AceShowbiz - Fans of Taylor Sheridan's immensely popular series "Yellowstone" have been given fresh hope. Despite earlier announcements that the show would conclude with the second part of Season 5, negotiations are underway for a sixth season. If successful, it will see Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser taking up the mantle as leading characters.

Deadline confirmed that "negotiations are underway" for a sixth season of the flagship drama to be headlined by "Yellowstone" standouts Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. This development comes after months of speculation fueled by various delays and the departure of series lead, Kevin Costner.

As Variety reported, Reilly portrays Bethany "Beth" Dutton, the daughter of John Dutton III, played by Costner. Hauser plays Rip Wheeler, Beth's husband and the Dutton Ranch's "fixer." The potential Season 6 would focus on these two characters, drawing fans back into the complex dynamics of the Dutton family.

Kevin Costner's exit has been a significant factor in the show's evolving fate. Costner confirmed his departure, stating that the decision to split Season 5 into two parts clashed with his commitment to his four-part Western film series, "Horizon: An American Saga." In an Instagram video, Costner said, "I just realized that I'm not going to be able to continue season five B or into the future."

However, this might not be the end of the "Yellowstone" universe. A new spinoff titled "The Madison," starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Fox, is set to join the franchise. This spinoff will follow a New York City family in the Madison River valley of central Montana. According to Paramount, "the series is a heartfelt study of grief and human connection." This addition amplifies the franchise's growth, building on existing spinoffs "1883" and "1923."

While official confirmation from Paramount remains pending, the buzz around a potential sixth season is palpable. Both the network and the creators are keen on continuing the "Yellowstone" tale, albeit with a shift in its central lineup. Executive producers, who include Taylor Sheridan, John Linson, and Art Linson among others, are keen to keep the narrative alive.

Fans eagerly awaiting the return of the Duttons can catch the final episodes of Season 5B premiering on November 10 on Paramount Network. The outcome of these negotiations will determine whether "Yellowstone" will return for more seasons, continuing to captivate audiences with its blend of family drama, Western heritage, and intense conflicts.