Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson.
Yellowstone premiered on June 20, 2018.
Distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution and airs on the Paramount Network in the United States.
Series Review
Yellowstone is a sprawling neo-Western that centers on the Dutton family as they fight to protect their Montana ranch from political, corporate and personal threats.
Season 1 lays the groundwork with brooding atmosphere, family tension and introduction to John Dutton’s moral code.
Season 2 raises the stakes with violent confrontations, sharper political maneuvering and deeper character fissures.
Season 3 expands the scope, delivering big emotional payoffs, higher production values and major set pieces that made the show a cultural touchstone.
Season 4 leans into melodrama and cliffhanger plotting while doubling down on themes of legacy and survival.
Season 5 pushes the saga toward sweeping conclusions, resolving key arcs but occasionally feeling overstuffed.
Across its run Yellowstone succeeds when it trusts performance and landscape to tell quiet stories amid the spectacle.
Fans who love intense family drama, western grit and operatic tension will find it rewarding; viewers seeking procedural plotting might be frustrated.
Ratings
• IMDb: 8.6/10
• Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
• Google Audience Score: 87% liked this TV show.
Yellowstone Actors
Kevin Costner as John Dutton III
DOB: January 18, 1955.
Bio: Acclaimed American actor, director, and producer whose career has spanned more than four decades.
Costner won two Academy Awards for Dances with Wolves (1990), which he both directed and starred in, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker who celebrates sweeping American landscapes and mythologies.
Role: John Dutton III, the patriarch of the Dutton family and owner of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch in Montana.
John is a tough, pragmatic, and deeply principled leader who will use every resource, political or personal, to protect his land and his family’s legacy.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Heavy, moral leadership, political maneuvering, and the slow unraveling of a man who personifies the show’s themes of legacy and sacrifice.
Favorite Things: Costner frequently speaks about music, filmmaking and the American West and has described an affinity for storytelling that explores frontier values.
Notable Works: Dances with Wolves, Field of Dreams, Hatfields & McCoys (miniseries), Open Range.
Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton
DOB: January 21, 1984.
Bio: American actor and musician, born in Dayton, Ohio. He trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York before breaking into film and television.
Grimes built a diverse résumé with roles in American Sniper and the Fifty Shades films before securing his career-defining part as Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone.
Role: Kayce is a former Navy SEAL turned ranch hand and later a key Dutton heir.
He straddles the family’s violent legacy and his own attempts to build a separate life as a husband and father.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Physical action, emotional family conflict, and a man torn between loyalty and conscience.
Favorite Things: Grimes has spoken about music and life outside Hollywood, and in 2024 released a country album while living in Montana.
Notable Works: American Sniper, Fifty Shades franchise.
Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton
DOB: July 18, 1977.
Bio: English actress from Chessington, London. She began her career on stage, becoming one of the youngest nominees for an Olivier Award in 2003 for After Miss Julie.
Known for her commanding presence, Reilly has built an international career spanning British drama and Hollywood films.
Role: Beth is John Dutton’s only daughter, a ruthless financier and defender of the ranch by any means necessary.
She uses her intelligence and savage wit to protect her family.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Sharp dialogue, ruthless strategy, complex emotional scenes rooted in trauma and fierce loyalty.
Favorite Things: Reilly keeps a private life but often talks about craft, family and the satisfaction of playing strong, complicated women.
Notable Works: Eden Lake, Sherlock Holmes, Above Suspicion.
Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton
DOB: September 4, 1978.
Bio: He trained at Juilliard but left before graduating to pursue acting, quickly rising to fame with his breakthrough role in American Beauty (1999), which earned him a BAFTA nomination.
Despite early success, Bentley faced struggles with addiction in the 2000s before making a highly regarded comeback with critically acclaimed performances in both film and television.
Role: Jamie Dutton is the adopted son of John Dutton, a lawyer and ambitious politician whose career is marked by betrayal, insecurity, and deep longing for acceptance.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Expect themes of political ambition, betrayal, guilt, and desperation as Jamie navigates the treacherous balance between his duty to the Duttons and his own personal ambitions.
Favorite Things: Bentley has spoken previously about the discipline of craft and the complexity he seeks in roles.
Notable Works: American Beauty, Interstellar, The Hunger Games, Ghost Rider.
Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler
DOB: March 22, 1975.
Bio: American actor born in Santa Barbara, California. He comes from a Hollywood family, as his father is actor Wings Hauser and his mother is producer Cass Warner, the granddaughter of Warner Bros. co-founder Harry Warner.
