The Offscreen Controversies of Yellowstone Over the Years
Yellowstone is recognized for its extravagant plot twists and intricate family dynamics, but the series’ cast and crew have also encountered their share of offscreen controversies throughout the years.
Since its debut on the Paramount Network in June 2018, the actors and cocreator Taylor Sheridan have faced allegations that the show is tailored for a conservative audience. “People label it as ‘the conservative show’ or ‘the Republican show’ or ‘the red-state Game of Thrones,’” the Oscar nominee remarked to The Atlantic in November 2022. “And I just find it amusing. I’m like, ‘Really?’”
The Sons of Anarchy veteran further asserted that the family saga has addressed numerous contentious subjects over time without falling back on stereotypes. “The show examines the displacement of Native Americans and the treatment of Native American women, as well as corporate greed and the gentrification of the West, and land acquisition,” Sheridan explained. “And that’s a red-state show?”
Yellowstone‘s lead actor Kevin Costner has also drawn criticism from conservative fans due to his personal political beliefs. Following his appearance in a shirt endorsing former Congresswoman Liz Cheney’s 2022 re-election campaign, he responded to viewers who declared they would stop watching the series because of his political stance. Cheney, who lost her primary to Harriet Hageman, has been a vocal opponent of former President Donald Trump.
“I acknowledged that she probably wouldn’t win her election. However, I wanted to convey, as a citizen, how much I valued her courageous and clear-minded position,” the Oscar winner told USA Today in November 2022. “I didn’t really mind if people who liked me suddenly didn’t; that’s fine.”
While Cheney identifies as a Republican, Costner has also supported Democratic candidates. In December 2019, the Dances With Wolves director backed Pete Buttigieg for the 2020 presidential nomination. “When Pete talks about unity, it’s the kind of unity I’ve always hoped for,” Costner expressed regarding the then-Secretary of Transportation. “The strength he describes doesn’t limit compassion in the name of America.”
Even though some viewers have threatened to abandon Yellowstone for various reasons, the show continues to be one of the most popular offerings on television. The season 5 premiere in November 2022 attracted 12.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched scripted series of the 2022-23 TV season. “We managed to create a show that didn’t initially enjoy popularity, yet achieved success on its own terms,” Costner stated regarding the show’s impressive results during an interview with the Associated Press.
Continue scrolling to revisit Yellowstone‘s most notable offscreen controversies:
