Missing your weekly “Yellowstone” episode fix? Here’s a list of fun facts about the show and its cast to keep you entertained while we wait for the second half of Season 5, currently set to air sometime in the summer of 2023.
Starring Kevin Costner as family patriarch John Dutton, “Yellowstone” follows the exploits of the Dutton family including the conflicts surrounding their Montana cattle ranch and the various troubles encroaching on their borders which look to turn their way of life upside down.
1. When did “Yellowstone” premiere?
The show premiered June 20, 2018.
2. Where is “Yellowstone” filmed?
The show is filmed primarily at the Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana. Overnight accommodations are available when the show is not in production.
CANNES, FRANCE - JUNE 21: Kevin Costner speaks during 'A conversation with Kevin Costner from Paramount Network and Yellowstone' during the Cannes Lions Festival 2018 on June 21, 2018 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Richard Bord/Getty Images for Cannes Lions)Getty Images for Cannes Lions
3. Costner’s salary
Actor Kevin Costner was paid $500,000 per episode for the first season of the show.
Taylor Sheridan arrives at the 89th Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
4. Who is the show’s creator?
Actor Taylor Sheridan began work on the series years before it went into production. Sheridan, who has also appeared in multiple episodes of the show, spent time growing up on a ranch in Texas.
5. Life imitating art
Sheridan made his own headlines in 2022 when he bought the Four Sixes ranch which appeared on the show.
Kelly Reilly, a cast member in the Paramount Network television series "Yellowstone," poses at the Paramount Network, Comedy Central, TV Land Press Day 2019 at the London West Hollywood, Thursday, May 30, 2019, in West Hollywood, Calif. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
6. A trans-Atlantic transplant
Kelly Reilly, who plays John’s daughter Beth, is actually English.
7. Being a cowboy is in his blood
Forrie Smith, who plays Lloyd, has a background in the rodeo world. He grew up on a ranch in Montana and both his father and grandfather competed in rodeos. Smith’s son, Forrest, plays a younger Lloyd in flashback scenes.
Actor Cole Hauser attends the premiere for "Yellowstone" season five at the Walter Reade Theater on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)Andy Kropa/Invision/AP
8. Acting is in their blood
Cole Hauser, who plays Rip, is the son of actor Wings Hauser. His great-grandfather, Harry Warner, was also one of the founders of Warner Bros. Michael Landon’s daughter Jen has appeared since Season 1 as ranch hand Teeter. Josh Brolin’s daughter Eden also appeared on the show as Mia.
9. Guest appearances
John’s wife, Evelyn, who died prior to the events at the start of the show was played in flashback scenes by actress Gretchen Mol. Actress Jill Hennessy appeared as a senator in Season 1 as did James Pickens Jr. who played an aging cowboy.
Helen Mirren, left, and Harrison Ford arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of "1923," Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at Hollywood American Legion Post 43. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
10. It’s already spawned two spinoffs
Both “1883″ and “1923″ can be seen on Paramount Plus. A third show, this time a spinoff about a Texas ranch, is also in the works.
11. The two prequels have drawn major star power
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill appearing in “1883″ as James and Margaret Dutton while Harrison Ford appears in “1923″ as James’ brother Jacob and Helen Mirren plays his wife Cara.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - SEPTEMBER 14: Lainey Wilson performs during In the Round: Songs of "Yellowstone" panel for AMERICANAFEST 2022 at Hutton Hotel on September 14, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for for Americana Music )Getty Images for for Americana M
12. A musical connection
New cast member Lainey Wilson actually had her part written into the show specifically for her by Sheridan. He had previously used some of her music in earlier seasons of the show.
13. More musical connections
Wilson isn’t the only member of the cast with a music background. Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker is also a singer and writer who won an Oscar for the song ‘The Weary Kind’ from the film ‘Crazy Heart’ while Luke Grimes recently released his debut single.
14. Awards season
The show has been nominated for one Emmy Award, in 2021. It also received its first SAG nomination in 2022. Kevin Costner recently won the show’s first major award, taking home the 2023 Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama TV Series.
15. How many episodes are there?
Season 5 is the longest one yet for the series, coming in at 14 episodes. Seasons 2-4 were only 10 each and Season 1 had 9 episodes.
How to catch up on prior episodes of “Yellowstone”
Episodes for the first half of “Yellowstone” are available on-demand from the following serivices: Philo (free trial) | FuboTV (free trial) | DirecTV Stream (free trial). In addition, Seasons 1-4 of the show are available exclusively on the Peacock streaming service.