Unmasking 'Yellowstone': A Prestige TV Veiled in Soap Opera Drama

The Big Picture

Yellowstone, a neo-Western drama, has achieved a massive following on both cable and streaming platforms, proving that audience ratings matter more than critical ones.

The term "soap opera" is frequently misused, but it aptly characterizes lengthy, dramatic television serials with extensive casts, such as Yellowstone. Despite facing criticism for its soap-like traits, Yellowstone is hailed as a prestigious cable drama due to its cinematic flair, outstanding ensemble, and dedication to authentic storytelling about the contemporary American West.

Yellowstone, the neo-Western series, has successfully garnered a massive fanbase on both cable and streaming platforms. Since its premiere on the Paramount Network in 2018, the show has consistently captivated viewers, leading to highly popular Yellowstone marathons, particularly during Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. Additionally, the series has performed exceptionally well on Peacock and found tremendous success on CBS after its network debut. It comes as no surprise, then, that the various prequels and spin-offs have also found great acclaim on Paramount's in-house streaming service. However, despite its impressive viewership numbers, this esteemed Western drama teeters on the verge of becoming a melodramatic affair in its own right.

Similar to Dallas, Yellowstone can be categorized as a primetime soap opera at its core. Though the term is often used derogatorily, it doesn't diminish the quality of the series. In fact, the 1980 episode of Dallas titled "Who Done It" remains the second most-watched prime-time telecast of all time, just behind the M.A.S.H. series finale. This goes to show that, in many instances, audience ratings hold greater significance than critical acclaim. Created by Taylor Sheridan, Yellowstone has resonated deeply with viewers, surpassing even AMC's The Walking Dead to become the most-watched show on cable. It's a remarkable achievement for a modern soap opera, let alone one that combines elements of the Western genre.

'Yellowstone' Shares Many Traits of a Traditional Soap Opera

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The term "soap opera" is often misused by people who are unfamiliar with its definition. According to Oxford Reference, soap opera refers to a long-running serialized drama that is broadcasted frequently on television and radio. These narratives often feature large casts and are notorious for their excessive melodrama and reliance on sentimental choices rather than logical reasoning. If we were to sum up the character of Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) in one phrase, it would be "soap opera."

The term "soap" in soap opera originates from the soap companies that sponsored radio dramas in the 1950s. These dramas were mostly listened to by housewives and elderly audiences, thus giving rise to the name soap operas. Interestingly, other genres like Westerns and science fiction also have their own subgenres similar to soap operas, such as horse operas and space operas. The latter term gained prominence with the popularity of Star Trek and Star Wars. However, the primary focus of soap operas remains passionate relationships and characters who, despite learning moral lessons, rarely undergo significant changes in the long run. And even if they do, it usually takes a considerable amount of time.

'Yellowstone' Prioritizes Melodrama Over Plot Development

In the past, soap operas gained popularity due to their interconnected storylines, featuring diverse characters whose plotlines intersected from time to time across multiple episodes. These shows were known for their ability to hook viewers with dramatic cliffhangers, making sure that each season ended with a sense of anticipation. Dallas, in particular, became famous for its unexpected season-ending cliffhanger, famously known as the "Who shot J.R.?" phenomenon. As a result of this well-crafted publicity stunt, the Season 4 premiere of Dallas attracted a staggering 90 million viewers, as reported by The New York Times.

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Besides Beth Dutton's affinity for outdoor bathing, Yellowstone could be regarded as a high-status soap opera for more obvious reasons. Notably, there are always multiple storylines unfolding concurrently, all of which eventually converge in the most dramatic manner imaginable. In Yellowstone, this typically entails various characters mercilessly attacking each other (often with a sizable audience present), causing explosions, or subjecting individuals or objects to the branded "Y" of the infamous Dutton Ranch. Even the demise of Lee Dutton (Dave Annable) in the very first episode exudes a distinct soap opera essence, serving more as a narrative catalyst than a genuine catalyst for character development.

