Yellowstone, the hit Paramount Network drama series, is gearing up for its highly anticipated fifth season. The show’s devoted fanbase is eager to find out which new and returning cast members will be joining Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly and the rest of the Dutton family on their sprawling Montana ranch when season 5 debuts this summer.
Overview of Yellowstone
Yellowstone follows the conflicts and power struggles of the Dutton family, owners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Kevin Costner stars as John Dutton, the ruthless and headstrong patriarch fighting to maintain control of his family’s land and legacy against threats from land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park.
The show also stars Luke Grimes as John’s loyal son Kayce, a former Navy SEAL; Kelly Reilly as John’s daughter Beth, a financier and ace deal-maker; Wes Bentley as Jamie, John’s ambitious adopted son and attorney; and Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, the ranch’s loyal foreman. Yellowstone became a breakout hit for Paramount Network when it debuted in 2018, drawing over 5 million viewers per episode.
Season 4 Recap
The action-packed fourth season saw the Duttons face perhaps their most dangerous threats yet. After refusing to sell his land, John Dutton was targeted by assassins who shot him and left him for dead on the side of a road. Kayce was ambushed in his office, while a mail bomb critically injured Beth in her office.
Miraculously, all three survived the attacks, which were orchestrated by wealthy business developer Caroline Warner in retaliation for the Duttons thwarting her plans. The Duttons spent season 4 tracking down those responsible for the attacks and seeking vengeance. Kayce had apocalyptic visions that led him to question his role. Beth focused her rage on bringing down Market Equities and its CEO Caroline Warner.
Jamie continued wrestling with his loyalty to the family that adopted him versus the birth father who abandoned him, ultranationalist cult leader Garrett Randall. The season ended with Jamie appearing to fully turn against the Duttons by killing Garrett and seeking to claim his birthright as a Dutton heir.
Confirmed Returning Cast
Paramount Network has confirmed that all the main cast members will return for Yellowstone season 5:
- Kevin Costner as John Dutton
- Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton
- Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
- Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton
- Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
- Kelsey Asbille as Monica Dutton
- Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton
- Jefferson White as Jimmy Hurdstrom
- Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd
- Denim Richards as Colby
- Ian Bohen as Ryan
- Finn Little as Carter
In addition to the main cast, recurring stars returning for season 5 include:
- Jennifer Landon as Teeter
- Kathryn Kelly as Emily
- Wendy Moniz as Governor Lynelle Perry
- Moses Brings Plenty as Mo
- Atticus Todd as Ben Waters
New Cast Members
Several new cast members are joining Yellowstone season 5 in major roles:
Lainey Wilson as Abby
Country music singer Lainey Wilson is making her acting debut as a musician named Abby. Not much is known yet about her character or how she’ll fit into the storyline, but she will have a significant recurring role.
Kylie Rogers as Young Beth Dutton
14-year-old actress Kylie Rogers will play a younger version of Beth Dutton in flashback scenes. This will offer insight into events from Beth’s childhood that shaped who she is today.
Kai Caster as Young Rip Wheeler
13-year-old Kai Caster will portray a young Rip Wheeler. Flashbacks of Rip’s early days on the Yellowstone ranch working under the supervision of John Dutton will help illuminate Rip’s fierce loyalty to the Duttons.
Lilli Kay as Clara Brewer
Newcomer Lilli Kay will play Clara Brewer, an assistant to one of the wealthy elite members of the Yellowstone world. Not much else is known about Clara, but she will play a pivotal role this season.
Dawn Olivieri as Sarah Atwood
Dawn Olivieri, known for roles in House of Lies and Heroes, will play cunning corporate shark Sarah Atwood. She will serve as a new nemesis for the Duttons and a formidable foe.
Jacki Weaver as Caroline Warner
Oscar-nominated actress Jacki Weaver joins the cast as Caroline Warner, CEO of Market Equities. Weaver takes over the role played last season by Caroline Fox. Caroline remains locked in a high-stakes battle against John Dutton and is bent on taking control of his family’s land no matter the cost.
Guest Stars
Some other notable guest stars slated to appear in Yellowstone season 5 include:
- Josh Lucas as young John Dutton
- Kyle Red Silverstein as young Rip Wheeler
- Rob Kirkland as Sheriff Donnie Haskell
- Rex Linn as Senator Haskell
- Martin Sensmeier as Sam Stote
- Jennifer Cameron as Willa Hays
- Phoebe Bibbs as Constance
Storylines to Watch
Fans are buzzing about what storylines season 5 may explore. Here are some of the burning questions that are likely to be addressed:
What will happen with the attacks on the Duttons?
While some of those responsible were hunted down in season 4, Caroline Warner remains at large. Viewers are eager to see if John and Beth will get their revenge and finally take down Market Equities.
Will Kayce embrace his visions?
Kayce ended season 4 in a state of despair, questioning his role in the world. With his wife Monica’s support, perhaps Kayce will find purpose in his spiritual visions of “the end of us.”
What’s next for Jamie?
Jamie appeared to sever ties with the Duttons for good by killing his biological father Garrett. But will he truly turn against his adoptive family and side with their enemies?
Can Beth and Rip’s relationship survive?
Beth and Rip overcame a lot in season 4, including Beth’s infertility. But will their clashing personalities and temperaments finally catch up with them?
Is John still fit to run the ranch?
John nearly died from his injuries last season. At his age, will he still have the strength and acumen to fend off threats to his family’s land and power?
Will the bunkhouse get more focus?
Characters like Lloyd, Walker, Teeter and the other cowboys have developed loyal followings. Fans would love to see more of their lives and backstories.
What new threats will emerge?
With Caroline Warner and Market Equities still hellbent on toppling the Duttons, expect dangerous new foes and schemes to challenge their survival.
Conclusion
Yellowstone’s massive fanbase has high expectations for the drama’s fifth season. The addition of compelling new cast members like Lainey Wilson and Jacki Weaver promises to inject new energy into the fray. Viewers can’t wait to dive back into the tangled family dynamics, Machiavellian power struggles, and cowboy action that makes Yellowstone one of TV’s most gripping and entertaining sagas.