What has helped make Yellowstone such a cultural phenomenon is the show’s commitment to taking risks — especially with its onscreen deaths.
The hit series, which premiered on Paramount in 2018, followed the fictional Dutton family, owners of the largest ranch in Montana. Many viewers came for Kevin Costner‘s portrayal of family patriarch John Dutton and stayed for the show’s other leads, including Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Gil Birmingham, Cole Hauser and Kelsey Asbille.
Despite being a near-instant success, Yellowstone has famously faced some major obstacles behind the scenes. In February 2023, rumors initially surfaced about Costner’s future on Yellowstone amid alleged tension between him and creator Taylor Sheridan over the filming schedule. Season 5 dropped the first batch of episodes one month prior while the production on the second half was backed up.
After a lengthy hiatus, Costner confirmed in early 2024 that he would not be returning to the series. John was subsequently killed off — and Costner didn’t hold back about his character’s demise.
“I’m going to be perfectly honest — I didn’t know it was actually airing last night. That’s a swear-to-God moment. I’ve been seeing ads with my face all over the place and I’m thinking, ‘Gee, I’m not in that one.’ But I didn’t realize yesterday was the thing,” Costner said on SiriusXM’s The Michael Smerconish Program in November 2024. “I heard it’s a suicide, so that doesn’t make me want to rush to go see it.”
Despite the alleged tension, other cast members continued to show support for the expansive Yellowstone universe —an offshoot centered around Beth (Reilly) and Rip ( Hauser) was reportedly picked up amid Yellowstone‘s fifth season.
Keep scrolling to relive some of the most shocking deaths in Yellowstone history:
Lee Dutton
The shocking death took place in season 1 when Lee (Dave Annable) was shot and killed by Robert Long while trying to take back cattle from the Broken Rock Reservation.
Teal Beck
After creating problems throughout season 2, Teal (Terry Serpico) was shot to death by Kayce Dutton as he begged for mercy — while sitting on the toilet.
Dan Jenkins
The land developer mended his issues with the Dutton family in season 2, but was ultimately shot and killed by mercenaries at his home.
Malcolm Beck
During season 2, Malcolm (Neal McDonough) got into a shooting match with John, resulting in his death. John shot Malcolm in the stomach and wrist as he reached for his fallen pistol.
Sarah Nguyen
The journalist (Michaela Conlin) was strangled to death in season 2 by Jamie, who made the incident look like a kayaking accident.
Wade Morrow
After betraying the Duttons during season 3, Wade (Boots Southerland) was lynched by Rip (Hauser) and his fellow ranchers following an attack on Teeter and Colby at the creek.
Garrett Randall
Jamie Dutton’s birth father was an antagonist throughout the fourth season. Garrett (Will Patton) was ultimately shot in the side of the head by his son.
Roarke Morris
Rip killed Roarke (Josh Holloway) in season 4 by throwing a rattlesnake at him. The rattlesnake bit Roarke in the face and he quickly died from the venom.
Donnie Haskell
The sheriff was killed in season 4 following a diner robbery gone wrong. Donnie (Hugh Dillon) was eating when gunfire erupted at the cafe and one of the criminals shot him in the chest.
John Dutton
The Dutton patriarch seemingly died by suicide before it was ultimately revealed that John’s death was a murder-for-hire plot.
Sarah Atwood
During season 5, a hitman is hired to kill Sarah (Dawn Olivieri) following her involvement in John’s death. She is riddled with bullets by strangers and left for dead in her car.
Colby Mayfield
Yellowstone kept the deaths coming in season 5 by having Colby (Denim Richards) die after he was kicked in his chest by a horse.
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