Yellowstone‘s series finale has set a new viewership record for the popular Taylor Sheridan show. First airing in 2018, the Paramount neo-Western series chronicles the lives of the Dutton family as they attempt to retain control of their ranch in Montana. After five popular seasons – and a great deal of drama involving John Dutton actor Kevin Coster, who did not return for season 5, part 2 – the Yellowstone series finale brought the show to a close on Sunday, December 15.
When looking at social media engagement, the second half of season 5 was also an improvement over its predecessor, with views up by 103% and engagement up by 68%. In total, Yellowstone‘s series finale drew 575 million views on social media and 22 million engagements.16.4 million viewers tuned in for the Yellowstone season 5, part 2, premiere and encore showings across eight cable networks, which represents a total bump of 3% over season 5, part 1.
What Yellowstone’s Viewership Success Means For The Franchise
Taylor Sheridan’s Neo-Western Universe Will Continue
It’s clear that, behind-the-scenes drama aside, Yellowstone has been a massive hit for Paramount. The show’s success has led to a variety of new Sheridan universe projects, both inside and outside the world of Yellowstone. With the flagship show now at an end, Sheridan’s partnership with Paramount is not set to end anytime soon.
Though not yet officially announced, Sheridan’s Lioness show seems likely to be renewed for season 3, and Landman is currently in the midst of airing new episodes. 1923 season 2, which serves as a prequel to Yellowstone, is set to premiere on February 23, 2025. Another Yellowstone spinoff called The Madison is currently in the works, with that show set to star Michelle Pfeiffer, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, and Beau Garrett.
Finally, the Yellowstone series finale also sets up a sequel show starring Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). Deadline‘s reporting on the new show suggests other familiar faces from the Yellowstone cast could also appear in the project. It doesn’t currently have a release date, but the world of Sheridan’s neo-Western isn’t going anywhere.
Our Take On Yellowstone’s Series Finale Ratings
Sheridan Concluded The Saga On A High Note
Though it seemed like the Costner drama was in danger of overshadowing Yellowstone itself, audiences were still evidently interested in seeing how the grand saga concluded. The reception to the final episode seems to be generally positive overall, and it was clearly designed to keep the door open for future projects. Though there does seem to be a danger of Yellowstone overload (if not Sheridan overload), it’s clear that point hasn’t yet arrived, and the Dutton story isn’t set to vanish for good just yet.
