With Kevin Costner at the helm and a big budget backing the project, Yellowstone was poised to become the next great American drama. A sprawling saga of power, family, and land, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Montana’s wilderness — it was a formula many thought would be a guaranteed success. But after watching the first season, it’s clear: Yellowstone is a soapy mess that struggles to live up to the hype.

A GRAND CONCEPT, BUT A MESSY EXECUTION

From the very first episode, Yellowstone sets itself up as a bold series that aims to explore the American West through the eyes of the Dutton family, landowners of the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. The stakes are high, the characters complex, and the conflicts at the heart of the show — from land disputes to family loyalty — promise deep, emotional storytelling.

Yet, despite its grand ambitions, the show fails to deliver a cohesive, compelling narrative. What was supposed to be a gritty, powerful drama too often feels like a soap opera. The writing is riddled with clichés, and the plot quickly devolves into melodrama. For every intense moment, there’s an equally ridiculous one, making it hard to take the stakes seriously.

“At times, the dialogue feels forced, like it’s trying too hard to be dramatic. The show spends as much time on the Dutton family’s personal squabbles as it does on anything remotely meaningful,” said one critic.

KEVIN COSTNER: A STRONG PERFORMANCE IN A WEAK SERIES

One thing Yellowstone has going for it is the presence of Kevin Costner. As John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, Costner brings an undeniable gravitas to the role. His performance as a powerful man trying to hold onto his land and legacy is one of the few bright spots in a series that often feels weighed down by melodrama.

But even Costner’s performance can’t save the show from its repetitive storytelling. Despite his best efforts, his character’s motivations often feel predictable, and his emotional arc lacks the depth we’ve come to expect from such a seasoned actor.

“Costner does what he can with the material, but it’s hard to care about his character when the show constantly undermines its own emotional weight,” one review stated.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: STUCK IN SOAP OPERA TERRITORY

While Costner’s John Dutton is given ample screen time to develop, the other characters seem to be trapped in the confines of soap opera clichés. The Dutton children, particularly Beth (played by Kelly Reilly) and Jamie (played by Wes Bentley), are stuck in endless cycles of personal turmoil. Their motivations — and, at times, their actions — feel forced and overly dramatic, which pulls the audience out of the story rather than drawing them in.

“Beth’s character is written like she’s constantly on the verge of a breakdown, but it often feels exaggerated and lacks any real depth,” a viewer wrote on social media.

Similarly, Rip Wheeler (played by Cole Hauser) seems to be the show’s attempt at a stoic, tragic hero, but his character arc is predictable and lacks any real substance. Despite the talented cast, the underdeveloped characters and constant back-and-forth between overblown conflicts make it hard to connect with anyone on-screen.

A VISUAL TREAT, BUT LACKLUSTER STORY

There’s no denying the stunning cinematography that Yellowstone offers. The sprawling landscapes of Montana are breathtaking, and the show is filled with sweeping shots of the rugged wilderness. The visuals alone might be enough to keep some viewers engaged, but the lack of strong storytelling ultimately undermines the show’s potential.

“It’s a beautiful show to look at, but beauty doesn’t make up for lackluster writing and characters that feel more like archetypes than real people,” one fan commented.

WHERE DOES YELLOWSTONE GO FROM HERE?

While Yellowstone certainly has its moments — particularly in the areas of cinematography and Costner’s performance — it’s ultimately weighed down by soap opera-level drama, underdeveloped characters, and an overly familiar plot. Despite all the promises of a high-stakes, thrilling family saga, the show can’t seem to escape its own self-indulgence.

There’s hope for improvement, though. With Season 2 on the horizon, the show has a chance to correct some of its missteps and explore more meaningful character arcs. However, if the first season is any indication, Yellowstone may continue to struggle with delivering a truly compelling and original story.

For now, Yellowstone is stuck in the limbo of mediocrity, riding on the coattails of its talented cast and gorgeous visuals — but ultimately failing to deliver the riveting, complex drama it promised.