Every ‘Yellowstone’ Franchise Season, Ranked

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Today’s television offers a lot of popular shows, but Yellowstone stands out by creating something truly expansive. Taylor Sheridan didn’t just tell a story about ranch life, family, and land conflicts; he built a whole world that feels as wild and vast as Montana. It’s a saga centered on the Dutton family and generations of their struggles and dreams in the American West.

At its core, the success of this series centers around Yellowstone, a five-season show that combines dramatic storylines with realistic, high-quality filmmaking. Creator Taylor Sheridan then built upon this world with spin-offs, each offering a unique narrative. 1883 explores the harsh origins of the Dutton family and the immense struggles they faced to establish their ranch. And 1923 follows the next generation, depicting the challenges of Prohibition, the Great Depression, and changing power dynamics.

The various Yellowstone spin-offs actually enhance the original series, making each season feel like a distinct part of an epic American story, complete with its own unique atmosphere, victories, and heartbreaks. Considering all the shows together, you get eight seasons of compelling storytelling, all connected by Taylor Sheridan’s trademark blend of realism and spectacle. Here’s a ranking of every season across the entire Yellowstone franchise, from the beginning to now.

‘Yellowstone’ Season 5 (2023)


Paramount Network 

The last season of Yellowstone will be released in two parts, starting in November 2022 and finishing in December 2024. John Dutton becomes the governor of Montana, changing the focus from the ranch to politics. This new position creates conflicts with those who want to develop the land, his competitors, and even his family. Beth remains fiercely protective of the ranch, while Jamie becomes increasingly ambitious and untrustworthy. Meanwhile, Rip and the ranch hands deal with escalating dangers, and the question of who will take over the ranch looms over everything.

Kevin Costner was a strong force throughout much of the season, but his leaving halfway through was noticeable. Kelly Reilly’s Beth consistently stood out with her witty and determined character, while Wes Bentley’s Jamie and Cole Hauser’s Rip provided compelling contrasts. The season finale brought years of storylines to a satisfying conclusion, though the episodes without Costner felt less focused overall.

‘Yellowstone’ Season 4 (2021)


Paramount Network

Season 4, which began in November 2021, follows the aftermath of brutal attacks that left the Dutton family struggling to stay alive. John is recovering from a gunshot wound, Beth is dealing with the trauma of a bombing, and Kayce survived a violent attack. The ranch is under siege, facing attacks and escalating conflict throughout Montana, as the Duttons seek revenge. Throughout all this, the season also focuses on the deepening relationship between Rip and Beth, culminating in their wedding.

The season kicked off with a fast-paced, dramatic episode, and that energy continued all the way to the end. Kevin Costner delivered a powerful performance as John, showing the lasting effects of his past trauma, which made the family’s difficulties feel more real. Kelly Reilly was compelling as Beth, bringing her usual intensity, and Luke Grimes’ Kayce had some particularly memorable scenes, including a spiritual journey that added depth to his character. Fans responded more positively to Season 4 than Season 5, likely because it felt more grounded in the characters’ fight for survival and explored the complex relationship between Jamie and his birth father.

‘1923’ Season 2 (2024)


Paramount+

The second season of 1923, premiering in February 2025, takes place during the severe winter of 1924. Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren return as Jacob and Cara Dutton, struggling to keep their ranch afloat amidst harsh weather and financial difficulties. A central storyline follows Spencer Dutton’s dangerous trip back from Africa, and his relationship with Alexandra is strained by the distance and perils he faces. Adding to their troubles, Donald Whitfield’s increasingly elaborate plans threaten the Dutton family’s land.

As a big fan of the show, I’ve been following the Dutton family’s story closely, and this season really tried to balance the big, epic conflicts with the more personal struggles happening within the family. You really feel how they’re battling both outside threats and the harsh landscape itself. Honestly, Kevin Costner and Helen Mirren are phenomenal as always, and I was particularly moved by Brandon Sklenar’s performance – his character’s yearning for home felt so real, especially when things kept getting in his way. What I loved most is how this season broadened the Yellowstone world without losing what makes the show special; it felt like a natural, believable addition to the overall saga. But, if I’m being honest, it didn’t quite live up to the previous season. Things felt slower, and the storyline didn’t have the same sharp focus.

‘Yellowstone’ Season 1 (2018)


Paramount Network

The first season of Yellowstone, which debuted in June 2018, centers on John Dutton (Kevin Costner), the head of America’s biggest ranch. The show follows his struggle to keep his land safe from those who want it – including developers, Native American tribes seeking to regain their historical lands, and powerful politicians. Throughout the season, we also see the personal struggles of John’s children, Beth, Jamie, and Kayce, as they deal with conflicts over land, shocking betrayals, and intense violence.

