The Yellowstone Season 5 finale has sparked heated debates among fans, with many expressing disappointment over what they saw as an unsatisfactory conclusion to a long-running saga. The episode, which aired on December 15, 2024, marked the farewell of family patriarch John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner, and closed out significant storylines for the Dutton family. While some praised the finale for its emotional depth and thematic closure, others criticized it for being rushed, predictable, or failing to live up to the series’ earlier standards.

The episode opened with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) paying an emotional tribute to her late father by laying a white rose on his coffin. This poignant moment set the tone for her vengeful visit to her brother Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley). A violent altercation ensued, culminating in Beth stabbing Jamie with the help of her husband, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). Jamie’s body was then disposed of at the infamous train station, while Beth simultaneously framed him for their father’s death by reporting his alleged involvement to the authorities.

Elsewhere, Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) decided to retain a portion of the family ranch for his family while selling the rest to Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) under strict conditions that the land not be developed. Despite its pivotal events, the finale left many fans feeling underwhelmed, calling it a rushed and uninspired end to a series that began as a gripping Western drama.

Fans flooded social media with their opinions, with many lambasting the writing and pacing. “That was a terrible ending!” one user declared, while another added, “The season finale was lackluster. Deserved a much better ending.” Critics cited missed opportunities and filler content throughout the season as key reasons for their dissatisfaction. One commenter lamented, “This season felt extremely rushed… The longer the series went on, the worse it got. A disappointing ending to a series that started out so strong.”

Some viewers found the ending predictable and uninspired, hoping for more surprises. One observed, “Such a predictable ending. Weak. Was hoping for a surprise at the end. The rest was boring.” Others were harsher, accusing the series creator Taylor Sheridan of mishandling the storylines: “Terrible ending, so rushed, I feel robbed from this series. Sheridan ruined a great show.”

On the other hand, some fans appreciated the finale’s thematic closure and performances. “Great finale! Everyone went their separate ways, and the natives got their land,” wrote one supporter. Another fan praised the emotional impact of the episode, saying, “Tonight’s episode had me in tears. It was rough but satisfying to see Beth finally take down Jamie.” Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth garnered significant praise, with one viewer calling her performance “amazing” and “a fitting end for her character.”

The finale also stirred speculation about the future of the franchise. Reports indicate that Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have signed deals for a spinoff series, with creator Taylor Sheridan already working on its development. This rumored continuation could focus on Beth and Rip’s lives in a modern-day setting, offering a fresh perspective on the Yellowstone universe. Fans of the series are divided on this prospect, with some eager for more stories while others believe the show has run its course.

Adding to the season’s controversies, the penultimate episode featured an unexpected cameo by supermodel Bella Hadid, playing the girlfriend of Taylor Sheridan’s character, Travis Wheatley. This casting decision drew significant backlash from fans, who felt the appearance was unnecessary and detracted from the main storyline. “This was the worst episode in Yellowstone history,” one viewer wrote, while another questioned the purpose of the cameo, saying, “What is Bella Hadid doing here?”

Despite the criticisms, Bella Hadid received a warm welcome from the Yellowstone team, who celebrated her addition to the cast on social media. However, viewers felt the episode wasted valuable time on filler content rather than progressing the core narrative. One reviewer encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “The writers are phoning it in for the last season.”

As Yellowstone concludes its run, it leaves behind a legacy of iconic characters, stunning cinematography, and a mixed reception for its final chapters. Whether the rumored spinoffs can recapture the magic of the original series remains to be seen, but for now, fans are left with a finale that, for better or worse, has sparked passionate discussion and debate.