Kelly Reilly admits 'it's a shame' Yellowstone ended the way it did

Yellowstone will continue the Dutton story after the Paramount drama’s fifth and final season, but some fans still aren’t happy with the way the flagship drama concluded.

Following the departure of Hollywood A-lister Kevin Costner from his role as John Dutton, the remaining episodes picked up the pieces after his shocking assassination.

Yellowstone's Kelly Reilly admits 'it's a shame' how series ended - The Mirror

The Duttons’ land was ultimately sold to be preserved by the Broken Rock Reservation, while Beth and her husband Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) will be aiming for a simple life in the upcoming sequel series, The Dutton Ranch.

However, many fans were disappointed by the lengthy delays and surprise storyline swings in the final season caused by Costner’s exit.

Among them is Beth star Reilly, who recently admitted to The Sunday Times that it was “a shame it ended that way, but it did”.

Hinting at the possibility of more behind-the-scenes drama, she went on: “[If] we were just having a beer, I could share more.

“But yes, it was only supposed to go on for five years… It was successful… A life of its own.”

Despite the show’s massive success and continuation with several spin-offs – including both Marshals and The Madison premiering this March – Reilly echoes a lot of fans’ frustrations with Yellowstone’s final outing.

“I’m just picking my words, because I’ve never really talked about it,” she said.

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Kelly Reilly admits ‘it’s a shame’ Yellowstone ended the way it did
Yellowstone star Kelly Reilly has spoken candidly about her thoughts on the hit Western drama’s fifth and final season.

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By Lucas Hill-Paul
17:44, Mon, Jan 26, 2026 Updated: 17:45, Mon, Jan 26, 2026
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Yellowstone will continue the Dutton story after the Paramount drama’s fifth and final season, but some fans still aren’t happy with the way the flagship drama concluded.

Following the departure of Hollywood A-lister Kevin Costner from his role as John Dutton, the remaining episodes picked up the pieces after his shocking assassination.

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The Duttons’ land was ultimately sold to be preserved by the Broken Rock Reservation, while Beth and her husband Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) will be aiming for a simple life in the upcoming sequel series, The Dutton Ranch.

However, many fans were disappointed by the lengthy delays and surprise storyline swings in the final season caused by Costner’s exit.

Among them is Beth star Reilly, who recently admitted to The Sunday Times that it was “a shame it ended that way, but it did”.

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Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton

Kelly Reilly admits ‘it’s a shame’ Yellowstone ended the way it did (Image: PARAMOUNT)
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Hinting at the possibility of more behind-the-scenes drama, she went on: “[If] we were just having a beer, I could share more.

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“But yes, it was only supposed to go on for five years… It was successful… A life of its own.”

“I’m just picking my words, because I’ve never really talked about it,” she said.

Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly

Beth and Rip will return in the upcoming spin-off The Dutton Ranch (Image: PARAMOUNT)
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“A lot went on behind the scenes that had nothing to do with me; I was just waiting. ‘When are we going back to work?’”

As for the upcoming The Dutton Ranch, which is also slated for release later this year, Reilly promises a “different era” for Beth and Rip.

“[Beth] is unapologetic, out there, flawed, damaged and brave,” she added.

“Women are always asked to play strong role model types, while men can play the gnarliest characters and get away with it.”

An official synopsis for the highly anticipated sequel series reads: “Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler are grateful for the peace they sought, fought and nearly died for with their 7,000-acre Dutton Ranch.

“With tough times and stiff competition, Beth and Rip do what they must to survive, all while ensuring Carter becomes the man he’s supposed to be.”