Yellowstone: Is An Excellent Western Drama?

Yellowstone

The “Yellowstone” (Seasons 1 to 5/USA) series depicts the Duttons fighting to save their land and legacy. So, this modern tale delves into grave threats being posed to this ranch family in Montana, USA. This big-budget series was created by the showrunner and writer Taylor Sheridan.

Then there are two prequels to this family drama, viz., 1883 and 1923. So, in those two shows, we travel back in the historical eras, the late 1800s and early 1900s periods in North America. In case you wish to read about its prequels, 1883 and 1923, you can read about them by clicking their links. These TV series – 1883 (19th century), 1923 (20th century) and Yellowstone (21st century) were created by screenwriter and director Taylor Sheridan. So, these shows are cut from the same cloth. They narrate the story of the Dutton family in different eras, with each period having its own set of problems.

Spoiler-Free Brief Review: Yellowstone (Seasons 1 to 5/USA) Series

Dutton Family’s Legacy is Under Threat

The Dutton family, led by patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner), controls the largest contiguous ranch in the country. So, as a ranching family, they must fight back against the constant attacks by the land developers with deep pockets, regular clashes with the people living in Indian reservation territories, and be at odds with America’s first national park. In other words, this particular series narrates an age-old conflict between the modern ways versus the traditional ways of living. And it is true for America and the rest of the world.

The whole world’s a test, son. Don’t let them ever trick you into thinking differently.

John Dutton (Kevin Costner)
Basic storyline

Well, this series depicts the violent world of the Duttons, a ranching family in Montana, USA. This Western show delves into the world of the lesser-known world of America. The ranchers, the cowboys, country folks and not to forget the less visible Native American communities of the USA.

We loved the compelling stories of the Dutton family members.

In the not-so-distant past, the piece of land used to be the most important asset for the people. Nowadays, the value of land has gone down slightly.

Still, for the Dutton Family, here shown as one of the biggest private landowners in America, their big piece of land holdings is the most precious property in their hands. Come what may, the Dutton family led by patriarch John Dutton will not let go of an inch of his family’s land.

And in his endeavour, he is backed by his family and ranch workers.

The conclusion

This is an engrossing drama packed with a good star cast. It is unlike any other series; hence, herein lies its charm and popularity. We loved watching its five seasons so far. Now we eagerly wait for the upcoming season of the same.

Key details of the Yellowstone (Seasons 1 to 5/USA) Series

GenreDrama, Western
Age-restrictionsA (18+)
CreatorsJohn Linson, Taylor Sheridan
Seasons & EpisodesFirst Season (S1) – Nine (9) Episodes – 2018
Second Season (S2) – Ten (10) Episodes – 2019
Third Season (S3) – Ten (10) Episodes – 2020
Fourth Season (S4) – Tens (10) Episodes – 2021
Fifth Season (S5) – Eight (8) Episodes – 2022-2023
CastKevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley, Jefferson White, Gil Birmingham, Jennifer Landon, Ian Bohen, Wendy Moniz, Moses Brings Plenty, Ryan Bingham, Forrie J. Smith, Denim Richards, Piper Perabo, Danny Huston, etc.

Yellowstone (Seasons 1, 2 & 3) Series

Synopsis
In the first three seasons of this series, this modern-day western follows the Duttons. They own the largest ranch in Montana. So, they employ a ruthless mix of business, politics and violence to hold on to the precious land at the heart of their family empire. This family is led by the towering presence of the patriarch John Dutton. John is played admirably by Kevin Costner in this series.
Posters
  • Yellowstone
  • Yellowstone
  • Yellowstone
Ratings
SeasonsFM Ratings
First (S1/2018) Season4.05/5
Second (S2/2019) Season4.15/5
Third (S3/2020) Season4.10/5
Teaser
2018: ‘Yellowstone’ Exclusive Teaser Trailer Starring Kevin Costner | Paramount Network | YouTube.
2019: Yellowstone Season 2 Official Trailer
2020: Yellowstone Season 3 Official Trailer

Yellowstone {Seasons 4 & 5} Series

Synopsis
In the next two seasons (4 & 5) of this series, the Dutton family fights to defend their ranch and way of life from an Indian reservation and land developers. Medical issues and family secrets put a strain on the Duttons, and political aspirations and outside partnerships threaten their future. So, now the treats to the Dutton family come from both inside as well as outside the family circle.
Posters
  • Yellowstone
  • Yellowstone
Ratings
SeasonsRatings
Fourth (S4/2021) Season4.05/5
Fifth (S5/Part 1/2022) Season4.00/5
Trailers
2021: Yellowstone Season 4 Official Trailer
2022: Yellowstone Season 5 Official Trailer
In addition, if you want more dive deeper into this universe created by Taylor Sheridan, then go ahead and check out the official channel named Yellowstone on YouTube for behind-the-scenes videos.

Spoiler-Alert | Focus on the Native American stories in this Mainstream American Series

Please note:- The “Yellowstone” franchise has been both lauded and criticised for its portrayal of Native culture by the people belonging to the indigenous community of America.
Now, let us share a note about one of the Indigenous issues raised in this show

Indigenous Women & their sterilisation issues

While reading about this series, we also learned that “American Doctors began sterilizing indigenous women in the 1930s and grew at a faster rate in the 1970s when Congress passed the Family Planning Services Act, which subsidized said sterilizations for Medicaid and Indian Health Service patients.

The rationale for these procedures was centred around fears of global overpopulation and increases in welfare spending which would put an undue strain on the budget of the local community and the Federal Treasury.” This information sheds new light on the plight of Native Americans in the United States of America.

As a result of this legislation, during the 1970s, the U.S. Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) funded 90 percent of the annual sterilization costs for poor people. Sterilization for women increased 350 percent between 1970 and 1975 and about one million American women were sterilized each year. Sterilizations of Native and Puerto Rican women increased following the Family Planning Services and Population Research Act of 1970.

NIWRC.org
Sharing Native American Stories on the YouTube video | Yellowstone show

This video, shared on YouTube, simply stated, “Our first fight is against being ignored.” Unfortunately, stories of missing Indigenous women are not just plotlines. Perhaps, it is an all-too-common occurrence in the USA. Is it really so?


Awards Won by the Yellowstone Series, so far

Names of the AwardsDetails of the Awards Winners
Western Heritage Awards 2019, 2020 & 2021Bronze Wrangler – Fictional Drama – Kevin Costner (starring) & Taylor Sheridan (directed and written by) – Winners
Academy of Country Music Awards 2022Tex Ritter Film Award – Winner
Golden Globes, USA 2023Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama – Kevin Costner
Critics Choice Super Awards 2023CCA Super Award – Best Actor in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie – Kevin Costner – Winner

Featured & Other Images: Yellowstone | Paramount+

Scroll to Top