In a striking juxtaposition of imagery, helicopters soar above a mountainous backdrop, accompanying a thundering herd of cowboys on horseback below. It’s a surreal convergence of eras, where the past and present merge seamlessly. Over six decades after Western films ruled the box office, fans now have the chance to immerse themselves in Taylor Sheridan’s neo-western masterpiece, “Yellowstone.” Originating in 2018 on Paramount Network, the series has garnered a colossal following, leading to two spinoffs, “1883” and “1923,” on Paramount+. Amidst ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which have left a void in the fall TV lineup, “Yellowstone” is making a grand transition to the Paramount-owned CBS network.
While neo-Westerns like the Coen Brothers’ “No Country For Old Men” and Quentin Tarantino’s works have explored these lawless landscapes, few modern shows have captured the essence of middle-America conservatism quite like “Yellowstone.” Initially embraced by rural areas, it saw surging ratings during the pandemic, attracting viewers from urban centers into this cowboy-filled universe.
Although political undertones are subtly woven into the show’s fabric, Taylor Sheridan, the prolific creator behind “Yellowstone,” remains an outspoken Hollywood outsider. Writing every episode himself, he has challenged industry norms, pushing back against the demand for larger writing teams. Sheridan advocates for the unbridled freedom of artists to create and prioritizes character-driven narratives over conventional plot-driven structures.
Join Amazon Prime – Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime – Start Free Trial NowAs someone who had never been drawn to the American Western genre, I shared James Baldwin’s sentiment: “It comes as a great shock around the age of 5, 6, or 7 to discover that the flag to which you have pledged allegiance, along with everybody else, has not pledged allegiance to you.” Nevertheless, the fervor surrounding “Yellowstone” and the forthcoming David Oyelowo-led “Lawman: Bass Reeves,” executive-produced by Sheridan, compelled me to explore the series.
The pilot episode begins with a jarring accident, a wounded horse, and a gruesome head injury. Amidst this chaos, John Dutton III (Kevin Costner), the stoic patriarch and owner of the sprawling Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, remains unruffled. Set in Bozeman, Montana, the narrative unfolds, unveiling the secrets, desires, and the dark side of John Dutton in a predominantly white community.
The Dutton legacy isn’t just about John; it extends to his four children. The adopted Jamie (Wes Bentley), a lawyer, grapples with the family business, while Lee (Dave Annable) struggles with networking and negotiations, despite being a cowboy. Kayce (Luke Grimes) is the black sheep who distances himself from the Dutton dynasty, living with his Indigenous wife and son on the Broken Rock Indian Reservation. Beth (Kelly Reilly), the prodigal daughter, is a formidable figure, potentially as menacing as her father.
While familial dynamics are at the heart of “Yellowstone,” Sheridan weaves a complex web of connections in this society. A development company’s attempt to build condos near Yellowstone raises tensions in the gentrifying community, with John wielding his influence against it. Simultaneously, tensions flare between John and the Broken Rock community’s Chief, Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham), highlighting the real encroachment issues. The pilot’s climax underscores how far these men will go to defend their communities.
As “Yellowstone” embarks on its fifth and final season, it’s undeniable that Taylor Sheridan’s vision has left an indelible mark. While Costner’s exit has added complexity, Sheridan remains committed to concluding the story he began. The series’ broadcast debut on CBS brings a nostalgic moment for long-time fans and an opportunity for newcomers to explore this captivating world.
Beyond this chapter, a new spinoff featuring Matthew McConaughey is in development, likely with an entirely new cast and location. Sheridan’s influence in the entertainment industry continues to grow, offering fresh narratives and perspectives.
In an ironic twist, “Yellowstone” isn’t streaming on Paramount+ but is available on Peacock due to a prior streaming rights deal. CBS’ re-platforming of “Yellowstone” may seem unusual, but it provides a renewed opportunity for a wider audience to engage with the epic saga. As it finds its new home on broadcast television, “Yellowstone” returns to where it truly belongs, ensuring its enduring legacy in the world of television.
“Yellowstone” debuts on CBS on September 17, airing weekly on Sundays, while seasons 1-5 are available for streaming on Peacock.
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