Taylor Sheridan crafted Yellowstone with a defiant twist, aiming to draw criticism rather than praise.

Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan’s hit neo-Western series, has been warmly received by viewers but has not found favor with critics and award panels.

Taylor, who transitioned from acting to writing, achieving acclaim with works like Sicario and Wind River, intentionally crafted Yellowstone to be unappealing to critics.

In an appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience, Taylor stated he designed the show for critics to “hate” it.This unique approach has clearly divided the audience and critical reception since its debut.

Yellowstone was initially offered to HBO, but after their pass, Paramount Network took a chance on the series, leading to its massive success.

Each season has seen a growth in viewership, with the season 5 premiere setting a 2022 record for the most-watched scripted TV show premiere, attracting 12.1 million viewers.

The show, starring Kevin Costner, continues to captivate audiences with its intense drama and complex characters.

Despite its popularity among viewers, Yellowstone has often been critiqued by reviewers for its straightforward narrative centered around land disputes.

Taylor acknowledged this criticism, pointing out that the lack of a traditional plot allows for a broader exploration of themes and perspectives. He commented on the Joe Rogan Experience, “It has no plot, really. In that, I have a lot of opportunities to poke fun, but also kind of point out different points of view and kind of really study a way of life and a world. There’s a lot of defiance in the way I do it… It’s not surprising that critics hate it because it’s designed for them to hate.”

Taylor also responded to analyses that label Yellowstone as a drama tailored to conservative audiences in the U.S., often referred to as a “red state drama.”

Despite these labels, Taylor emphasized that the series addresses universal issues such as “corporate greed, the gentrification of the West, and land-grabbing.”

By doing so, it offers a critique of modern societal issues beyond simple political divides.

Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock.

The conclusion of season 5 of Yellowstone is set to premiere in late 2024 on Paramount Network.