Summary
Rip Wheeler, portrayed by Cole Hauser in Yellowstone, initially harbored concerns about the show's ability to retain its viewership. However, he was greatly relieved and gratified to witness the overwhelming adoration bestowed upon both his character and the entire cast.
Yellowstone has experienced a tremendous surge in popularity over the years, transforming it into one of the most highly-watched television series. Its transition from Paramount Network to CBS has further boosted its viewership, capturing even larger audiences.
The show owes a significant part of its ongoing success to its distinct storyline and the consistent presence of Kevin Costner.
Cole Hauser, who portrays the character of Rip Wheeler on the popular TV series Yellowstone, once had concerns about the show's ability to retain its audience. Initially launching in June 2018, this modern Western drama revolves around the Dutton Family, specifically their patriarch John Dutton (played by Kevin Costner), as he grapples with the task of safeguarding their cattle ranch from both a neighboring Indian reservation and aggressive land developers. Amidst these challenges, John must also navigate personal health issues, political ambitions, and internal family conflicts.
During an interview with Esquire, Hauser expresses that he harbored doubts about the show's ability to maintain a devoted following prior to the premiere of the first half of Yellowstone season 5, which aired in November 2022. However, he is pleased to discover that not only do viewers have a great affinity for his character, but also for the entire cast, as evidenced by the show's latest season achieving its highest streaming numbers thus far. For Hauser's complete remarks, please refer to the following:
I was concerned about potentially losing our audience prior to Season Five, but to our surprise, the opposite happened. The fanbase genuinely adores not only my character, but everyone else as well. It's truly remarkable to realize that people have such a strong emotional connection. That's definitely the reason why we do what we do.
Yellowstone’s Viewership Has Increased Over The Years
Although centered on an age-old family ranch, the show has experienced an impressive surge in popularity, with each season delivering commendable ratings. Remarkably, the Yellowstone franchise has expanded extensively since its inception, giving birth to two ongoing spinoffs: I883 and 1923, with two additional spinoffs currently in the works.
Yellowstone currently stands as one of the most popular TV series. While the first two seasons aired on Paramount Network and still had decent viewership, the move to CBS significantly improved its numbers. The season 3 premiere attracted 7.6 million viewers, while the subsequent premieres of seasons 4 and 5 garnered over 12 million viewers each.
There are several reasons why Yellowstone's popularity continues to rise even after five seasons. Firstly, the show offers a refreshing departure from the typical themes and ideas seen in many modern shows. This uniqueness appeals to audiences who are seeking something different. Additionally, Kevin Costner's consistent presence throughout the five seasons is undoubtedly a factor that keeps drawing in more viewers. As we await the release of season 5, part 2, it will be intriguing to see if the show can maintain its impressive viewership.
Source: Esquire