Yellowstone star Luke Grimes revealed he has never spoken to Kevin Costner since his onscreen father was written off the drama series.
The 42-year-old actor, who played Kayce Dutton opposite Costner's John Dutton, said the distance between them is simply a matter of competing schedules.
Speaking in an interview published Oct. 5 by USA Today, Grimes said: "I have never spoken to Kevin since we stopped working together. Not for any other reason other than we are both just busy guys and life moves on."
Grimes is currently reprising his role as Kayce Dutton on the Yellowstone spinoff series Marshals. He noted that while it "would be cool" for Costner to return in a flashback scene, he added, "I doubt that will happen at this point."
Instead, Grimes suggested that bringing back Kelsey Asbille as Kayce's wife, Monica Dutton, would carry more emotional weight following her departure from the show.
"If there was a flashback, I'd probably rather it be with Monica than John," Grimes explained. "I think that would be more poignant to the character, but we will see."
Costner's departure from Yellowstone in 2024 followed widespread speculation about scheduling conflicts. However, series creator Taylor Sheridan revealed during a June appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast that the Oscar winner had originally committed to a far shorter run.
"Kevin was only supposed to be in the first three seasons," Sheridan said. "That was in his contract."
Sheridan explained that network executives at Paramount were "so scared" of losing Costner, leading the actor to extend his stay. "Kevin was ready to go," Sheridan added. "He had other things he wanted to do. But he stayed on for another two seasons."
Costner officially confirmed in June 2024 that he would not return to complete the fifth and final season, having departed after four and a half seasons to write and direct his film series Horizon: An American Saga, which released in 2024. Reflecting on his time on the ranch in a 2024 Instagram post, Costner wrote: "It was something that really changed me. I loved it, and I know you loved it."
Departures from procedurals and dramas
Costner and Grimes are not the only performers moving on from major television franchises, as network dramas undergo sweeping cast overhauls.
On NBC's Chicago Fire, Joe Miñoso is preparing to leave during the upcoming 15th season after portraying firefighter Joe Cruz since the series premiered in 2012, with news of his exit breaking in July 2026.
Sister series Chicago P.D. is facing a similar transition after E! News confirmed in July 2026 that LaRoyce Hawkins is departing after 13 seasons, having played Officer Kevin Atwater since 2014.
NBC's Law & Order franchise will lose Reid Scott during its upcoming 26th season, following his debut as Detective Vincent Riley in season 23. That exit follows the 2025 departure of Mehcad Brooks, who left ahead of season 25 after three seasons playing Detective Jalen Shaw.
Over on CBS, long-running procedural NCIS bid farewell to Director Leon Vance in a March 2026 episode marking the show's 500th milestone. The character, played by Rocky Carroll for 18 years since season five, was killed in a shooting involving a corrupt agent before being greeted in heaven by late Chief Medical Examiner Donald "Ducky" Mallard, portrayed by Adam Campbell.
Medical drama Grey's Anatomy is preparing for the departure of Kim Raver and Kevin McKidd, who played Dr. Teddy Altman and Dr. Owen Hunt for nearly two decades. Their final appearance will air in the season 22 finale on May 7, 2026. The show previously saw lead Ellen Pompeo step back from her full-time role as Meredith Grey in February 2023 after 19 years.
"I gotta mix it up a little bit," Pompeo told The Drew Barrymore Show in December 2022. "I'm 53, my brain is like scrambled eggs. I gotta do something new. You can't do The New York Times crossword puzzle every single day." Pompeo continues to narrate the series and make recurring guest appearances.
Exits from fantasy and medical series
Fantasy and high-concept drama series have also witnessed high-profile character deaths and cast departures.
HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon shocked viewers during its July 26, 2026 episode when Fabien Frankel's character, Ser Criston Cole, was killed in the Riverlands.
On HBO's post-apocalyptic drama The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal's character Joel Miller was impaled in an April 2025 episode of season two, mirroring events from the 2020 video game The Last of Us Part II. Pascal, whose previous onscreen deaths include roles in Game of Thrones and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, joked to Entertainment Weekly: "I get killed a lot. I like to die."
HBO Max medical drama The Pitt will see Supriya Ganesh exit ahead of season three, Variety reported in April, as her character Dr. Samira Mohan takes on a new residency program. Her departure follows that of Tracy Ifeachor, who played Dr. Heather Collins in season one. Ifeachor wrote on Instagram on July 10: "It was an absolute privilege to play Dr. Heather Collins in such a groundbreaking season and piece. Thank you to everyone who has watched & supported Season 1 & shared their stories with me."
Emergency procedural 9-1-1 wrote out Los Angeles Fire Department captain Bobby Nash in an April 2025 episode. Actor Peter Krause stated to The Hollywood Reporter: "Bobby Nash was written in sacrifice, and he was built for this. First responders risk their lives on the job so that others can see another day. His story arc honors them." Showrunner Tim Minear told Variety: "but after eight years, it just felt like, if we have any hope of creating stories going forward that have actual stakes, then someone's got to die."
