“Yellowstone” returned to Paramount Network on Sunday. The fifth season premiered on Nov. 13, 2022, and will continue to be released every Sunday until the season ends. 

 “Yellowstone” is written and created by Taylor Sheridan, who is best known for “Sicario” and “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” the sequel to the previously mentioned film. 

 Sheridan has also expanded the world of “Yellowstone” with “1883: A Yellowstone Origin Story” featuring Tim McGraw (James Dutton) and Faith Hill (Margaret Dutton.) “1923: A Yellowstone Story” is yet to be released and is set December 18, 2022, on Paramount Plus. The drama series is set to star Harrison Ford (Jacob Dutton,) best known for playing Han Solo in “Star Wars,” and Helen Mirren (Cara Dutton.)

The cast of “Yellowstone” has illustrious actors like Kevin Costner (John Dutton), Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton), and Gil Birmingham (Chief Thomas Rainwater) who all are perfectly cast to represent each of their characters.  

The show follows the Dutton family as they try to ward off anyone who attempts to take their land and their ranch. The ranch has been in family possession for five generations. They face many challenges and suitors throughout the show’s seasons. Businessmen try to develop the land, Native Americans try to get their land back, and everything in between. 

Season five now finds John Dutton, the head of the family, as governor of Montana. A position he doesn’t want but must take in order for the betterment of the ranch’s future. John makes it extremely clear to his children in the first episode of season five, telling them “Everything from here on out is for the ranch. Every decision is for the ranch.”

The show is unlike anything that I have seen before based on its location and setting. Montana is a state generally used by rich people of New York and California as a “playground” and John aims to stop this as Governor of Montana. Rules and laws seemingly do not apply to the Duttons. They are either in positions of strong power like Attorney General and Governor or find a way to get out of any trouble. 

aZZZIf I did have to compare the show to other popular shows I would say “Yellowstone” is a mix between “The Sopranos” and a western film. This is simply based on the family aspect of the show. Each of the family members are tightly woven into the story and works together in nearly every aspect in order to protect their way of life. There is also a lot of killing throughout the seasons adding to“The Sopranos” comparison. 

The vast expansion of the story now carrying on from two separate shows all adds to the marvel that is “Yellowstone.” The care and complexity of the series’ are attributed to Sheridan’s expertly written story.

There is no shortage of fandom and hype surrounding this show and its premiere. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “‘Yellowstone’ season five premiere breaks rating record with 12.1 million viewers.” If this isn’t a call to action to watch this show I’m not sure what is. 

There is no telling how many more seasons of “Yellowstone” will be created and aired but, University of Minnesota Student Will Sherry had this to say about the show.

To catch up on “Yellowstone” seasons one through four watch on Peacock. To continue watching “Yellowstone” tune in to Paramount Network on Sundays at 7 central time.