''Yellowstone' viewers outraged by Kevin Costner's departure, claim the show has reached its peak.'

The season premiere of "Yellowstone" on Sunday night did not satisfy many of its fans.

Nearly two years after the show's last episode, Taylor Sheridan's beloved western series premiered its fifth season. Although it was widely known that former star Kevin Costner would not be present, viewers were unsure how his absence would be addressed.

The episode began with Beth and Kayce Dutton discovering that John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner, has been shot and killed.

There is suspicion that he may have been murdered, despite the initial appearance of suicide.

The departure of Costner from the series did not satisfy longtime fans according to social media comments.

One person on X wrote that the show creator missed the audience mark by a million miles.

"Can I sue the producers of Yellowstone for permanent emotional damage 30 seconds into this episode?" — "Yellowstone" fan

Another person expressed dissatisfaction, stating that they no longer wished to continue watching the show.

"John Dutton was a great character, but the Kevin Costner drama didn't do justice to his departure from Yellowstone," someone commented, with another adding, "I'm considering suing the producers of Yellowstone for emotional distress after watching the first 30 seconds of the episode."

"The first episode of Yellowstone without Kevin Costner was ruined in the first 5 minutes," a critique stated.

John Dutton should have died as a hero, not a victim. The show's handling of Costner's departure completely ruined it for me. I am not a fan of how #Yellowstone portrayed his departure.

The person responded, "I understand. I'm not certain, but I dislike this version. It deviated so drastically that it evoked memories of how the final season of Game of Thrones ruined the show for me."

An angry fan wrote, "After waiting two years for a new episode, I was disappointed to watch only three minutes and change the channel. Taylor Sheridan and Kevin Costner, I hate you both for not resolving your differences."

One fan accused Sheridan of throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

"That person theorized that he was so angry at Kevin Costner for quitting that he threw away his show and didn't care about it. The rest of the season was pointless, and they already knew how it would end and who was responsible."

If Taylor Sheridan continues to treat his fans who are invested in Yellowstone and John Dutton the way he did, I won't watch anything else he's involved in.

Some people are blaming Costner for the way the story is unfolding.

One fan stated, "I hold Kevin Costner responsible for the show's current state and its direction. Despite this, I will continue to watch it. I am a devoted fan to the show, not to Kevin Costner."

Another user mentioned Costner's "Horizon" movie series, stating, "It's not like Costner gave them a choice. He invested all his money into his failed passion project. Not much they could do in a six-episode arc. I'd love to see Sheridan's original treatment. I'm sure it was amazing."

Kevin Costner and Taylor have been working together for the new season, but it seems like Kevin has left abruptly without any explanation. Despite this, I don't hold Taylor responsible and I hope they can resolve their differences soon.

Planet Chronicle Digital did not receive an immediate response from representatives for Sheridan and Costner.

Although the current season, consisting of six episodes, was initially planned to be the final installment of the series, there have been discussions about continuing the narrative following Costner's departure as the lead actor.

Reports indicate that discussions are underway to produce a sixth season centered on Reilly and Cole Hauser, who portrays Rip Wheeler, the spouse of Reilly's character.

In September, Costner stated that he believes there is more to explore regarding "Yellowstone," saying to Entertainment Tonight, "Making 'Yellowstone' has been a wonderful part of my life. Sometimes things have a way of circling back, and I haven't seen that dust trail coming toward me. However, I've always been open to what I started, and the five seasons were a lot for us to do. I think that story is not finished."