Yellowstone
Yellowstone
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Yellowstone

"My land, my rules."

8.3
Yr 2018
Status Ended
Western Drama
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Series Brief

Overview

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.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 60 /100

Critical reception for Yellowstone is deeply polarized, reflecting its status as both a widespread cultural phenomenon and a divisive television drama. Proponents praise the series for its expansive scope, high-budget cinematography, and its willingness to grapple with complex themes of land, identity, and power. For many viewers, it serves as a gripping family tragedy and a significant exploration of the modern American West.

Conversely, detractors frequently dismiss the show as a soapy, self-serious, and unnecessarily violent mess. Critics have pointed to slow pacing and a lack of realism as significant drawbacks, with some noting that the show’s preoccupation with political minutia and mature themes can be off-putting or even depleting for the audience. Ultimately, while it is widely recognized as a force in appointment television, consensus on its artistic quality remains elusive.

“It may not be television’s best show, but with its willingness to play with the existential crises over land, identity, and power, there’s little doubt it’s America’s most important drama right now.”

“Yellowstone is one of those rare series that feels bigger than its plot. It is a family tragedy, a modern western, and a brutal elegy for a world built on land, blood, power, and loyalty.”

“Expensive to look at, painfully slow, lovingly violent, overly dedicated to uncovering the secret sadness lingering in the heart of murderous egomaniacs, generally pointless.”

“While some reviewers appreciate the cinematography and character depth, many find the vulgarity and mature themes overwhelming and off-putting, leading to mixed opinions on its overall quality.”

Why fans love it

Since launching in 2018, *Yellowstone* has hooked viewers by placing a modern western drama right in the heart of Montana. The series focuses on the Dutton family and their relentless struggle to hold onto the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Guided by patriarch John Dutton, portrayed by Kevin Costner, the family manages complicated relationships inside their own ranks while battling constant outside threats.

The draw lies in the sheer tension surrounding the ranch borders. The family faces aggressive pushback from land developers, a neighboring Indian reservation, and the boundaries of America’s first National Park. Balancing themes of wildlife conservation with arrogant displays of power, the show presents a violent, uncompromising world where holding onto land requires absolute ruthless dedication.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 17
Longest run 53 eps
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner
as John Dutton
53 episodes
Luke Grimes
Luke Grimes
as Kayce Dutton
53 episodes
Kelly Reilly
Kelly Reilly
as Beth Dutton
53 episodes
Wes Bentley
Wes Bentley
as Jamie Dutton
53 episodes
Cole Hauser
Cole Hauser
as Rip Wheeler
53 episodes
Kelsey Asbille
Kelsey Asbille
as Monica Dutton
53 episodes
Brecken Merrill
Brecken Merrill
as Tate Dutton
53 episodes
Jefferson White
Jefferson White
as Jimmy Hurdstrom
39 episodes
Show 67 more
Danny Huston as Dan Jenkins 18 episodes Ryan Bingham as Walker 37 episodes Finn Little as Carter 24 episodes Ian Bohen as Ryan 51 episodes Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd 51 episodes Denim Richards as Colby 51 episodes Dave Annable as Lee Dutton 3 episodes Jennifer Landon as Teeter 32 episodes Kathryn Kelly as Emily 16 episodes Gil Birmingham as Thomas Rainwater 53 episodes Mo Brings Plenty as Mo Brings Plenty 41 episodes Sol Xavier May-Kennedy as Robert Long Son 1 3 episodes Wolford Reed May-Kennedy as Robert Long Son 2 3 episodes Mosiah Aaron Crowfoot as Robert Long Son 3 3 episodes Wendy Moniz as Governor Perry 28 episodes Robert Mirabal as Principal Littlefield 4 episodes Tokala Black Elk as Sam Stands Alone 4 episodes Rudy Ramos as Felix Long 10 episodes Taylor Sheridan as Travis Wheatley 11 episodes Kelly Rohrbach Walton as Cassidy Reid 4 episodes Cade McCutcheon as Cade McCutcheon 4 episodes Matt Mills as Matt Mills 4 episodes Michaela Conlin as Sarah Nguyen 6 episodes Josh Lucas as Young John Dutton 9 episodes Martin Sensmeier as Martin 4 episodes Michael Todd Behrens as Doug 5 episodes David Cleveland Brown as Jason 6 episodes Timothy Carhart as A.G. Stewart 10 episodes Kylie Rogers as Young Beth 7 episodes Kyle Red Silverstein as Young Rip 9 episodes Kai Caster as Rowdy 6 episodes Brent Walker as Clint Morrow 5 episodes Q'orianka Kilcher as Angela Blue Thunder 8 episodes Boots Southerland as Wade Morrow 6 episodes Atticus Todd as Ben Waters 10 episodes Terry Serpico as Teal Beck 6 episodes Wolé Parks as Torry 6 episodes Lane Garrison as Ray 4 episodes Ryan Dorsey as Blake 4 episodes Karen Pittman as Willa Hayes 4 episodes K.C. Clyde as County Attorney Randy 5 episodes Neal McDonough as Malcolm Beck 6 episodes Josh Holloway as Roarke 10 episodes Michael Nouri as Bob Schwartz 9 episodes Hugh Dillon as Donnie Haskell 12 episodes Buck Taylor as Emmett Walsh 5 episodes Jacki Weaver as Caroline Warner 7 episodes Katherine Cunningham as Christina 11 episodes John Emmet Tracy as Ellis Steele 14 episodes Will Patton as Garrett Randle 7 episodes Maria Julian as Jamie's Assistant, Kate 6 episodes Piper Perabo as Summer Higgins 11 episodes Jake Ream as Jake 37 episodes Tanaya Beatty as Avery 7 episodes Eden Brolin as Mia 14 episodes Gabriel Gator Guilbeau as Gator 17 episodes Ethan Lee as Ethan 22 episodes Hassie Harrison as Laramie 17 episodes James Jordan as Livestock Agent Steve Hendon 12 episodes Forrest Smith as Young Lloyd 7 episodes Matthew Downs as Trooper Mark Rigby 4 episodes Lainey Wilson as Abby 5 episodes Dawn Olivieri as Sarah Atwood 10 episodes Lilli Kay as Clara Brewer 8 episodes Maria Julian as Jamie's Assistant Kate 4 episodes Rory Cochrane as Dillard 5 episodes Jason M. Owen as Detective 5 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Yellowstone overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

montana ranch family drama crime family cattle ranch neo-western wildlife conservation trend complicated arrogant contemporary western yellowstone
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
June 20, 2018
Status
Ended
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
3,286