Sneaky clue in ‘Yellowstone’ preview fuels speculation over fate of the show

“Yellowstone” is ending in two weeks… or is it?

Fans are speculating about the future of the hit Paramount Network show after watching a preview for the upcoming penultimate episode of Season 5.

During the preview that aired after Sunday’s episode, the announcer said there’s “only one episode left until the season finale of Yellowstone.”

Kelly Reilly in “Yellowstone.”

They didn’t refer to the Season 5 finale, set to air Dec. 15, as the “series finale” — despite the show supposedly not returning for a sixth season.

After the preview aired, social media became abuzz with speculation over the fate of the show.

Wes Bentley in “Yellowstone.”

“Did I hear that right. @Yellowstone? One more episode BEFORE THE SEASON FINALE? Not SERIES finale, SEASON finale! #Yellowstone#YellowstoneTV,” one person wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“I’m sorry did they say SEASON finale????” another person said.

A third fan wrote, “They’re calling the finale episode of #yellowstone Season 5 a season finale in the promo, which seems unlikely if it wasn’t continuing.”

“Yellowstone.”

“Not that I have any faith whatsoever in TS [Taylor Sheridan], but did anyone else notice they said ‘Season Finale’ and not Series Finale at the end of #Yellowstone last night?” someone else said.

A different fan asked, “Maybe I’m a little out of the loop but the bumper said ‘season finale’ of #Yellowstone not ‘series finale’ as I had been lead to believe. Did they officially announce a 6th season?”

“Wait a second… that preview mentioned the S5 finale, not the series finale… I thought the show was ending?” added another viewer.

The Post has reached out to the show’s reps for comment.

Jen Landon in “Yellowstone.”

In August, multiple outlets reported that “Yellowstone” may return for a Season 6 with a story that would reportedly focus on Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser). 

Paramount never officially confirmed or announced a Season 6.

Hauser, 49, told The Post in September that he’d reprise his role as Rip beyond Season 5.

“If Taylor writes it, I would certainly love to do it,” he said. “The cast, you know, I consider them all family. So if Taylor was to do something and bring it and put it on my table, I’m certain I would do it.”

Kelly Reilly in “Yellowstone.”

It was announced that “Yellowstone” would end with Season 5 in May 2023 — the same month rumors about Kevin Costner’s exit surfaced amid his alleged feud with Sheridan, 54.

Costner, 69, later confirmed his exit from the series in June 2024.

“I loved it and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning,” The Oscar winner shared in a video to his fans. “I love the relationships that I’ve been able to develop.”

Kevin Costner in “Yellowstone.”

Costner’s John Dutton was unceremoniously killed off in the Season 5B premiere episode that aired on Nov. 10. The show has also killed off Dawn Olivieri’s Sarah Atwood and Denim Richards’ Colby Mayfield in the supposed final episodes.

Several of the show’s stars have teased what can be expected from the Season 5 finale.

Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton, told The Post last month that the ending is, “Profound, beautiful. Heartbreaking.” 

“Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan at the “1883” premiere in Vegas in 2021. Getty Images for for Paramount+

Bentley added to The Post, “I think the fans are going to be excited, because it’ll be surprising in a lot of ways.”

While a Season 6 is not confirmed, there are numerous “Yellowstone” spinoff shows, including an upcoming one called “The Madison” starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Matthew Fox, Kurt Russell and Patrick Adams.

“Yellowstone” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on the Paramount Network.

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