HBO's Controversial Shun: The Stunning Rejection of Yellowstone, the Blockbuster Western
Unveiling the brutal rejection faced by Yellowstone, the hit Western show, the creator reveals HBO's dismissive stance, stating, 'No one should reside in that untamed territory'
Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan recounts HBO's rejection of the now mega-hit Western franchise. Focusing on the Dutton family as the owners of the largest ranch in Montana, Yellowstone has emerged as a remarkable success in a television landscape with relatively few. Its most recent season 5 premiere drew over 12 million viewers, building upon previous popularity and inspiring other networks and streamers to explore the Western genre. Sheridan's flagship series has also spawned spinoffs and prequels, featuring renowned actors such as Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford.
In an extensive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, where Sheridan also discussed the ongoing issues with Yellowstone star Kevin Costner, the franchise creator reveals that the show could have ended up on HBO. Sheridan recalls attending a lunch at an upscale establishment in West L.A. where Yellowstone co-creator John Linson directly asked an unnamed HBO vice president about their decision to pass on the show. Read the response below:
“We dine at a stylish establishment in West L.A. And [Yellowstone co-creator] John Linson finally inquires: ‘Why are you reluctant to pursue this project?’ And the vp responds: ‘Well, it just seems too focused on Middle America. We're HBO, known for our cutting-edge and pioneering approach. This feels like a regression. And honestly, I don't believe anyone should reside out there [in rural Montana]. It should remain a park or something.’ “
Yellowstone Has A Lot In Common With A Few HBO Dramas
Yellowstone and Succession may seem different in terms of setting and genre, but they share similarities in being bombastic dramas that revolve around dysfunctional family dynamics. This general descriptor also applies, to some extent, to HBO's Righteous Gemstones. However, it is worth noting how the HBO executive responded to Sheridan's retelling with preconceived notions about the location and direction of the narrative.
The response from the HBO VP highlights the elitism and dismissiveness that may be present in Yellowstone's lack of recognition. This raises a larger discussion about classism and the implications of cultural preferences. Sheridan himself has already addressed this issue, rejecting simplistic notions about the themes portrayed in Yellowstone.
Source: THR
