Yellowstone

'Lolita' is a 1955 novel written by Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov. Nabokov set out to write a beautiful piece of literature but on a subject that was immoral and deplorable. The reader is thrown into a state of cognitive dissonance. It's great novel but....but.....

'Yellowstone' has a similar effect. Viewers are presented with a stunning aesthetic and seduced by the cowboy myth. But the family at the centre of the story are ultimately corrupt, vile murderers. Yet we are expected to sympathise and cheer them on. It's not unlike another popular series, 'Succession', but on horseback. However, while the family in 'Succession' are more clearly ugly, the Duttons and their entourage are held up as a shining example of America as 'the land of the free and the home of the brave'. It's a terrifically manipulative series.

Yellowstone is a solidly written drama - great characters, well-crafted - that draws it's tone from a few different modern-day masterpieces.

It has the feel and cinematography of Longmire, the plotting and grim outlook of The Sopranos, and the dramatic dynamics of shows like 'Dynasty' or any of the other network dramas similar to that.

Much respect must go to Costner and Cole Hauser - these guys bring it 100%.

I did not expect to get drawn in to this show like I did. It's well worth your time.

Yellowstone was one of the best shows on tv from when it originally came on in 2018 right up to the ending in 2024. It was the #1 show on cable for all 5 seasons it was on (really it was 6 seasons because they broke season 5 into 2 parts). It's hard to explain just how good this show really is. The acting, writing, directing, cinematography, production, etc, are all incredible. It's exactly what you expect from a Taylor Sheridan show since just about everything he does is terrific. The acting was as good as anything on tv. Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Hassie Harrison, Kelsey Asbille, Wes Bentley and the rest of the cast all deserve recognition for the incredible job they do season after season, episode after episode. It's one of the rare shows where almost every season is just as good as the others. I can't recommend this show enough, just go watch it for yourself.

This is the type of show where cowboy/western life meets big city mafia life. This show is well cast, the first two episodes have been well written and leaves you wanting more after every episode. Not to mention the Montana and Utah scenery is beautiful.

The Dutton's remind me of the Ewing's from the 70's drama "Dallas". In short Yellowstone is "Dallas" meets "Sopranos".

Kelly Reilly owns every scene she is in. She must have really enjoyed playing this part because she just dominates. Everyone. Watching her with Kevin Costner & you can see he loves acting with her. The best part IMHO is they have not made Kelly Reilly's character a girl boss who beats up 300lb giants that you see with the MCU.

The character uses her brains to outsmart every men or women opponent.

I am enjoying the series which is Kevin Costner's tribute to modern day cowboys & their keeping hold of traditional values against a backdrop of city developers who just want to make a load of money.