The final episodes of Yellowstone are almost here. Paramount Network shared on Monday that production had begun on the last six episodes of the hit drama's fifth and final season, with fans preparing themselves for the shocking exit of its lead character, John Dutton III, played by Kevin Costner . Paramount announced in May 2023 that the popular flagship series would be ending after the current fifth season, following the impending departure of the series star and executive producer amid ongoing tensions.

While production on the final episodes was delayed due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes -- with Paramount announced in May 2024 that filming had finally begun -- the drama surrounding Costner's future on Yellowstone has continued to leave fans with questions. Created by Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family, led by Costner's patriarch John Dutton III, who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect -- the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders -- an expanding town, an Indian reservation and America’s first national park.

Other cast members include Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille and Brecken Merrill. With Yellowstone nearing the end of the road ( with spinoffs and offshoots on the docket ) and Costner's involvement with the franchise still in limbo, here's the complete timeline on everything we know about.