In the “Yellowstone” series the ranching family fights to save land. This 21st-century show narrates the lives of the Dutton family residing in the beautiful Montana state of the USA.
This big-budget series is created by the writer Taylor Sheridan. Then there are two prequels of this family drama, viz., 1883 and 1923. So, in those two shows, we travel back in time.
A spoiler-free brief review of the Yellowstone (S1 to S5) series
Introduction to the Duttons of Yellowstone
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 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)
So, what is the 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.
Land is the most precious commodity here
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.
Our final say
This is an engrossing drama packed with good star casts. It is unlike any other series, hence herein lies its charm and popularity. We loved watching its five-season, so far.
Now we eagerly wait for the upcoming season of the same.
Key details of the Yellowstone (S1 to S5) Series
| Genre | Drama, Western |
| Age-restrictions | A (18+) |
| Creators | John Linson, Taylor Sheridan |
| Seasons & Episodes | First 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 |
| Cast | Kevin 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 of the Yellowstone (S 1, 2 & 3) Show
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 of the Yellowstone (S 1, 2 & 3) Show
Ratings of the Yellowstone (S 1, 2 & 3) Show
| Seasons | FM’s ratings | Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date |
| S1 (2018) | 4.15/5 | 56% Tomatometer & 83% Audience Score |
| S2 (2019) | 4.25/5 | 89% Tomatometer & 91% Audience Score |
| S3 (2020) | 4.20/5 | 100% Tomatometer & 87% Audience Score |
Trailers of the Yellowstone (S 1, 2 & 3) Show
Yellowstone {Seasons – 4 & 5} Series
Synopsis of the Yellowstone {S4 & S5} Show
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 of the Yellowstone {S4 & S5} Show
Ratings of the Yellowstone {S4 & S5} Show
| Seasons | FM’s ratings | Rotten Tomatoes ratings as of the date |
| S4 (2021) | 4.10/5 | 91% Tomatometer & 82% Audience Score |
| S5 (2022) | 4.05/5 | 84% Tomatometer & 34% Audience Score |
Trailers of the Yellowstone {S4 & S5} Series
Spoilers Alert – a peek into the eight (8) episodes of the season (5) five
Summary of the eight episodes of the fifth season
One Hundred Years Is Nothing (S5, E1)
John Dutton is sworn in as Governor of Montana; as John settles into the powers of his new office, he makes bold moves to protect the Yellowstone from his opponents; the bunkhouse and the Duttons enjoy the Governor’s ball.
The Sting of Wisdom (S5, E2)
John makes a speech to the state of Montana as a new opponent from Market Equities arrives on a private jet; the cowboys deal with a new problem.
Tall Drink of Water (S5, E3)
Beth heads to Salt Lake City to take care of unfinished business; a trap is set for Jamie; Kayce makes an important decision for his family.
Horses in Heaven (S5, E4)
John makes swift changes at the Capitol; later, he receives some advice from Senator Perry; the venom between Jamie and Beth reaches a boiling point.
Watch ‘Em Ride Away (S5, E5)
John tells Clara to cancel his Capitol meetings to brand cattle with the Yellowstone cowboys; Beth’s disdain for a perceived rival reaches a boiling point.
Cigarettes, Whiskey, a Meadow and You (S5, E6)
The Duttons and the Yellowstone enjoy an almost perfect day branding cattle; Montana gets an unexpected visitor from outside; Sarah continues to sink her teeth into Jamie; Rainwater deals with a challenger from within.
The Dream Is Not Me (S5, E7)
John deals with a problem with his herd; Sen. Perry delivers news to Rainwater; Jamie and Sarah plan their next move; the entire Yellowstone enjoys a rare evening of fun together; Beth discusses a new business plan concerning the ranch.
A Knife and No Coin (S5, E8)
Jamie goes through with his plan; John has a request for Monica and lends support to an unexpected friend; the Yellowstone cowboys embark on a big change; a flashback reveals a source of Rip’s loyalty.
Awards won by the Yellowstone Series, so far
| Awards Names | Awards Winners |
|---|---|
| Western Heritage Awards 2019, 2020 & 2021 | Bronze Wrangler – Fictional Drama – Kevin Costner (starring) & Taylor Sheridan (directed and written by) – Winners |
| Academy of Country Music Awards 2022 | Tex Ritter Film Award – Winner |
| Golden Globes, USA 2023 | Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama – Kevin Costner |
| Critics Choice Super Awards 2023 | CCA Super Award – Best Actor in an Action Series, Limited Series or Made-for-TV Movie – Kevin Costner – Winner |
Focus:- Taylor Sheridan created the 1883, 1923 and Yellowstone series
In case, you wish to read about its prequel 1883 and 1923, you can read about these 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. 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.
Spoilers Alert – focus on the Native American stories in Yellowstone
Please note:- The “Yellowstone” franchise has been both lauded and criticized for its portrayal of Native culture by the people belonging to the indigenous community of America.
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.
Now, let us share a note about one of the Indigenous issues raised in this show
The issues about the Indigenous Women – their sterilizations
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
Featured & Other Images: Yellowstone | Paramount +.