The WORST episodes of Yellowstone (2018)

Every episode of Yellowstone (2018) ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Yellowstone (2018)!

Follow the violent world of the Dutton family, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. Led by their patriarch John Dutton, the family defends their property against constant attack by land developers, an Indian reservation, and America’s first National Park.

Last Updated: 6/14/2026Network: Paramount NetworkStatus: Ended
Kill the Messenger
star
7.58
2927 votes

#1 - Kill the Messenger

Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/27/2018

As the dust settles from the shootout, the Duttons deal with the potential repercussions. John calls in a favor and collects on some old debts. Jamie meets with the governor to do damage control.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
You're the Indian Now
star
7.63
2275 votes

#2 - You're the Indian Now

Season 3 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/21/2020

In the wake of the Beck Brothers, John reshuffles the political decks. Beth finds a trespasser on the ranch and learns that he may have big ambitions for the surrounding land. John helps Tate deal with his nightmares.

Directors: Stephen Kay
Freight Trains and Monsters
star
7.65
2219 votes

#3 - Freight Trains and Monsters

Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/28/2020

Jamie starts a new job. Beth comes to a realization about Market Equities and visits Roarke. Rip searches for another ranch hand. A livestock agent goes too far.

Directors: Stephen Kay
Desire Is All You Need
star
7.66
1927 votes

#4 - Desire Is All You Need

Season 5 - Episode 9 - Aired 11/10/2024

After an event rattles the state of Montana, nothing will ever be the same.

No Good Horses
star
7.67
2798 votes

#5 - No Good Horses

Season 1 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/11/2018

The Duttons deal with a painful family anniversary. Kayce saves a young girl from danger. Jamie and Beth plan their respective political careers. Rainwater makes an ominous threat to the Dutton legacy.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
The Apocalypse of Change
star
7.67
1851 votes

#6 - The Apocalypse of Change

Season 5 - Episode 10 - Aired 11/17/2024

Beth comes to a chilling realization. Kayce reaches out to an old friend in search of information. Jamie meets with Market Equities.

The Long Black Train
star
7.68
2733 votes

#7 - The Long Black Train

Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/18/2018

A secret about John comes to the surface. Beth shows Jenkins a rough night out. Quality time with Tate leads to a close call.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
The Reek of Desperation
star
7.68
2396 votes

#8 - The Reek of Desperation

Season 2 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/10/2019

Rainwater teams up with Jenkins for a big business deal, but powerful new enemies look to block their plans. John and Beth groom a new political candidate.

Directors: Stephen Kay
Under a Blanket of Red
star
7.68
2188 votes

#9 - Under a Blanket of Red

Season 4 - Episode 5 - Aired 11/28/2021

John and Kayce are forced to deal with some newcomers in town. Lloyd is in the doghouse with Rip, and finds purpose in teaching Carter. Jamie seeks information about his father.

Coming Home
star
7.69
2624 votes

#10 - Coming Home

Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/25/2018

As Kayce feels the heat from tribal police, Jamie works some legal magic. Rip recruits a new cowboy for the ranch, and a beaten-down Jimmy begins to find some respect. John makes a play to keep Kayce and Monica close to home.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
The Remembering
star
7.70
2624 votes

#11 - The Remembering

Season 1 - Episode 6 - Aired 8/1/2018

A new partnership threatens John and the Yellowstone. Jamie ramps up his political campaign. Rip confronts Kayce about cleaning up his messes.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
A Monster Is Among Us
star
7.71
2604 votes

#12 - A Monster Is Among Us

Season 1 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/8/2018

Rip stumbles upon a dangerous and dire situation. A plan is set in motion designed to squeeze John Dutton and threaten his way of life. Monica begins a tough recovery.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
All For Nothing
star
7.71
2196 votes

#13 - All For Nothing

Season 3 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/26/2020

Beth reveals a secret to her father. John confronts two cowboys about old feuds. A search gets underway on the reservation.

No Such Thing as Fair
star
7.73
2206 votes

#14 - No Such Thing as Fair

Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/26/2021

John and Beth squabble. Cowboy School is over for Jimmy, who has an important decision to make. Kayce begins a new quest. Jamie realizes Garrett’s past might affect his own future.

Directors: Stephen Kay
The Unravelling (1)
star
7.74
2604 votes

#15 - The Unravelling (1)

Season 1 - Episode 8 - Aired 8/15/2018

Rip faces a sheriff's investigation after his accident with the tourists, Jamie's political future comes into question, and Beth goes after Dan's finances.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
An Acceptable Surrender
star
7.74
2228 votes

#16 - An Acceptable Surrender

Season 3 - Episode 3 - Aired 7/5/2020

Jamie plays cover-up and damage control with Hendon. Governor Perry hears a $6 billion pitch for a development right on the Yellowstone, and later makes some political maneuvers. Jimmy competes in a rodeo competition.

Directors: John Dahl
Cowboys and Dreamers
star
7.74
2210 votes

#17 - Cowboys and Dreamers

Season 3 - Episode 5 - Aired 7/19/2020

The reason for Beth and Jamie's toxic relationship is revealed. Kayce bends the rules to help a family in need. Rip and the boys get into a confrontation with two men from John's past.

Only Devils Left
star
7.74
2348 votes

#18 - Only Devils Left

Season 2 - Episode 4 - Aired 7/17/2019

John's enemies strike a direct hit on the Yellowstone. John forms an unlikely alliance. Kayce has his first day as a livestock officer.

Directors: Stephen Kay
New Beginnings
star
7.75
2447 votes

#19 - New Beginnings

Season 2 - Episode 2 - Aired 6/26/2019

Kayce and Rip come to blows. Beth starts buying up land to protect the ranch. Monica begins a new chapter at the university.

Directors: Ed Bianchi
Daybreak
star
7.76
3403 votes

#20 - Daybreak

Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 6/20/2018

John Dutton, patriarch of a Montana ranching family and owner of the largest ranch in the U.S., fights to defend his land and his family from the modern-day forces that threaten his way of life; land developers, an Indian reservation and America's first National Park.

Directors: Taylor Sheridan
Blood the Boy
star
7.78
2352 votes

#21 - Blood the Boy

Season 2 - Episode 6 - Aired 7/31/2019

John prepares to partner with a former pair of foes. Jamie makes a drastic move to protect the ranch. Jimmy takes a shot at a bull riding competition.

Directors: John Dahl
Winning or Learning
star
7.78
2221 votes

#22 - Winning or Learning

Season 4 - Episode 4 - Aired 11/21/2021

Jamie receives some surprising news, and Beth receives an offer. Jimmy settles in on the road. Tensions boil over in the bunkhouse.

Directors: Guy Ferland
The Dream Is Not Me
star
7.79
1881 votes

#23 - The Dream Is Not Me

Season 5 - Episode 7 - Aired 12/18/2022

John deals with a problem with his herd. Senator Perry delivers news to Rainwater. Jamie and Sarah plan their next move. The entire Yellowstone enjoys a rare evening of fun together. Beth discusses a new business plan with the ranch in mind.

Directors: Stephen Kay
The Beating
star
7.79
2147 votes

#24 - The Beating

Season 3 - Episode 7 - Aired 8/2/2020

Jamie has a major revelation. Beth makes plans for her future. Jimmy meets a rodeo legend. Rip's patience is tested.

Directors: Guy Ferland
Counting Coup
star
7.79
1812 votes

#25 - Counting Coup

Season 5 - Episode 12 - Aired 12/1/2024

Kayce makes a bold move. Rip asks for help from a friend in Texas, while the bunkhouse contemplates their future. Jamie attempts to cover his tracks.