Explosive Expansion: Yellowstone Set to Redefine Itself Amidst Kevin Costner's Impending Departure

Yellowstone has gained significant popularity in recent years and is set to become even bigger, despite Kevin Costner's upcoming departure from the franchise. The fifth season of Yellowstone marks the end of the original series, which follows the character John Dutton, portrayed by Costner, as he navigates the challenges of owning Montana's largest ranch. While this may not initially seem captivating, the show's popularity proves that the Dutton family consistently keeps audiences engaged.

There is no doubt that Yellowstone's fifth season will deliver an emotional conclusion later this year. However, even as the original series comes to a close, Paramount has already begun expanding the franchise by introducing a prequel series titled 1883, which premiered in late 2021. Additionally, the second prequel series, 1932, arrived towards the end of 2022. A sequel series for Yellowstone is also in the works, along with several spinoffs currently under development. Needless to say, fans will have plenty of opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the fictional world created by John Linson and Taylor Sheridan.

Yellowstone On CBS Will Make It Bigger Than Ever

Costner's departure from the Yellowstone franchise after season 5 could have negative implications for its upcoming sequel series and other spinoffs. The beloved actor has been a major draw for the show, and other successful franchises have suffered a decline in popularity after losing their lead actors. However, despite Costner's impending exit, Yellowstone is likely to experience an increase in interest. The series, currently available on the Paramount Network and Peacock, will begin airing on CBS this autumn.

The move to CBS means that audiences who do not have access to Paramount and Peacock will have the opportunity to experience the Western drama for the first time. Being on a network television platform is expected to attract a larger audience, bringing in viewers who may not have otherwise watched the show. This strategy has the potential to expand the series' viewership significantly. Additionally, television shows often experience a surge in popularity when transitioning from one network or platform to another. This has been observed numerous times on Netflix, with Breaking Bad being a notable example.

Why Yellowstone's Franchise Will Survive Kevin Costner's Exit

With the potential expansion of its fan base this autumn, Yellowstone is expected to survive even after Costner's departure. The show already has a dedicated following, and many of these viewers will likely explore the spinoffs of Yellowstone, assuming they haven't already delved into the prequels. Both 1883 and 1923 have achieved success without Costner leading the way, and this success has led to the development of four additional prequels. Each series has garnered strong viewership numbers, with 1883 experiencing a 108% increase when it transitioned from the Paramount Network to Paramount+ (via TheWrap).

The compelling concepts of Yellowstone's spinoffs contribute to their appeal, offering fresh perspectives on the original show. The current prequels delve into different generations of the Dutton family, with 1883 showcasing the origins of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Upcoming series such as 6666 and Lawman: Bass Reeves will shift the focus to other characters within the Yellowstone universe. The sequels will likely explore the aftermath of Yellowstone itself. It's all interconnected, providing something for fans of the original series to enjoy. This ensures the franchise will thrive even after Costner's departure.

Source: TheWrap