Taylor Sheridan might have known what he was doing when he introduced viewers to the Dutton family for the first time when Yellowstone premiered in 2018, but fans had no idea what they were in for as they watched the events from the first episode unfold.
The very first scenes depict a man, injured but not broken — at least not physically. We soon learn that we’re looking at John Dutton, and while he’s not outwardly injured beyond repair, the same can’t be said for his heart and spirit. John is a ranch owner, father, widower, and enemy of many. He’s also a friend, a confidant, and a character Kevin Costner plays with dedication, power, and passion. The same can be said for his family, friends, and even enemies — and that’s where the heart of the story really lies.
The power of Yellowstone is in its characters, the ones we love and the ones harder to root for, and the magic they’ve all crafted together, the cast and crew who come together to make it all possible, and the way they’ve crafted not just a series, but a Yellowverse with different experiences and different stories throughout several branches of the Dutton family tree.
In a video shared on the Yellowstone Instagram account, fans had tears in their eyes as they heard the cast talk about the experience so far and how grateful they are for the incredible fan base that’s been born of the series that tells the epic story of the Dutton family. Starting with a clip of Costner’s John Dutton as he thanks a rowdy crowd celebrating him as he takes on the role of Governor of Montana, we soon hear some of Yellowstone‘s finest sharing their heart with fans.
“I’m here to say thank you — from the mean at the bottom of my heart; I mean it.”
Cole Hauser, who breathes life into Rip Wheeler, says the entire experience has been something otherworldly.
“Man, it’s pretty amazing — the support, not only for the show this year and myself just walking around here in Montana, and all over the country, really just the fan base.”
There is something powerful about walking around as a Dutton, and the cast and crew feel that even when the cameras are off. Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton, says that the growing passion from fans is something he’s enjoyed seeing over the years.
“It’s been amazing to watch the popularity of the show grow over the years and especially the past couple of years.”
Although Yellowstone has been on the air for a number of years, some fans didn’t take the ride to the ranch until it began being noticed by more mainstream media, but once they got their first breath of Yellowstone Dutton Ranch air, they couldn’t turn back.
Kelly Reilly, who brings a fiery Beth Dutton to life, echoes those same sentiments, saying their fan base has always been loyal and passionate and that, “You always hope the things you work on, people are going to enjoy — right?” Reilly is correct, and she also hit the nail on the head; fans do enjoy their hard work, and it certainly translates on screen.
Perhaps some of the most emotional conversations came from the stars who talked about how Yellowstone has been used as something families are bonding over. Entire generations of families are coming together to watch the Dutton family story, and that’s something hard to put into words. Jen Landon knows a thing or two about bringing an iconic character to life; as the daughter of the iconic Michael Landon, she understands what a television series can mean to someone.
“It’s amazing when you feel like the work is actually affecting people positively. And the interactions that I have with fans as I move through the world are the interactions are so positive and make me feel really good about what I do.”
Ian Bohen echoed similar ideas and said that it’s truly the pull of the family that makes him so proud, and hearing that children say it’s building a bridge between themselves and their parents — that’s something emotional to hear even as a fan.
“A show can blow up and have an instant fan base and be short-lived, but when you have people that talk about it. You have, you know, children that say that you’re getting closer to their parents because they’ve watched it together and, you know, grandparents and grandkids, and it’s snowballing upwards, and so it’s a gift. It’s a blessing. I’m incredibly honored to be a part of Yellowstone.”
Bentley also shared another quote with fans that got us feeling rather emotional, and it’s a perfect nod to the fact that Bentley is the reason Jamie Dutton is such a polarizing character; no one else would have nailed him with the right amount of light and dark, and the ability to balance it; letting each side win as it needs to most. He’s a character that makes a lot of decisions fans roll their eyes at, he thinks of himself first and does some unlikable things, but Bentley brings human nature to him.
“You work hard, and you want to bring something to the role so the fans can experience some emotion and some depth. So you give me the confidence, and I appreciate you — thank you.”
We’re not back on Team Jamie yet, but we’ll forever be on Team Bentley! With the second half of season five almost ready to begin filming and episodes upon episodes available for fans to rewatch on Peacock now, there’s never a lack of Dutton family drama, love, and chaos — it’s a Yellowstone world, and we’re just living in it. To hear the cast and crew hold as much passion as fans do for the roles they play and the story they’re telling, it’s further proof that Sheridan was building something special before fans even knew what we were getting into, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
For those who have been along for the ride since the first episode to those who joined the rodeo late, Yellowstone feels like home to fans all over the world, and there’s something inherently special about that.