Since it first galloped onto our screens in 2018, Paramount Network’s Yellowstone has only gone from strength to strength with viewing figures roughly doubling between seasons 3 and 4. Show
Part of the reason behind Yellowstone’s popularity is the captivating stories it tells, which examine the challenges of running a ranch in the 21st century. However, as Yellowstone is so grounded in reality, fans of the series have been left asking if the modern-day Western is based on a true story and a real-life ranch. Yellowstone | Season 4 Official Trailer | Paramount Network Is Yellowstone based on a true story?No, Yellowstone and the story of the Dutton family are not true and are, in fact, works of fiction. On top of that, the Yellowstone Ranch is not a real place in Montana and the title of largest ranch in the US actually goes to the King Ranch in Texas which covers an eye-watering 825,000 acres. However, while the show may not be based on real people, co-creators Taylor Sheridan and John Linson have almost certainly taken inspiration from the lives of real ranchers from throughout history and the struggles that modern-day ranchers endure on a daily basis. Paramount NetworkReal-life inspirations behind Yellowstone’s ranchersAs Marie Claire points out, Yellowstone’s cast and creators almost certainly turned to the history of ranching to find inspiration for the series. According to Looper, one of the main inspirations behind the series could well have been W.T. Waggoner of the Waggoner Ranch in Texas. Established in 1849, the Waggoner Ranch long-held the title of America’s largest ranch and ownership of the huge estate was passed through generations of the Waggoner family. Paramount NetworkHowever, just as Yellowstone faces competition from corporations wanting to buy the land in the series, the Waggoner Ranch was bought in February 2016 for $725 million by Stan Kroenke, the owner of several sports teams around the world including the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal FC. Marie Claire also points out, per Outsider, that actor Kevin Costner based elements of his performance on his father, William – one of 11 children to be raised on a wheat farm in Oklahoma – going so far as to use his father’s own Winchester rifle as a prop on the show. As well as taking inspiration from ranching legends of the past, Yellowstone has even featured some noteworthy faces in the series itself with season 4 giving a cameo to renowned horse trainer Buster Welch. Paramount NetworkYellowstone is filmed on a real ranchWhile the Yellowstone Ranch may be fictional, the series is filmed on a real ranch, specifically at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Fans of the Yellowstone series can even stay at the Chief Joseph Ranch as the property has opened up a number of cabins on-site – also used for filming – so that visitors can come and stay. Although prices for a four-person stay can range between $1,200 and $1,500 per night according to Parade. On top of that, Yellowstone season 4 has also featured the 6666 Ranch in Texas which is a real-world ranch in Texas that has been operating since 1900. Not only is the ranch going to be the central location in a Yellowstone spin-off series, but the 350,000-acre ranch was purchased in May 2021 but by Yellowstone co-creator, Taylor Sheridan. Paramount NetworkSeason 4 of Yellowstone continues weekly on Sundays at 8/7c on Paramount Network. In other news, Yumi's Cells fans demand season 3 after open and emotional ending
Saddle up, Yellowstone fans. We’re nearing the end of Season 4 of the hit western on the Paramount Network, and what a wild time these past few months have been. As Yellowstone has released new episodes, Taylor Sheridan has also been dropping entirely new shows on Paramount+, including prequel series 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown. Does the man get any rest? Apparently not, seeing how well-researched and written Yellowstone is. With a riveting story and cast of characters, it may feel like there’s no way Sheridan brainstormed these folks on his own. Let’s take a closer look. The neo-western stars Kevin Costner as the patriarchal figurehead of the Dutton family, the owners of the largest ranch in Montana. Similar to hit shows like Succession and Arrested Development — but with a more dramatic and, of course, western twist — the series revolves around the ins and outs of all the drama that pins certain family members against each other. But who are the IRL Duttons? Here’s everything you need to know about the true story behind Yellowstone. Is Yellowstone based on a true story?No, Yellowstone is an entirely fictional series created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. Even though Yellowstone does exist in real life, this show is entirely fictional! Yellowstone is, however, filmed on a real Montana ranch. That’s nothing worth sneezing at. Is Yellowstone based on a novel? What is Yellowstone based on?Nope. The original idea was drafted by Sheridan and Linson, and you won’t find any books with the Dutton story. But that just makes the series even better, right? Are the other Taylor Sheridan series based on true stories? True story behind 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown:Nope. Sheridan is an original creator, brainstorming these neo-westerns and thrillers from his own mind, it seems. None of his shows are based on true stories, but they’re aways well-informed. Where is Yellowstone streaming?Seasons 1-3 of Yellowstone are currently streaming on Peacock. New episodes of Yellowstone Season 4 air weekly on Sundays over on the Paramount Network. As for Yellowstone prequel 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown, both are currently streaming on Paramount+. Where to watch Yellowstone Yellowstone is about the Dutton family in the heart of Montana who live on a beautiful ranch, desired by large companies eager to build on their land. John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner) is the head of the family and the main reason the ranch has been protected for so long. So is there any truth behind the character in Paramount Network's biggest drama? WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Paramount Network. Is John Dutton a real person?Yellowstone's central story is about a cowboy and his family trying to protect their heritage which comes in the shape of their land. As the world continues to roll into the modern era, trampling on pieces of the past such as old-fashioned ranches, real-life cowboys like John Dutton continue to fight this battle today. But in terms of John in particular, it doesn't seem like he is based on a real person and is simply a character thought up by creator Taylor Sheridan. However, the series does appear to take plenty of inspiration from real life. READ MORE: Yellowstone season 4: Luke Grimes details rigorous training process Yellowstone: John Dutton is the head of the family in Yellowstone. Yellowstone: John Dutton is played by actor Kevin Costner. Yellowstone: John Dutton and son Kayce Dutton. Montana isn't just the home of John and Yellowstone though as it is known for another ranch in the real world. Bill Galt owns the 248-acre Galt Ranch and has been crowned as America's last true cowboy. So there is a similarity between John and Galt which Costner may have taken some inspiration. The Bodyguard actor is also expected to have taken some ideas for John from his own experiences. DON'T MISS... Costner is well adjusted to the life of a cowboy as Variety states that he owns his own 167-acre ranch in Colorado. So he's very much used to taking care of vast areas of land when he isn't on the set of Yellowstone. This helped Costner become a great casting success for those behind Yellowstone when it came to choosing their John Dutton. He will be back in the Western drama for the upcoming fourth season. |