EXCLUSIVE: Yellowstone Continues Beyond Season 5 - Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser Sign for New Spinoff [2025 Update]
Yellowstone fans have been captivated by recent speculation about the future of the popular series as it approaches its season finale. What began as subtle wording choices in promotional materials has evolved into substantiated industry reports. Deadline recently broke news that the Yellowstone Universe will expand with a new spinoff starring Kelly Riley and Cole Hauser, confirming rumors that had been circulating among dedicated viewers.
The television landscape continues to evolve around the franchise, with Paramount Network strategically developing multiple projects within the Yellowstone universe. While the current season has faced mixed critical reception, it maintains impressive viewership numbers with 12.1 million viewers tuning in as the season concludes. This ongoing popularity explains the network's commitment to continuing the storyline, albeit potentially in a new format that maintains the Yellowstone branding.
Key Takeaways
A new Yellowstone spinoff starring Kelly Riley and Cole Hauser has been confirmed by Deadline, though Paramount Network has not officially commented.
Despite mixed critical reception for the current season, Yellowstone continues to draw over 12 million viewers, demonstrating its sustained popularity.
Multiple Yellowstone universe projects are in development, including "Madison" starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the upcoming second season of "1923."
Yellowstone Finale Speculations
Paramount Network's hit show Yellowstone has sparked significant speculation with its announcement of a "season finale" rather than a "series finale." Many fans interpreted this wording as a hint that the show would continue beyond Season 5.
Recent reports from Deadline confirm that Kelly Riley and Cole Hauser will star in a new Yellowstone spinoff series. While not officially labeled as Season 6, this new production will carry the Yellowstone name and potentially feature other familiar characters from the original series.
The decision to expand the franchise makes financial sense. Despite critical responses to the current season, Yellowstone continues to attract approximately 12.1 million viewers as it approaches its conclusion.
This spinoff joins several other Yellowstone universe productions in various stages of development:
Madison: Featuring Michelle Pfeiffer, this show will follow a New York City family in Montana's Madison River Valley
1923 Season 2: Premiering February 23, 2025, with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren returning
Other potential shows: Previous announcements included projects like "1944" and a series based on the Four Sixes Ranch, though updates on these have been limited
What might Riley and Hauser's characters (Beth and Rip) encounter in their spinoff? One theory suggests they might hit the road after the Season 5 finale events, potentially heading to Texas to work at the Four Sixes Ranch rather than remaining in Montana.
Paramount Network has not officially commented on these developments, likely to avoid revealing spoilers about characters' fates in the upcoming Season 5 finale.
Deadline Announcement Impact
Paramount Network inadvertently fueled speculation when they advertised the "season finale" rather than "series finale" of Yellowstone. This semantic choice caught the attention of dedicated viewers who began theorizing about the show's future beyond its fifth season.
The entertainment industry publication Deadline has now confirmed what many fans suspected. A new Yellowstone spin-off starring Kelly Riley and Cole Hauser is officially in development. While Paramount Network has not publicly commented, reliable industry sources verify that both actors have signed deals for this new project.
This upcoming program will carry the Yellowstone name but isn't being labeled as Season 6. Additional characters from the original series may appear, though only Riley and Hauser are currently confirmed. Taylor Sheridan still needs to develop the creative direction for this new venture.
The timing makes business sense despite critical reception issues with the current season. Yellowstone continues to draw impressive viewership numbers, with 12.1 million viewers tuning in as the series approaches its conclusion.
Other Yellowstone Universe Developments:
Madison: The next spin-off in production, featuring Michelle Pfeiffer
Will follow a New York City family relocating to the Madison River Valley in Montana
Executive producer Christina Vos confirmed production begins immediately after Yellowstone concludes
1923 Season 2: Returns February 23, 2025
Stars Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren
Focuses on Spencer Dutton and his British wife Alexandra's journey back to Montana
Projects with Uncertain Status:
1944 - Announced but no updates since
Four Sixes Ranch series - On hold until filming logistics can be resolved
Matthew McConaughey project - Remains at rumor stage
2024 - Now confirmed to be the "Madison" project
The nature of Riley and Hauser's new show remains unknown, though it may follow their characters in a new location after the events of the Yellowstone finale.
The Future of Yellowstone
As Yellowstone approaches its season 5 finale, significant developments about the franchise's future have emerged. Recent industry reports confirm major changes ahead for the popular western drama, with key cast members poised to continue their journeys in new formats while the broader Yellowstone universe continues expanding in multiple directions.
