The creator of Paramount smash hit Yellowstone hit back at liberal media critics of the series, who he believes have labeled it the “Red State Show,” arguing that anyone who thinks so “probably never saw it.” .
Taylor Sheridan, who is not only preparing the show’s fifth season but is also working on several star-studded spin-offs, spoke about perceptions of the series in an interview.
Yellowstone was the most-watched show outside of the National Football League by viewers under the age of 50 last year, beating all broadcast network series despite airing on the Paramount Network.
The series – which has been dubbed “anti-woke” by some critics – was finally recognized by the SAG Awards earlier this year but remains wildly unpopular at the Emmys, with some suggesting this is due to the show’s perception of being conservative .
Sheridan slammed it, telling The Atlantic, “They call it ‘the conservative show’ or ‘the republican show’ or ‘the Red State’s Game of Thrones, and I just sit back and laugh.
‘I’m like, ‘Really?’ The show talks about the displacement of Native Americans and the way Native American women were treated, as well as corporate greed, gentrification of the West and land grabs. Is this a Red State show?’
The creator of Paramount smash hit Yellowstone (left) hit back at liberal media critics of the series, which he says he has dubbed the “Red State Show” or conservative, arguing that anyone who thinks “probably never saw it “.
Taylor Sheridan (pictured left), who is preparing not only the fifth season of the series, which is set to premiere on Sunday, but also several star-studded spin-offs, spoke in an interview about perceptions of the series
Yellowstone was the most-watched show outside of the National Football League by viewers under the age of 50 last year, beating all broadcast network series despite airing on the Paramount Network
The New York Times called the show “a conservative fantasy that liberals should see,” and a negative review from The Guardian called it “Game of Thrones set on a ranch.”
It’s a far cry from when the New York Post described the Sheridan-written Jeff Bridges film Hell or High Water as “nearly undone by its left-wing leanings” just six years ago.
Writer Kyle Smith then called this film, in which Sheridan was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe, “A desperado drama wrapped around a Bernie Sanders campaign speech.”
However, he told the New York Times: “People perceive all my stuff as ‘Red State’ and that’s the most ridiculous thing. If you really watch this show or Sicario or Wind River, those are pretty wildly progressive shows.
Sheridan said his primary goal is “responsible storytelling.”
“I wanted there to be real consequences. I never, ever wanted to shy away from, “That was the price.”
He later added that his policies — particularly past criticism of both former President Donald Trump and the concept of white privilege — are more complex.
Sheridan told The Atlantic his main goal is “responsible storytelling.” “I wanted there to be real consequences. I never, ever wanted to shy away from it, that was the price.
He later added that his policies — particularly past criticism of both former President Donald Trump and the concept of white privilege — are more complex
Kevin Costner as John Dutton in a promotional photo for Paramount’s “Yellowstone”
Sheridan said, “You should be careful not to abuse the subject you are trying to teach and find a way for them to digest your point without distracting them from it.”
His game appears to have paid off in many ways, as he reportedly landed a $200 million development deal with Paramount in 2021 as executives admit they are “doubling, tripling” Sheridan.
Not only is he producing the series 1883 and Mayor of Kingstown, he’s bringing two more series to Paramount in the coming months, including Tulsa King, starring Sylvester Stallone, and 1923, which is co-headlined by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
In all, Sheridan is currently working on eight different shows, including the flagship Yellowstone.
Members of the cast have brushed off the repeated snubs, claiming that the recognition they’re receiving from the show’s ever-growing fan base is the true distinction.
Sheridan poses with Sam Elliott in a promo for the Paramount series ‘1883’
Sheridan said, “You should be careful not to abuse the subject you are trying to teach and find a way for them to digest your point without distracting them from it.”
Speaking to at the season five premiere, Wes Bentley, who plays Jamie Dutton, explained: “Personally, I don’t think awards confirm anything.
“It’s an honor, as they say, but as far as it says whether we’re doing a good thing or not, that’s not what it is.”
He continued, “Many, many shows don’t get the recognition they deserve and many get the recognition they don’t deserve. It’s just a matter of opinion of the respective academy.
“I know we’re a success because people see it. The conversations I have with the fans are so much deeper than usual.”
His co-star Gil Birmingham, who plays tribal leader Thomas Rainwater, agreed, adding, “Hollywood is a fickle animal. I think it’s more important that we captured the hearts and minds of the audience and our fans.
Brush it off: The cast of Yellowstone have shared their true feelings about being snubbed by Hollywood awards shows. (Left to right – Wes Bentley, from left Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, Gil Birmingham and Cole Hauser)
Family Business: Pictured left to right: Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly), John Dutton (Kevin Costner), Monica Long (Kelsey Asbille) and Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley). Front Row – Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) and Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser)
Though the show didn’t win the award, Kelsey Asbille (who plays Monica Dutton) revealed it was great to be there alongside her peers in the industry.
“Being at the SAG Awards overall was so meaningful, but awards are definitely not what it’s about,” she explained. “It’s a dream job and we’re just happy to be here.”
Meanwhile, Jefferson White (who stars as Jimmy Hurdstrom) stated that he’d like to see the show change tide with season five.
He explained, “I hope this season gets awards because I love these actors and I think they do a great job.
“I hope other people take credit for that, but it’s also really true that the fan reaction to that is the recognition these actors deserve and we’re so lucky to have that.”
In season five, John Dutton (Kevin Costner) is sworn in as governor of Montana and reveals the chaos, enemies, and “war” that immediately follows.
Yellowstone Season 5 will be split into two parts, each with seven episodes.