He began working in film as a teenager and quickly built a reputation for playing rugged and intense characters.
Role: Rip Wheeler is the Dutton Ranch foreman and John Dutton’s most trusted enforcer.
Orphaned at a young age and taken in by the Duttons, Rip is fiercely loyal to the family, carrying out their most dangerous and violent work.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Brutal loyalty, raw intensity, and a mix of ruthless violence with rare moments of vulnerability, especially in his relationship with Beth.
Favorite Things: Hauser values family life and outdoor pursuits and often speaks about the importance of authenticity in western stories.
Notable Works: School Ties, Dazed and Confused, Good Will Hunting, Pitch Black, Tears of the Sun.
Kelsey Asbille as Monica Long Dutton
DOB: September 9, 1991.
Bio: Born Kelsey Asbille Chow in Columbia, South Carolina, is an American actress who began her career on the Disney XD sitcom Pair of Kings and in recurring roles on One Tree Hill.
She later transitioned into more dramatic projects, including Teen Wolf and Wind River, which established her as a compelling screen presence.
Role: Monica Long Dutton is Kayce Dutton’s wife and a Native American woman from the Broken Rock Reservation.
She acts as a bridge between the Dutton family and her community, often challenging John Dutton’s worldview.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: A portrayal of resilience, empathy, and the emotional weight of balancing family with cultural identity.
Favorite Things: Asbille is known to engage with community issues and acting projects that amplify Indigenous stories.
Notable Works: One Tree Hill, Pair of Kings, Teen Wolf, Wind River.
Brecken Merrill as Tate Dutton
DOB: June 20, 2008.
Bio: Brecken Merrill is an American child actor born in California.
He began his acting career at a young age and quickly rose to prominence with his breakout role in Yellowstone.
Role: The only son of Kayce and Monica Dutton and the beloved grandson of John Dutton.
As the youngest member of the family, Tate embodies the future of the ranch and represents both the hope and vulnerability of the Dutton legacy.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Innocence, emotional honesty, and storylines that highlight the cost of violence and conflict on the next generation.
Favorite Things: As a child actor he keeps a private life; press coverage focuses on his place in the family drama.
Notable Works: Yellowstone is his primary credit.
Jefferson White as Jimmy Hurdstrom
DOB: November 3, 1989.
Bio: American actor and producer. A graduate of Iowa State University, White built his career on stage before transitioning into television.
He gained early recognition with roles in series such as House of Cards and The Americans, but it was his breakout role in Yellowstone that established him as a rising star.
Role: Jimmy Hurdstrom starts as a troubled young man from a difficult background who is given a chance at redemption by John Dutton.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Emotional growth, comic relief occasionally, and a touchstone for the ranch’s mentorship themes.
Favorite Things: White has discussed the importance of mentors and the outdoors in interviews.
Notable Works: House of Cards, The Americans, Blindspot.
Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd Pierce
DOB: March 8, 1959.
Bio: American actor, stuntman, and real-life cowboy. Born and raised in Montana, Smith grew up around ranches and rodeo, eventually becoming a professional stunt rider in Hollywood.
His career spans decades with appearances in Westerns and action films, where his horsemanship and authenticity were invaluable.
Role: Lloyd Pierce is Yellowstone’s loyal senior ranch hand and Rip Wheeler’s right-hand man.
A lifelong cowboy and John Dutton’s longtime friend, Lloyd is often the moral center of the bunkhouse.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1-5 (51 episodes).
What to Expect: Heartfelt, lived-in performance and scenes that celebrate ranch tradition.
Favorite Things: Smith grew up around rodeo and ranching and often speaks fondly of Montana and cowboy culture.
Notable Works: Tombstone, Rambo III, Transamerica.
Gil Birmingham as Chief Thomas Rainwater
DOB: July 13, 1953.
Bio: Veteran American actor of Comanche heritage, widely respected for his commanding screen presence and nuanced portrayals of Indigenous characters.
Before acting, he trained as a petrochemical engineer but transitioned into entertainment after being discovered as a bodybuilder and later performing in Diana Ross’s 1982 music video Muscles.
Role: Chief Rainwater is the leader of the Broken Rock Indian Reservation and a political foil and occasional ally to the Duttons as he fights for his people’s land and rights.
Seasons & Episodes: Seasons 1–5 (53 episodes).
What to Expect: Gravitas, intelligent political strategy, and a dignified but fierce commitment to his community.
Favorite Things: Birmingham often speaks about Indigenous representation in film and television and mentorship for younger Native actors.
