Sheridan explains Costner’s Yellowstone exit reshaped a TV juggernaut

Taylor Sheridan reveals Kevin Costner was only meant to appear in Yellowstone for the first three seasons, but network pressure to keep the star turned the hit into a longer run, with Costner remaining for two additional seasons before quitting in 2023 to focus on Horizon. He cited scheduling conflicts and a lack of scripts, noting he wouldn’t miss contractual obligations, while the Yellowstone franchise pressed on with spin-offs.