Beth and Rip's Continuing Story
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have officially signed deals to lead a new Yellowstone-related series. This spin-off will maintain the Yellowstone branding while potentially introducing a fresh narrative direction for the beloved characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. While details remain limited, industry sources confirm that other familiar characters from the original series may appear, though Reilly and Hauser are currently the only actors with finalized contracts.
The announcement addresses months of speculation after Paramount Network referred to the upcoming episode as a "season finale" rather than a "series finale," leading fans to question the show's future. This strategic continuation allows the franchise to retain its most popular characters while evolving beyond the original series format.
Creative Direction and Production Timeline
Taylor Sheridan still needs to develop the creative framework for this new Beth and Rip-centered project. This spin-off joins several other Yellowstone universe productions in various stages of development:
Confirmed Projects:
Madison: Features Michelle Pfeiffer, following a New York City family relocating to Montana's Madison River Valley
1923 (Season 2): Returning February 2023 with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren
Projects with Uncertain Status:
1944: Announced but with no subsequent updates
4 Sixes Ranch series: Currently on hold until filming logistics at the working ranch can be resolved
The production timeline for the Reilly-Hauser project remains unclear, suggesting fans might wait considerably before seeing Beth and Rip's story continue. The narrative might potentially involve the characters leaving Montana, possibly relocating to Texas or taking their story on the road.
Ratings Success Despite Critical Reception
Despite mixed critical responses to Yellowstone's current season, the show continues drawing impressive viewership numbers:
Metric Value Current viewership 12.1 million viewers Critical reception Mixed reviews for Season 5 Commercial appeal Strong enough to warrant continuation
This sustained audience interest likely influenced Paramount's decision to continue the franchise through character-focused spin-offs rather than extending the original series directly. The strategy allows the network to preserve viewer investment in popular characters while refreshing the creative direction.
The confirmation from Deadline, a reputable entertainment news source, adds credibility to these developments beyond mere speculation or rumors that had circulated previously among fans.
Reliability of Deadline's Reporting
Entertainment news consumers often question the credibility of sources breaking major television franchise developments. The recent announcement regarding Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser's continued involvement in the Yellowstone universe deserves scrutiny regarding its source reliability.
Entertainment Industry Publication Standards
Deadline represents a legitimate news source within the entertainment industry, not a casual gossip platform. The publication specializes in breaking industry news and developments, establishing a reputation for accurate reporting on television and film productions. When Deadline reports that Reilly and Hauser will lead a Yellowstone spinoff series, this information carries significant weight based on the publication's industry standing.
Their reporting indicates this new project will maintain the Yellowstone branding while featuring these two key characters, though Paramount Network has not officially commented. According to industry insiders, Taylor Sheridan still needs to develop the creative direction for this continuation.
Distinguishing Verified Reports from Speculation
Unlike tabloids or social media rumors, Deadline's reporting typically relies on verified sources with direct knowledge of production decisions. This distinguishes their announcement from the numerous unconfirmed rumors circulating about the Yellowstone franchise.
Several Yellowstone-related projects have different levels of confirmation:
Project Status Key Details Madison Confirmed Michelle Pfeiffer to star; follows NYC family in Montana 1923 Season 2 Confirmed Returns February 2025 with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren "Reilly/Hauser Project" Newly Reported Continuation featuring Beth and Rip characters 1944 Unconfirmed Announced but no recent updates 4 Sixes Ranch On Hold Delayed due to filming logistics at working ranch 2024 Clarified Actually refers to "Madison" project
The distinction between these verified projects and mere speculation demonstrates why industry publications like Deadline serve as more trustworthy sources than casual rumors. While the original Yellowstone series has maintained impressive viewership (approximately 12.1 million viewers), only information from established industry sources should be considered reliable regarding future franchise developments.
Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone Universe Continues to Expand
Madison Becomes Next Focus in Yellowstone Universe
Taylor Sheridan's next project in the Yellowstone universe will be a series titled Madison. Executive producer Christina Vos confirmed that her team will transition to this project immediately after Yellowstone concludes. The show will feature Michelle Pfeiffer in a leading role.
According to reports from Variety, Madison will follow a New York City family who relocates to the Madison River Valley in Central Montana. This setting places the story approximately 200 miles east of the current Dutton ranch location.
