Yellowstone has become synonymous with its gritty portrayal of the Dutton family’s fight for survival, offering viewers high-stakes drama, fierce loyalty, and, of course, shocking deaths. Taylor Sheridan, the creative mastermind behind the franchise, has not shied away from killing off some of the most high-profile actors in the business, leaving fans reeling. From the flagship Yellowstone series to its prequels, 1883 and 1923, the show has always kept its viewers on edge, never allowing them to get too comfortable with their favorite characters.

Perhaps the most unforgettable death in the entire Yellowstone franchise is that of John Dutton, played by the legendary Kevin Costner. The death of the patriarch in the opening episodes of Season 5 was not only shocking but also signaled the end of an era. For years, John Dutton was the embodiment of power, leadership, and rugged determination. His death marked a seismic shift for the series, leaving a void that has yet to be filled. Fans had long speculated on the fate of John, but no one expected it to come so soon.

Alongside him, Yellowstone fans bid farewell to many other beloved characters. Dan Jenkins, played by Danny Huston, was a thorn in the Duttons’ side throughout Season 2. His sudden death at the hands of Malcolm Beck’s men was brutal, and though Jenkins was an antagonist, his demise left a lasting impact on the series. Similarly, Malcolm Beck, portrayed by Neil McDonough, met a grim end at the hands of John Dutton himself. His death was swift and fitting, considering his villainous role in the Dutton family’s struggles.

The prequel series, 1883, introduced Tim McGraw and Faith Hill as James and Margaret Dutton, the ancestors of the Yellowstone clan. The two country music icons brought a sense of authenticity and depth to the series, only for their characters to meet tragic ends. James dies in a shootout with bandits, and Margaret’s fate is revealed when Elsa, their daughter, recounts finding her mother frozen in a snowdrift. Their deaths were heartbreaking but fit perfectly within the bleak and unforgiving world of Yellowstone.

In 1923, another shocking death occurred when Timothy Dalton’s character, Donald Whitfield, met his end in the season finale. Whitfield’s death at the hands of Spencer Dutton was both brutal and poetic, closing the chapter on one of Yellowstone’s most formidable villains.

And who could forget about Jaime Dutton, played by Wes Bentley? After becoming one of the series’ most complicated and morally ambiguous characters, Jaime’s fate was sealed in the Season 5 finale. Beth Dutton finally followed through on her promise to kill him for his role in their father’s death, with a brutal stabbing that left viewers in shock.

In addition to these major deaths, the franchise has introduced several other memorable exits. From Josh Holloway’s character Rourke Morris being killed by Rip Wheeler to the gut-wrenching end of Sam Elliott’s Shea Brennan, Yellowstone continues to show that no character is safe, no matter how big their name may be.

As the Duttons’ saga progresses, one thing is clear: death is an ever-present companion, and Sheridan’s unpredictable narrative twists are here to stay. Whether it’s the flagship series or its prequels, the legacy of the Dutton family will always be marked by the untimely deaths that make the series unforgettable.