Despite facing consistent criticism, Yellowstone has managed to capture the attention and loyalty of its audience. The series was described as "soapy trash" by Entertainment Weekly, highlighting its desire to be taken seriously. It was further criticized for its expensive visuals, slow pace, excessive violence, and seemingly pointless exploration of the dark side of egotistical murderers. However, despite these negative reviews, viewers have embraced the show's charmingly dramatic appeal.

Taylor Sheridan's neo-Western epic, often likened to "cowboy fanfiction," places a greater emphasis on melodrama rather than other aspects. Particularly in its early years, even the simplest lines of dialogue were crafted with a sense of urgency, as if they held life or death significance in order to portray the cowboys as more cultured. However, Sheridan could have taken inspiration from Craig Johnson's Longmire novels for a more authentic portrayal. While ranching is undoubtedly a difficult profession and cowboys can face dangerous situations, there is a point where the exaggeration becomes far-fetched. Fortunately, the series has gradually toned down these elements, allowing for more compelling stories centered around ranch life rather than an excessive number of cowboy felonies.

Years Later, the Duttons Never Seem to Change on 'Yellowstone'

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But if there's one prominent aspect of Yellowstone that aligns perfectly with soap operas, it's the focus on a wealthy family filled with individuals who both love and hate each other. Just like Dallas distinguished itself as a primetime soap, Yellowstone sets itself apart as a prestigious one by embracing the snobby family drama that always reaches a boiling point without any true resolution. In fact, Yellowstone takes the family drama even further, as evident through the frequent outbursts from Beth during dinner table scenes.

Think about how many times Beth and Jamie have exploded at each other, or how often she mentions having him under her control. And let's not forget the constant clashes between Kayce and Monica over the Dutton Ranch, and their differing views on the person the latter is becoming. It's formulaic, almost soapy, and although Yellowstone is far from being trash as some critics might argue, it does share similarities with its equestrian/soap opera predecessors. At some point, the lack of character development starts to feel repetitive, even though we find satisfaction in the brawls between Rip and anyone who crosses his path. Interestingly, amidst the turbulent family drama, the only characters who undergo genuine and lasting development over multiple seasons are the ranch hands.

Five seasons have passed, yet John Dutton (Kevin Costner) remains remarkably unchanged. Beth is still struggling to function properly (and as John referred to her back in Season 1, she can be considered "evil"), Kayce still lacks clear direction, and Jamie persistently manipulates the system to further his political ambitions. Comparing the Duttons in the pilot episode, "Daybreak," to the latest episode of Season 5, one could almost skip through the majority of the series. However, doing so would mean missing out on the growth of the supporting characters, which is primarily embodied by Jefferson White's Jimmy.

Despite Its Soapiness, 'Yellowstone' Is Still Prestigious

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When it comes to defining a soap opera, there are very few long-running television productions that don't meet the criteria. The CW has showcased numerous shows that fit the bill, as have other esteemed and highly regarded series like Succession. While "soapy" is often used as a derogatory term, it's important not to dismiss Yellowstone as a cable drama. Granted, there are valid criticisms to be made about the Taylor Sheridan series (and it falls short of its prequels 1883 and 1923), but that doesn't undermine its status as a prestigious television show. Surprisingly, it still holds that distinction.

Yellowstone stands out from the numerous TV Westerns, particularly those of the neo-Western variety, thanks to its cinematic style. The exceptional stars, including the main cast who consistently deliver outstanding performances, such as Neil McDonough, Hugh Dillon, Q'orianka Kilcher, Walter C. Taylor III, James Jordan, Jacki Weaver, Will Patton, and even Sheridan himself, further elevate the series, showcasing its true grit. Despite the somewhat stagnant plot and limited character growth, audiences are drawn back to the show season after season for a reason. And it's not just because of the breathtaking landscapes.

The sheer talent involved, along with the high production value that comes from actually filming in Montana, keeps Yellowstone at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist and maintains its popularity with fans across the country. What truly sets Sheridan's flagship Paramount series apart from other so-called prestigious dramas disguised as soaps is its unwavering dedication to telling complex and somewhat authentic stories about the modern American West. Plus, who doesn't enjoy a well-crafted Western?