“Yellowstone” found itself embroiled in nonstop controversies behind the scenes leading up to its (supposed) series finale that aired Sunday night.
Created by Taylor Sheridan, the show follows Montana rancher John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his adult children: Jamie (Wes Bentley), Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce (Luke Grimes) – as well as peripheral family members such as Beth’s husband, Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and Kayce’s wife, Monica (Kelsey Asbille).
“Yellowstone” finished its five-season run on December 15. There’s going to be a spinoff series starring Matthew McConaughey, while another spinoff about Kelly Reilly’s Beth and Cole Hauser’s Rip is reportedly in the works.
Taylor Sheridan vs. the idea that it’s a conservative show
Although “Yellowstone” has often been deemed a “red state” show, Sheridan has fired back at that notion.
“They refer to it as ‘the conservative show’ or ‘the Republican show’ or ‘the red-state Game of Thrones,’” Sheridan told “The Atlantic” in 2022. “And I just sit back laughing. I’m like, ‘Really?’”
He went on say that the show addresses topics such as, “The displacement of Native Americans and the way Native American women were treated and about corporate greed and the gentrification of the West, and land-grabbing. That’s a red-state show?” he said.
Kevin Costner’s assistant vs. Taylor Sheridan
According to Puck news, Kevin Costner’s assistant, Glenn Kleczkowski, slammed Sheridan’s other show “Tulsa King,” starring Sylvester Stallone.
“Stick to westerns, bro. You don’t know S – – T about THIS life,” Kleczkowski allegedly wrote on Instagram, in a since-deleted post.
“Stay in your lane, country boy. I’m actually embarrassed for you as a writer and creator.”
Taylor Sheridan vs. the budget
In May 2023, a Wall Street Journal report revealed creator Sheridan’s “ridiculous” spending habits caused “internal frustration.”
According to the report, Paramount and 101 Studios pay Sheridan tens of thousands of dollars a week (on top of what he’s already paid to write, direct and produce the show) to use his various companies and services.
The report alleged that Sheridan rents cattle to Paramount at $25 a head, and charges up to $50,000 a week for the show to film on ranches that he owns.
Sheridan also reportedly billed the studio $3,000 to pay a wrangler in Texas, 1,600 miles away from set, who was looking after his own horses. He also had his preferred farrier flown out to Montana from Texas.
“Are you kidding me? We can’t find a local person?” David Glasser, the head of 101 Studios, allegedly wrote in an email to staff.
“Yellowstone” vs. Hollywood
Despite its popularity with audiences — the Season 4 finale that aired January 2, 2022 drew a staggering 9.3 million viewers — the “Yellowstone” cast has often commented on the show’s award snubs, especially from the Emmys and Golden Globes.
Gil Birmingham, who plays tribal chairman Thomas Rainwater, told the Daily Mail, “Hollywood is a fickle beast.”
Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton, told the Daily Mail, “Many, many shows don’t get that recognition that deserve it, and many do get it that don’t deserve it,” he went on. “It’s just the matter of opinion of each particular academy. I know we are a success because the people are watching it.”
However, Costner finally won a Golden Globe for the show in 2023, ending the saga of “Yellowstone” getting snubbed.