Changes across comedies and legal dramas
Comedy series and streaming dramas are experiencing significant roster shifts of their own.
The August 2026 series finale of Disney's Wizards Beyond Waverly Place brought back Gregg Sulkin as Mason Greyback alongside Selena Gomez's Alex Russo, only to reveal his character had died. Appearing as a ghost, Greyback told Alex: "You have a whole other life, Alex. You got married. You have a beautiful daughter. And she needs you. That's the life that you're meant to live. You have to go back."
NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live experienced a major cast shift ahead of season 51. Michael Longfellow and Devon Walker left after three seasons, while Emil Wakim departed after one season. Weeks later, longtime cast members Heidi Gardner and Ego Nwodim confirmed they were also leaving after eight and seven seasons, respectively.
On Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls, Reneé Rapp departed ahead of season three after playing Leighton Murray. Rapp wrote on social media in July 2023: "College Girls moved me out to LA and introduced me to some of my favorite people. 2 and a half years later - it's given me y'all and this community." Co-creator Mindy Kaling added on Instagram Stories: "We love @reneerapp so much and of course will be so sad to say goodbye to Leighton Murray! We can't wait to see our friend on tour!!"
French actress Camille Razat stepped away from Netflix hit Emily in Paris ahead of season five, confirming her departure on Instagram on April 23, 2025: "After an incredible journey, I've made the decision to step away from Emily in Paris. It has been a truly wonderful experience, one filled with growth, creativity, and unforgettable memories."
ABC drama The Rookie said goodbye to Bridget Regan in April 2026 when her character, corrupt lawyer Monica Stevens, met her end. Regan told TV Insider: "She's escaped multiple assassinations, and prison time and being thrown in a woodchipper." Reflecting on her four-season arc, Regan added: "I wasn't surprised. I thought, 'Fair enough.' She's had an amazing run, four years on this show. I'm only filled with gratitude."
Soap opera General Hospital saw Sofia Mattsson depart in summer 2025 after seven years as Sasha Gilmore, with her character leaving Port Charles for Paris. Meanwhile, Paramount+ drama Criminal Minds: Evolution wrote out Zach Gilford as Elias Voit in its season 19 finale on July 23 after his character was imprisoned for murder. Gilford told Us Weekly: "It was hard to say goodbye. It definitely was one of my favorite characters I've ever gotten to play and partially because what a gift. Every season I got to do a different side of this character. It wasn't like I was just doing the same thing every year."
Unscripted and reality television departures
Unscripted and reality television series have seen equal movement as cast members step back for personal and professional reasons.
On Bravo's The Valley, Danny Booko and Nia Sanchez announced season three would be their last following a season focused on Danny's drinking habits. In a September 2026 social media statement, the couple, who share son Asher, 4, twins Isabelle and Zariah, 3, and 15-month-old Adelaide, wrote: "We're incredibly grateful for this experience, but our priority is protecting our peace and our family. We are fully committed to each other and our beautiful children." Co-star Jax Taylor also departed ahead of season three, announcing in July 2025 amid a divorce from Brittany Cartwright: "Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself - especially for our son, Cruz."
Bravo's Summer House lost West Wilson in June 2026 following a relationship with Amanda Batula that disrupted cast dynamics. Days later, Batula confirmed she will not return for season 11 after appearing since season two. Their exits follow Paige DeSorbo, who left in June 2025 after seven seasons, sharing on Instagram: "You've seen me grow up over these last 7 summers. I'll always be grateful for the memories, the community, and the opportunities this wild ride has brought me. But like all good things (and some bad decisions), it's time for this chapter to close."
Singer Sir Tom Jones revealed in September 2026 that he was let go from his coaching role on ITV's The Voice UK after 13 seasons due to insurance financial difficulties. Jones wrote on Instagram: "To be clear, I did not want to leave The Voice as l love the show and really appreciate the audience. ITV made this decision - obviously a while ago, and I was told just recently." He added that ITV offered a reduced non-involved role, noting, "I'm not thrilled about that."
Former J. Crew Creative Director Jenna Lyons announced her exit from Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City ahead of season 16 after debuting in season 14. Lyons posted on Instagram in November 2025: "The rumors....Are true. I was grateful to be asked to join season 16 of RHONY 'as a friend of '- knowing my personal life was not really available to be filmed, we agreed that made sense." She added: "And after thinking it through I have made the difficult decision not return to the show. I would be the oldest and only openly gay woman on the show and feel like this is an opportunity for a new dynamic to emerge."
Real estate agent Chrishell Stause announced her exit from Netflix series Selling Sunset in November after nine seasons, writing on social media: "I've gotten to a place where I don't need the show financially. I'm lucky to have other forms of employment, because it's no longer good for my mental health."
Meanwhile, Whitney Leavitt announced season five of Hulu's The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives will be her last following her break on Dancing With the Stars and roles in Chicago on Broadway.