Kevin Costner’s presence instantly signaled that Yellowstone would be something special. Combined with Kelly Reilly’s clever and tough portrayal of Beth and Luke Grimes’ Kayce’s complicated return to the ranch after his military service, the show offered a rich and dramatic story. While initial reactions were varied, the first season of Yellowstone steadily gained popularity as viewers became captivated by its unique mix of modern Western themes and family drama.

‘1923’ Season 1 (2022)


Paramount+

Set in the early 1920s, the first season of 1923 centers on Jacob and Cara Dutton as they fight to protect their Montana ranch during a turbulent period in American history. The season depicts the difficulties of Prohibition, the approaching Great Depression, and conflicts between ranchers and those seeking to industrialize the land. We also follow Spencer Dutton’s adventures in Africa, revealing how events far away impact the family’s future. Adding to their struggles, Donald Whitfield is scheming to take their land, forcing Jacob and Cara to fight for their survival and the continuation of the Dutton legacy.

The first season of 1923 stood out for its strong acting. Harrison Ford portrayed a convincing weariness, while Helen Mirren brought a fierce energy to her role. Brandon Sklenar’s character, Spencer, added emotional depth, particularly through his love story with Alexandra, which offered a softer side to the show’s often brutal depiction of frontier life. Viewers also loved the beautiful visuals and Taylor Sheridan’s skill at combining historical accuracy with a personal family story. Ultimately, the season resonated with audiences because it focused on compelling characters while still capturing the challenges of life on the frontier.

‘1883’ (2021)


Paramount+

1883 tells the story of how the Dutton family first came to Montana. James and Margaret Dutton, played by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, join a wagon train led by Shea Brennan (Sam Elliott) to guide a group of immigrants across the dangerous plains. The journey is incredibly difficult, with many people dying from illness, attacks, and the harsh environment. The story is narrated by Elsa (Isabel May), and we see her grow up alongside the family’s hardships. Ultimately, the Duttons face tragedy as they try to establish themselves in Montana, and Elsa’s death has a lasting impact on their future.

The series 1883 has been hugely popular, offering a realistic and often harsh look at how the Dutton family first began. Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Sam Elliott gave particularly impressive performances as the Dutton parents and their trusted companion. Beautifully filmed and historically accurate, the show vividly brings the challenges and landscapes of the American West to life, making the Dutton family’s early story truly memorable.

‘Yellowstone’ Season 2 (2019)


Paramount Plus

Season 2 of Yellowstone, which premiered in 2019, ratchets up the drama at the Dutton ranch with the arrival of the Beck brothers – wealthy and influential businessmen connected to armed groups. John Dutton, already facing threats from Thomas Rainwater and Dan Jenkins, finds himself increasingly isolated as his rivals team up against him. The season explores the aftermath of John’s medical emergency, Kayce’s attempts to juggle family life and ranch work, and Beth’s unwavering dedication to protecting the land.

The conflict escalates this season, with the Dutton family facing intense challenges including kidnappings and betrayals that test their strength. By the end, they’re forced to make difficult choices. Season two excels at storytelling, exploring the complicated ethical dilemmas the Duttons encounter. The acting is outstanding, particularly from Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley, and Gil Birmingham, who each bring their characters to life with compelling performances. Known for its gripping intensity and unexpected turns – like the shocking kidnapping of Tate – this season is easily one of the most captivating in the series.

‘Yellowstone’ Season 3 (2020)

The third season of Yellowstone, which began in June 2020, introduces a new threat: Market Equities, a large corporation aiming to take over the Dutton ranch. John Dutton finds himself under attack from both the political arena and the world of big business. His daughter, Beth, fights back against the corporation with a campaign of her own. Kayce takes on more responsibility, pushing his limits, while Jamie’s secret adoption is revealed, causing even more division and distrust within the family.

Season three features a truly shocking finale, with coordinated attacks leaving John, Beth, and Kayce injured and viewers stunned. The combination of building suspense and dramatic reveals is what makes this season the strongest in the series. Kelly Reilly’s performance as Beth was captivating, and her sharp-tongued confrontations with the executives at Market Equities added a lot of intensity. Kevin Costner’s Kayce also had several standout moments. While the season ended on a brutal cliffhanger, it was a pivotal moment for the story, cementing Yellowstone’s reputation as one of television’s most gripping and well-made dramas.

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2025-12-19 04:20