Yellowstone Fans Criticize Taylor Sheridan Over Final Season and Kevin Costner’s Exit

As the popular TV series Yellowstone approaches its conclusion, fans are expressing significant dissatisfaction with the final season, particularly targeting the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan. The latest episodes have been met with criticism, with some fans accusing Sheridan of intentionally “sabotaging” the show.

The early death of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, has been a major point of contention. Fans have taken to social media platforms like Reddit to vent their frustrations, suggesting that Sheridan’s multiple commitments may have led to a lack of passion for Yellowstone. Some fans believe that Sheridan’s portrayal of his own character, Travis Wheatley, is a subtle jab at Costner, implying that Wheatley’s depiction as the ideal cowboy was designed to undermine Costner’s character.

Additionally, fans have criticized Sheridan for writing himself into the show, especially in the later episodes. One fan expressed frustration over Sheridan’s extended cameo in the second-to-last episode of Season 5, feeling that it detracted from the narrative and could have been replaced with more episodes featuring Kevin Costner.

Despite the criticism, director Christina Voros defended Sheridan’s involvement, highlighting his dedication to authenticity in portraying the cowboy lifestyle. Sheridan, an experienced horseman, has been praised for his commitment to realism in the series, often casting real cowboys instead of trained actors.

The public departure of Kevin Costner from the series has also added to the narrative strain in the latter half of the season. The future of the show remains uncertain, with Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser in discussions about potentially returning. The season finale is set to air on the Paramount Channel on Sunday at 8 pm EST.