Yellowstone, headed by Kevin Costner, has managed to surprise both classic Western fans and younger generations, captivating millions of viewers with the stories of the Dutton family and their impressive Montana ranch. The series, available for streaming on platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, SkyShowtime, and Movistar Plus+, closed its final season breaking viewership records in the U.S. and consolidating its status as a true television phenomenon with international impact.
Success Yellowstone It is not only measured in audience figures, but also in the way it has revitalized the neo-western genre, mixing family intrigues, power struggles and social conflicts in spectacular settings. Costner He has been the soul of the project, but his relationship with the series has not been without difficulties, especially during the fifth season, when internal tensions arose that ultimately led him to leave the production before its final outcome.
The controversial departure of Kevin Costner and the end of a cycle
The abrupt departure of Kevin Costner marked a turning point in YellowstoneThe actor confirmed that he would not return to finish the season, publicly admitting that disagreements with the production company and the lack of solid scripts for filming weighed heavily on his decision. Costner expressed his dissatisfaction with the series' narrative direction, believing, in his own words, that the script was becoming "unbelievable" and that many of the characters' actions crossed moral and legal boundaries that were impossible to justify without realistic consequences.
The outcome of the story left divided opinions among fans, since the character of John dutton —the patriarch played by Costner—was abruptly eliminated. Subsequent plots revolved around the impact of his absence, the internal conflicts among members of the Dutton clan, and the struggle for control and legacy of the ranch. always respecting the tough and realistic spirit of the original series.
Spin-offs and continuity of the Yellowstone universe
Far from being at an end, the universe of Yellowstone has continued to expand with new series and related projects. Paramount+ has confirmed the production of several spin-offs, including Dutton Ranch, which will be released globally in late 2025 and will continue the story with a focus on characters like Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler. In addition, other expansions of the universe have been announced, such as Y: Marshals (starring Kayce Dutton) and The Madison (focused on a new family).
Impact Yellowstone As a franchise it goes beyond television: it is estimated that it has generated around $ 2.900 million in revenue, combining the success of the main series, its spin-offs, and the sale of related merchandise. Advertising revenue during the fourth season reached $50 million, with ad rates rivaling major sporting events.
Kevin Costner and Western-related documentary projects
Kevin Costner's connection with the American West does not end with YellowstoneAfter leaving the series, the actor and director has kept his passion for this historic setting alive through documentaries. One example is Yellowstone: One-Fifty, a four-part miniseries in which Costner travels through the national park, exploring both the nature and history of this iconic American enclave. Available on SkyShowtime and Movistar Plus+, this production follows Costner in the footsteps of Hayden's expedition, which was crucial to the park's creation, and discovers the personal transformation the experience brought about in its original protagonists.
In addition, Costner has released The west on the History Channel, an eight-part documentary that delves into the myths, realities, and complexities of the American West, far from idealized visions. In this project, the actor collaborates with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin to provide historical rigor and a more comprehensive view of the legacy of the Western and its protagonists, from settlers and Native Americans to female figures who often remain in the background in traditional narratives.