1923 Returns with Highly Anticipated Second Season
The popular Yellowstone prequel 1923 will make its return on February 23, 2025. Season 2 continues the story featuring Hollywood legends Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren in starring roles.
While the established stars bring gravitas to the series, much of the anticipated storyline focuses on Spencer Dutton and his British wife Alexandra. Their journey back to Montana to help save the family from potential ruin forms a central narrative arc for the upcoming season. Fans of the Dutton Rules podcast can expect comprehensive coverage when the show returns early next year.
Current Status of 1944 and 4 Sixes Ranch Projects
Development news has been sparse regarding the previously announced 1944 project. Since its initial announcement, virtually no updates have emerged, leaving its current status uncertain.
The planned series based on the 4 Sixes Ranch remains on hiatus. Sheridan has explained that production challenges are the primary obstacle, specifically noting concerns about filming without disrupting operations at the actual working ranch. The project hasn't been canceled but appears to be on indefinite hold until these logistical issues can be resolved.
Dismissal of Matthew McConaughey Rumors
Reports connecting Matthew McConaughey to the Yellowstone universe appear to be unfounded. Despite persistent speculation about his involvement in a potential spinoff, no concrete evidence supports these claims.
Additionally, earlier rumors about a project titled "2024" have been clarified. What some sources referred to as "2024" is actually the Madison series that's now in active development with Michelle Pfeiffer attached to star. This clarification helps streamline understanding of Sheridan's upcoming project slate.
Thoughts on the Beth and Rip Series
The television landscape continues to evolve with news about the Yellowstone franchise's future. While the main series approaches its season 5 finale, significant developments regarding fan-favorite characters Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler have emerged. Deadline recently reported that Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser have signed deals to lead a new Yellowstone-related project.
Potential Storyline Speculations
The upcoming Beth and Rip-centered series raises numerous questions about its direction and connection to the original show. This new project will include "Yellowstone" in its title but isn't being explicitly labeled as Season 6. Several possibilities exist for how the narrative might unfold:
Road trip adventure - Beth and Rip might leave Montana altogether following the events of the finale
Texas relocation - The couple could potentially connect with the 4 Sixes Ranch (previously mentioned as another potential spin-off location)
Ranch continuation - They might remain at the Yellowstone, though this would offer less narrative distinction
The creative direction remains under development, with Taylor Sheridan still working on the concept. This new series will likely need to establish its own identity while maintaining connections to the universe fans have come to love.
Possible Character Trajectories
The focus on Beth and Rip suggests significant character development opportunities for both:
Character Current Status Potential Future Arc Beth Dutton Fierce defender of family interests Could explore life priorities beyond revenge Rip Wheeler Loyal ranch foreman and husband May face new challenges away from his comfort zone
Other characters from the original series may appear, though currently only Reilly and Hauser have confirmed deals. This opens possibilities for guest appearances from the extended Dutton family or the introduction of entirely new characters.
The series might explore deeper aspects of Beth and Rip's relationship outside the power dynamics of the Yellowstone Ranch. Their bond has been a cornerstone of the original series, offering potential for rich character exploration in this new project.
What Lies Ahead for the Yellowstone Universe
The Yellowstone franchise is expanding in unexpected ways. Paramount Network inadvertently fueled speculation when they labeled the upcoming episode as a "season finale" rather than "series finale." This subtle distinction caught the attention of dedicated fans.
Recent reports from Deadline confirm that Kelly Riley and Cole Hauser (who play Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler) have signed deals for a new Yellowstone-related series. While this isn't officially being called "Season 6," it will carry the Yellowstone name and potentially feature other familiar characters from the current show.
Despite critical reception issues with the current season, Yellowstone continues to draw impressive viewership with 12.1 million viewers as the season concludes. The franchise's expansion makes financial sense given these numbers.
Several other Yellowstone universe projects are in various stages of development:
Madison: Features Michelle Pfeiffer and follows a New York City family in Montana's Madison River Valley
1923 Season 2: Returns February 23, 2025, continuing Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren's story
Other rumored projects:
1944 (announced but no updates)
Four Sixes Ranch (on hold due to filming logistics)
Potential Matthew McConaughey project (remains unconfirmed)
The direction of the Riley-Hauser spinoff remains unclear. It may follow Beth and Rip as they leave Montana, possibly heading to Texas to work at the Four Sixes Ranch, or they might remain in Montana continuing their story on familiar ground.