Notable Works: Hell or High Water, Banshee, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Twilight Saga films, Pieces of Her, Under the Banner of Heaven.
Ian Bohen as Ryan
DOB: September 24, 1976.
Bio: American actor best known for his roles in both teen dramas and gritty westerns.
He gained widespread recognition for playing Peter Hale in MTV’s hit supernatural series Teen Wolf and has since built a career with versatile performances in television and film.
Role: Ryan is a ranch hand and enforcer figure who helps on the Dutton ranch and in various operations connected to the family.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1-5 (51 episodes).
What to Expect: Reliable physical presence, tough conversations, and loyalty tested by the show’s conflicts.
Favorite Things: Bohen has spoken about steady TV work and the importance of ensemble storytelling.
Notable Works: Teen Wolf, Mad Men, Wind River, Chicago P.D., Pearl Harbor.
Ryan Bingham as Walker
DOB: March 31, 1981.
Bio: Americana singer-songwriter and actor whose gravelly voice and raw storytelling have made him a standout in modern country music.
He earned widespread recognition for co-writing and performing The Weary Kind from Crazy Heart (2009), which won him the Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy Award for Best Original Song.
Role: Walker is an ex-convict and drifter who joins the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch as a ranch hand.
With his guitar always nearby, Walker serves as the bunkhouse balladeer, offering soulful songs that break up the show’s heavy tension.
Seasons & Episodes: Season 1-5 (37 episodes).
What to Expect: Low key strength, musical sensibility, and moments that humanize the ranch hands.
Favorite Things: Bingham continues to tour and record; his music and on-screen persona overlap in tonal ways.
Notable Works: Music career, including Oscar win for Crazy Heart soundtrack, and Yellowstone.
More Actors
Season 1 (2018) notable recurring and supporting
• Michaela Conlin as Sarah Nguyen.
• Denim Richards as Colby Mayfield.
• Brad Carter as Charlie Lange.
• Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as DeWall LeDoux.
• Alexandra Daddario as Lisa Tragnetti.
Season 2 (2019) notable recurring and supporting
• Neal McDonough as Malcolm Beck.
• Terry Serpico as Teal Beck.
• Kelly Rohrbach as Cassidy Reid.
• Lane Garrison as Ray.
• Wolé Parks as Torry.
Season 3 (2020) notable recurring and supporting
• Josh Holloway as Roarke Morris.
• Eden Brolin as Mia.
• Kelly Rohrbach as Cassidy Reid (returned).
Season 4 (2022) notable recurring and supporting
• Jacki Weaver as Caroline Warner.
• Moses Brings Plenty as Mo.
• Hassie Harrison as Laramie.
Season 5 (2023–2024) notable recurring and supporting
• Jennifer Landon as Teeter (expanded role).
• Finn Little as Carter (older, recurring).
• Lainey Wilson as Abby (music cameo turned recurring).
FAQ – Yellowstone TV Series
How many seasons and episodes does Yellowstone have?
The series ran for 5 seasons with 53 episodes, premiering June 20, 2018, and concluding December 15, 2024.
Is Yellowstone based on a true story?
No, it is fictional. However, Sheridan has said the tensions over land and legacy are inspired by real issues in Western states.
Will there be more Yellowstone seasons?
No, Yellowstone ends with Season 5. But a spin-off starring Rip and Beth is already confirmed. More on The-Sun
Where was the Dutton Ranch filmed?
The fictional ranch is filmed at the real Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Fans can even stay overnight at cabins on-site!
Why is Yellowstone so popular?
It combines rich family drama, sweeping Western visuals, and themes of power and survival that viewers find deeply compelling.
Where can you stream or watch Yellowstone?
New episodes air on Paramount Network (Sunday nights). All seasons are available on Peacock (after a delay), and episodes can also be purchased on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
Conclusion
Yellowstone has become one of the defining dramas of modern television, blending classic Western themes with contemporary conflicts over land, power, and family.
At its heart, it is not just about the Dutton ranch but about the cost of loyalty, ambition, and survival in a changing America.
Each season brings new battles, both personal and political, that keep audiences hooked with high stakes and raw emotion.
The breathtaking Montana backdrop, powerful performances, and layered storytelling make it more than just a cowboy drama; it’s a modern epic.
While it can at times feel overly dramatic, Yellowstone continues to resonate because it explores universal struggles of family, identity, and the fight to hold onto what matters most.
For fans of gripping sagas filled with tension and heart, Yellowstone remains a must-watch.