on-screen son Kayce Dutton, acknowledged the void left by Costner’s exit in an interview with People magazine.
“Him not coming back felt like, ‘Okay, we’re going to have to land this plane now for real,’” Grimes said, adding, “The patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. It’s about what the family does when their rock is gone.”
Mixed Emotions Among Fans
Despite the disappointment surrounding Costner’s absence, some fans are still eager to see the Dutton family saga unfold. One optimistic viewer commented, “Finally!!! 🙌 We’re all waiting for Beth & Rip to keep the ranch drama alive! John will be missed, but let’s be honest… Beth & Rip can hold this show for many seasons to come!”
As Yellowstone approaches this pivotal chapter, the legacy of Kevin Costner’s portrayal as John Dutton III remains deeply ingrained in the hearts of fans. Whether the show can sustain its momentum without its iconic patriarch remains to be seen.