Viewers Are Disappointed with John Dutton's Fate in New Season of 'Yellowstone' – Here's Why

The premiere of season 5B of the neo-Western drama television series on November 10, 2024, finally revealed the fate of Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton.

Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment over "Yellowstone's" decision to kill off John Dutton, with many unhappy about a specific aspect of his demise.

"Yellowstone's" fans are angry at how the storyline of John's death was executed. In the premiere of season 5B, the Dutton patriarch was found dead from a gunshot wound.

Initially thought to be a suicide, it is later revealed that John was the target of a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by Dawn Olivieri portrayed by Sarah Atwood. The scheme, designed to make his death appear self-inflicted, was tied to Dawn's connection with Jamie Dutton. Jamie, played by Wes Bentley, is John's son.

Kevin Costner's character was never seen directly in this episode as viewers only caught brief glimpses of a lifeless body next to a gun. However, the emotional reactions from those close to John were raw and intense.

Beth Dutton, portrayed by Kelly Reilly, swore revenge on Jamie before letting out a heart-wrenching scream upon reuniting with her husband Rip, who is played by Cole Hauser.

After watching this shocking episode, fans were left heartbroken and frustrated with the handling of Dutton's fate, especially how he died. One fan expressed disappointment over the execution of his death, "It's not so much that John died (we knew that was coming), it's how they did it. 😢."

Another viewer lamented on the lackluster way it played, "He was killed off like a peasant. No one can believe it. It was not a good comeback episode and very disappointing," Many felt John merited a great exit, "He deserved better. You ruined it for everyone," one fan said, a reflection of widespread dissatisfaction.

A passionate fan added, "Such a great show but I’m sadly disappointed in the decision they went [sic] with John’s death. So many other options to pick from especially if he wanted to come back." Despite the shock, some are still holding out hope. "I'm convinced he's not dead!" one optimist quipped.

Others were simply inconsolable. "I'm so disappointed and sad, this episode was heartbreaking," said a fan who clearly wasn't expecting such an emotional departure. Another fan humorously suggested, "Maybe it's all a dream and he comes back in the shower like Bobby Ewing 😂." This fan was referencing a famous TV twist from "Dallas."

A more dramatic theory was offered, "They say suicide but it's not! He was murdered and if you watched the previous episodes you will know who did it!" Not everyone was upset, though. One fan declared, "It's the absolutely best ever show! 🖤" showing their love for the series despite the controversial death.

Lastly, one viewer expressed anticipation for what comes next, "Loved it! The way John dies leads to a very interesting follow-up story involving Jamie. Beth will not rest until the truth is revealed and she has her revenge! Can't wait!"

Costner has also contributed to the talks about the killing off of his character. He admitted that he didn't know the episode would air on November 10. However, whenever he would come across a "Yellowstone" billboard he'd remind himself that he wasn't in the current season.

The actor added that he found out the episode aired on the morning after, noting that he wasn't aware of how his character would be killed off. "That's their business," he added in reference to the show's creators.

Costner also shared that he didn't know he would last five seasons in "Yellowstone." "There was a couple of times where I talked about possible endings for myself," he noted.

When asked if he was happy with how his character ended, he chuckled, saying, "I heard it's a suicide, so that doesn't make me want to rush to go see it." However, Costner suggested that the show's creators were clever and that the way John died might be a red herring, playing into the speculation of fans.

With Costner's character's death, many fans of the show vowed not to watch it as soon as a video teasing the arrival of the second half of the "Yellowstone" season was shared on June 20. This clip had all the perfect elements for building anticipation among viewers, with its ominous voice-over and striking visuals, but netizens didn't agree with the death of John.

Using the show's signature "Y" emblem that was enveloped by bright orange flames, the Instagram video alerted fans that "the epic return of Yellowstone" would arrive in November on Paramount Network.

"Save the date: November 10. #YellowstoneTV," captioned the account. In contrast to the teaser's excited vibe and tone, online viewers came forward to express their grievances with the show's return.

For many people, Costner's absence from the series has left them with a bad taste in their mouths, as they expressed how watching the new season without him is pointless. "Won't be the same without Kevin Costner…I'm so sad. 😭💔," penned an Instagrammer.

Another remarked, "What's the point without Kevin Costner?!" "There's no point of [sic] watching this show if Kevin Costner isn't in it. Taylor Sheridan you really messed up this one," echoed someone else who referenced the show's creator as well.

Joining the many others who feel Costner's absence is detrimental to the show, a spectator asserted, "Passs! No Costner- No show! Sorry!" while another person added, "Not gonna lie. It's not the same without Kevin 😢."

"Dead to me. No Kevin = not watching. So what if he has a passion for doing another show? A starring actor can make that balance. But greed is king for Sheridan," opined another user who is up in arms over the situation.

On the other hand, some people were elated to hear of the show's return, with or without Costner's presence. "Finally!!! 🙌 We're all waiting for Beth & Rip to keep the ranch drama alive! John will be missed but let's be honest…. Beth & Rip can hold this show for many seasons to come!" commented a fan of the series. Another admirer simply exclaimed, "I can't wait!!!"

A day after the new season teaser came out, Costner took to Instagram to confirm that he would not be making a return to the series.

"Hi, everyone. I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on 'Horizon' and doing all the things that's required, and thinking about 'Yellowstone' — that beloved series that I love, that I know you love — I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue season five b or into the future," began "The Bodyguard" actor.

He went on to highlight how much "Yellowstone" changed him as a person, reiterating his deep adoration for the series. "I love the relationship we've been able to develop, and I'll see you at the movies," concluded the star.

After sharing the post, Costner sat down for an interview with USA Today, where he contextualized his video. At the time, the Hollywood talent was on an extended media tour promoting his then-new Western film series "Horizon."

"Simply with all the questions that were being asked (about 'Yellowstone'), the longer I thought about that … I just wanted to say that this is a stepping-off point," explained Costner.

He then added, "Whatever I'd hoped for maybe was not in the cards. I don't want to keep saying, 'Yeah, I hope I can do it.' That's drifted to a place that I don't think is realistic anymore."

In the same interview, Costner also clarified that there was nothing specific that had been done by Sheridan or Paramount Studios that led to him making the video. Instead, his post was meant to signify that he was done holding out optimism for his return that wasn't there.

"I just wanted to get that done. I'm not a machine trying to figure this out. But I'm not a person that leaves people high and dry," disclosed Costner.

Since 2018, Costner has been a staple on the show that follows the lives of a ranching family in Montana, who have frequent face-offs with people encroaching on their land.

His beloved portrayal as the owner of one of the biggest cattle ranches in the U.S. and the patriarch of the Dutton family has been revered by many. Costner's role has also been spoken about by his fellow cast mates, one of whom addressed the actor's exit from the show.

Famous actor Luke Grimes, who plays Costner's on-screen son, Kayce Dutton, previously opened up to People magazine about the ordeal.

Speaking about what it was like to not have Costner back on set, Grimes divulged, "Him not coming back felt like, 'Okay, we're going to have to land this plane now for real' [...] It definitely felt different."

While Grimes acknowledged the difference that came with Costner's departure, he said, "I think the patriarch leaving was always going to be part of the story. That's always where it was headed is like, 'What do these kids do? What does this family do when their rock is gone?'"