Yellowstone Not HBO Enough: The Surprising Popularity of a Cable Western
Yellowstone is one of the most popular shows on cable TV that doesn’t seem to receive enough media attention. The drama series, which features Kevin Costner as the cunning owner of the largest ranch in the US, has consistently enjoyed high ratings comparable to the hit shows Game of Thrones and Walking Dead. This article explores why the show has garnered critical acclaim despite its lack of media exposure.
Why is Yellowstone Not as Popular as HBO Shows?
One theory for the lack of media frenzy surrounding Yellowstone is that the show doesn’t air on HBO. It’s currently licensed to NBC’s Peacock and CBS’s Paramount+. Since HBO is synonymous with high-quality dramas, Yellowstone doesn’t receive the same level of critical attention as its contemporaries.
The Show’s Plot and Genre
Yellowstone is a violent drama about family legacy and change in Montana. It follows the story of the Duttons, a wealthy and powerful family, who own the largest contiguous ranch in the US. The show is a neo-western that explores themes of power, wealth, and family dynamics.
The Show’s Characters
Kevin Costner plays the lead character John Dutton, who is a manipulative and scheming ranch owner. The show also features an ensemble cast that includes Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Luke Grimes, who play Dutton’s children. The characters are complex, and their relationships are the driving force of the show.
The Show’s Audience Demographic and Popularity
Yellowstone’s popularity lies in its word-of-mouth advertising, particularly in rural areas. The show has become a cultural phenomenon in the heartland of America and has a loyal fan base of ex-urban viewers. Its ratings, which often go unnoticed because of its lack of media coverage, are comparable to the viewership of popular shows like Game of Thrones. Yellowstone is a unique show that builds its popularity without relying on streaming services as its contemporaries do.
Yellowstone Compared to Other Shows
Succession
Yellowstone shares similarities with Succession, an HBO drama series. Both shows deal with themes of power and family relationships, with Succession focusing on a wealthy family’s media conglomerate. Succession is a biting commentary on the morality of the rich, while Yellowstone is more romantic and philosophical in its themes.
The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead is another popular cable show that has garnered much critical acclaim and media attention. It features an ensemble cast and is a post-apocalyptic horror drama series. While Yellowstone is different in genre and narrative, its high ratings are comparable to The Walking Dead.
HBO’s Game of Thrones
HBO’s Game of Thrones is a high-budget fantasy drama series that relied heavily on streaming services to become a global phenomenon. While Yellowstone doesn’t have the same critical acclaim and media attention that Game of Thrones does, it has consistently garnered high ratings since its debut.
Conclusion
Yellowstone is a surprising hit on cable TV that doesn’t receive enough media coverage. The show’s unique themes, fascinating characters, and loyal fan base have made it a cultural phenomenon in the US heartland. While Yellowstone isn’t as popular as HBO shows like Game of Thrones or Succession, its consistent high ratings are proof of its enduring appeal.
FAQs
1. What is Yellowstone about?
Yellowstone is a violent drama about familial legacy and change in the mountains of Montana. It follows the story of the Duttons, a wealthy and powerful family, who own the largest contiguous ranch in the US.
2. Who are the lead actors in Yellowstone?
Kevin Costner plays the lead character John Dutton, who is a manipulative and scheming ranch owner. The show also features an ensemble cast that includes Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, and Luke Grimes, who play Dutton’s children.
3. What sets Yellowstone apart from other shows?
One of Yellowstone’s strengths is its unique set of themes, including power, wealth, and family dynamics. The show’s popularity also lies in its word-of-mouth advertising in rural areas, which has turned it into a cultural phenomenon.
4. How does Yellowstone compare to other shows?
Yellowstone shares similarities with HBO’s Succession and AMC’s The Walking Dead. While different in genre and narrative, all three shows explore themes of power and family relationships. Yellowstone is more philosophical in its themes compared to the biting commentary of Succession.
5. Why doesn’t Yellowstone receive as much media attention as HBO shows?
Yellowstone doesn’t air on HBO, which is synonymous with high-quality dramas. The show is currently licensed to NBC’s Peacock and CBS’s Paramount+. Yellowstone’s lack of media coverage doesn’t detract from its consistent high ratings and loyal fan base.