Paramount+

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.

Related: What the ‘Yellowstone’ Cast Has Said About Delays, Kevin Costner Drama

A final trip to Montana? Rumors about the future of Yellowstone have been swirling since the first half of season 5 wrapped up in early 2023 — and the cast has had plenty to say about it. Speculation about the show’s possible finale began in February 2023 when ᴅᴇᴀᴅline reported that Paramount Network was considering […]

“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

Paramount+

The shocking death took place in season 1 when Lee (Dave Annable) was sH๏τ and killed by Robert Long while trying to take back cattle from the Broken Rock Reservation.

Teal Beck

Yellowstone/YouTube

After creating problems throughout season 2, Teal (Terry Serpico) was sH๏τ to death by Kayce Dutton as he begged for mercy — while sitting on the toilet.

Dan Jenkins

Yellowstone/YouTube

The land developer mended his issues with the Dutton family in season 2, but was ultimately sH๏τ and killed by mercenaries at his home.

Related: Yellowstone‘s Offscreen Drama Through the Years: On-Set Tension and More

Yellowstone is known for its over-the-top plot lines and complicated family drama, but the show’s cast and crew has also been involved in plenty of offscreen controversy over the years. Since the Paramount Network series premiered in June 2018, actors along with cocreator Taylor Sheridan have fended off criticism that the show is written with […]

Malcolm Beck

Yellowstone/YouTube

During season 2, Malcolm (Neal McDonough) got into a shooting match with John, resulting in his death. John sH๏τ Malcolm in the stomach and wrist as he reached for his fallen pistol.

Sarah Nguyen

Yellowstone/YouTube

The journalist (Michaela Conlin) was strangled to death in season 2 by Jamie, who made the incident look like a kayaking accident.

Wade Morrow

Yellowstone/YouTube

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

Yellowstone/YouTube

Jamie Dutton’s birth father was an antagonist throughout the fourth season. Garrett (Will Patton) was ultimately sH๏τ in the side of the head by his son.

Roarke Morris

Yellowstone/YouTube

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

Yellowstone/YouTube

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 sH๏τ him in the chest.

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John Dutton

Yellowstone/YouTube

The Dutton patriarch seemingly died by suicide before it was ultimately revealed that John’s death was a murder-for-hire plot.

Sarah Atwood

Yellowstone/YouTube

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 ᴅᴇᴀᴅ in her car.

Colby Mayfield

Yellowstone/YouTube

Yellowstone kept the deaths coming in season 5 by having Colby (Denim Richards) die after he was kicked in his chest by a horse.