After six years and five massive seasons, one of streaming’s biggest blockbusters is nearing its end. Or so they say, writes streaming columnist NICK OVERALL.

The “final” six episodes of Yellowstone, the epic cowboy saga starring Kevin Costner, have now premiered on Stan.

For those who haven’t watched it before, Yellowstone tells the brutal and bloody tale of the Duttons, the owners of Montana’s largest ranch who battle it out with developers, gangs and politicians all trying to encroach on this prime piece of ranching land.

Ruled by patriarch John Dutton (Costner), this family will do anything it takes to protect their birthright passed down the generations of the Dutton family for centuries.

Costner’s character has not only become one of modern television’s most recognisable faces but arguably the most iconic of his own career.

All that being said, there’s more than a bit of pressure on Yellowstone to stick the landing on its ending.

The first half of season five premiered all the way back in late 2022, leaving fans on the edge of their seats for almost two years.

Over the course of those two years there’s been plenty of conflicting reports on whether Yellowstone will or won’t end with what’s being called “season 5B”.

Like any successful series these days, if it’s popular then the executives are going to have a very hard time letting it go.

While it’s now been confirmed that these episodes of Yellowstone will mark the “end”, there is already a “sequel series” in the works called The Madison, which Michelle Pfeiffer is reported to be producing.

The story of Yellowstone has also been extended to not one but two prequel spin-offs already, “1883” and “1923” which chart different eras of the Dutton dynasty.

While these shows are also impressive, it feels like the endless sequels and prequels are working against Yellowstone.

In this era it’s like no great conclusion can be put on paper without it being ticked off by executives eager to make sure it all fits into their masterplan for a franchise.

They may be able to milk some more money out of it, but in the long run this tactic only tarnishes the legacy of the Yellowstone, ironically one of the very things family at the centre of this show prizes most.

Unexpectedly returning for a second season on Apple TV Plus this month is breakout black comedy Bad Sisters.

It’s the story of Eva, Ursula, Grace, Bibi and Becka, five sisters who live in Dublin and who get entangled in a murder mystery after the death of Grace’s abusive husband.

It was a surprise to see this one back for a second season, given its first set of episodes wrapped up the story well but creator Sharon Horgan (who also plays Eva) has a new mystery for this amusing brood to get caught up in.

It’s set two years after the original show, but when new secrets emerge the sisters are pulled back into another sinister plot.

It speaks to the strength of the writing and characters here that Horgan has been able to pull a whole new story here. Let’s hope it can equal if not top its predecessor.

Speaking of second seasons, Netflix has just dropped its newest instalment of The Diplomat.

This pithy political drama follows Kate Wyler (Keri Russel), who’s thrust into the role of America’s ambassador to the UK just as a major international crisis breaks out.

If that wasn’t enough to handle as it is, Wyler also has to balance the storm of scrutiny that comes with her marriage to a high-profile political star.

The Diplomat makes for a decent blend of comedy and drama and it’s proven still fresh, racing back up Netflix’s charts once again.

Those looking for an incisive breakdown of geopolitics will have to look elsewhere, but viewers who enjoy snappy dialogue from a charismatic lead will get their kicks here.