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Yellowstone began in 2013, when writer and director Taylor Sheridan started developing a neo-Western drama after moving away from acting. He built the story around the Dutton family, Montana ranchers defending their land from developers, Native American reservations, and political pressure. The project was initially developed for HBO, but the network passed on it after disputes over casting and direction.

According to Sheridan, HBO executive Mike Lombardo suggested that the series needed Robert Redford in the lead role to move forward. Sheridan secured Redford’s interest, but later heard that HBO had meant an actor “at Redford’s level.” Before leaving the company, Lombardo allowed Sheridan to take back the rights, opening the way for Paramount Network.

In May 2017, Paramount Network ordered Yellowstone as its first scripted series, with a ten-episode first season. Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Company were initially attached as producers. Still, his name was removed in October 2017 after sexual harassment allegations became public. Kevin Costner joined as John Dutton after Sheridan personally persuaded him.

The series premiered on June 20, 2018, and ended on December 15, 2024, after five seasons and 53 episodes. Peacock acquired U.S. streaming rights in 2020, helping expand its audience beyond cable. Sheridan expanded the universe with 1883 in 2021 and 1923 in 2022. Season five opened with 12.1 million first-day viewers. At the same time, its second part reached 16.4 million in November 2024 after Costner left due to scheduling conflicts with Horizon.