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A major crisis has befallen TV’s No. 1 drama.
Paramount Network may prematurely pull the plug on Yellowstone amid a behind-the-scenes dispute with leading man Kevin Costner. [pmc_inline_gallery]
According to our sister pub Deadline, “The crux of the issue… involves Costner and disagreements over shooting schedules,” with the Oscar winner allegedly wanting to limit himself to just one week of shooting on the remaining eight episodes of Season 5, which are scheduled to air summer.
Deadline notes that Costner’s shooting schedule has been a “source of frustration” for series creator Taylor Sheridan,” and is “causing morale problems with his co-stars, which includes Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille and Gil Birmingham.
Paramount Network is said to have declined Costner’s alleged one-week-only work proposal and is instead looking to launch a new iteration of Yellowstone to possibly star Matthew McConaughey and — this is key — to air on Paramount+ vs. the linear network. As a result, OG Yellowstone could end this summer at the conclusion of Season 5.
In a statement, a Paramount Network rep said, “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part of Yellowstone and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner.”
The Yellowstone franchise currently consists of the mothership and Paramount+ prequels 1883 (which is continuing in the form of a spinoff, titled 1883: The Bass Reeves Story and starring David Oyelowo and Dennis Quaid) and 1923 (which was recently renewed for Season 2). Additionally, Sheridan is developing limited-run series set on the Dutton Ranch in the 1940s and ’60s, and 6666 (set on the Four Sixes Ranch first seen on Yellowstone).
If Yellowstone is canceled there will be no reason to watch the Paramount channel because everything will be on Paramount +.
I’m confused. Cancel the whole show because he’s being a Diva? Why not just kill his character off like they almost did in the past? Many other people are a big part of the show. It’s not ‘Kevin Costner’s’ Yellowstone.
…..and what does Matthew M. have to do with anything? Who would he be?
John “chubby” Dutton is kidnapped by vegans and loses 100 lbs and comes back as a woke Matthew M!
Practically writes itself.
This just made my day, thank you! 😂
That comment wins the day! The writers should take this idea and run with it 😂
Wonderful! LOL
I’m glad you said Matthew M. Ain’t nobody gonna be able to spell his last name!!!
Yeah I don’t get it either. You have several episodes left, if Costner doesn’t show to work you kill him off off screen, or do a soup opera plastic surgery replacement. As all the spinoffs have shown, Costner isn’t the show.
My guess is that the show owners are willing to cancel it, they are bluffing to get Costner to stop being a diva.
IMHO that it is a “bluff” to get Costner to “stop bing a diva” does not make sense. If Costner ha made it clear he has decided he is willing to only appear a limited times more and that’s it–then,unless he’s already bound by contract-that’s it. Costner is very comfortably well-off so highly unlikely it’s a ploy to get offered more $/advantages . Many don’t understand how time-intensive filming TV series can be from table reading,rehearsals ,actual filming,post-production such as re-shoots,dialogue looping,etc..
I’m with you. Kill Costner’s character off. He isn’t my favourite anyway. That would be “Rip”. 😉
We all love Rip and Beth, but can they really carry the show?
No
Yes
Reread the *key* part again. The spin-off will be on Paramount+, not on Paramount network. In other words, if they keep Yellowstone going as is then the streaming rights stay where there are now–Peacock. But if they end Yellowstone and create an entirely new show with most of the same cast, they’re free to put it on their own streaming service. It’s not just about negotiating with Costner, it’s about ownership of everything Yellowstone solely by Paramount.
Actually, Paramount will never “own” Yellowstone, because it is produced by an independent production company. (Though paramount did get in on the production through MTV Studios starting with season 4.) Paramount just bought the rights to air the show, and they screwed up by noy getting the streaming rights. That’s why they greenlit all the sequels/prequels, because they are full production partners, with all the rights attached for those shows. So, Costner really doesn’t have much bargaining power due to having no ‘value’ to paramount. Just a quirk of timing having a hit show right before streaming took over from cable.
Bingo. The only thing stopping Paramount from casting Matthew McConaughey in season 6 of Yellowstone is the streaming deal with Peacock. Or Paramount and Sheridan could have McConaughey split time with Costner. There are several options that dont involve ending Yellowstone.
Four words: Rob Morrow, Northern Exposure.
.
Four more: Larry Hagman, Dallas reboot.
.
Yes, Yellowstone is an ensemble show, but, in sports terms, Kevin Costner is the quarterback, the draw, the player you build the team around. Northern Exposure and Dallas 2.0 both quickly collapsed without their marquee actors. In Exoisure’s case, it’s because they didn’t replace Morrow/Fleischman with an actor or character of Morrow’s weird charisma and Fleischman’s mixture of arrogance, abrasiveness, and heart. And in Dallas’s case, well, you can’t replace Larry Hagman.
.
That Paramount is so openly name-checking Matthew McConaughey, one of the few actors who would be able to bring his own Costner-size audience (and Costner-audience type of audience) is an interesting play, suggesting that they’re not that far off from firing Costner in favor of the blondest stoner of all time.
The Dallas reboot was excellent even without Larry. It had the audience-especially compared to today’s weak numbers. TNT made a mistake by not letting it go a few more seasons, which it was on track to do. They ended season 3 with a cliffhanger. My nephew worked on the set and said there were other factors at play besides Larry’s death. $$$
Larry Hagman died so he wouldn’t have been back regardless…
Just recast him! He isn’t all that! There are 50,000 actors in his age range that would love the part.
He’s not being a diva. He’s had a passion project in the works for a long time, and it’s time for it to film. That’s why a year ago he said Season 5 would be his last. But then he started getting more vague and it seemed like they were trying to work out managing the schedules with him, to not lose him completely. They’ve known for over a year and have had plenty of time to figure it out with him. This is likely more rumor to create some sort of result. But I think it’s straightforward, they’ve known for a long time, so either figure out how to work it out or write him off. But someone pointed out the point about reimagining on Paramount+ only, so that may be an objective here too but they’re making it about Kevin.
Pretty sure he’s in talks for a spin-off show not taking Kevin’s place. All of these articles are very poorly written
Not really being a diva, In order to get Costner to agree to do the show Sheridan had to allow him time to direct movies. Add the fact that Kevin’s other contract (for said movie) states he has to be done before a certain date.
Hollywood schedules are still borked hard from COVID. The only time Coster can get his cast together is also the only time Sheridan can get the Yellowstone’s cast all together at the same time, well besides Kevin
Because in its current original Yellowstone series, it is contractually tied the Paramount Network for first runs of each season, AND not available on Paramount+, nor Peacock. End Yellowstone as it is now.. they can then restart it on the (pay to view) streaming network like all of the other offshoots.
No Kevin no Yellowstone!
That is very true. Almond st time to cut the cable and stop watching TV altogether. Nothing good on anymore.
This is so true Deb T. Practically everything ends up on streaming. Why are we wasting money on these cable bills. I’m making a call now!
I can’t believe I just realized.. paramount+ wasn’t the same as paramount..my mom kelt asking me why it wouldn’t show on Amazon…n ver had an answer for her….I watched part of season one and really liked it..but school work..a bunch of tv shows from korea and china..also I do enjoy chatting about shows I’m watching and for some reason…lotta ppl who love the show also wanna prop it up as proof that “Real America” doesn’t want some “woke” agenda….kinda spoils it for me…same reason I took so long to watch top gun…which was awesome…I’m sure maybe when it’s over I’ll have a few days off and I’ll mega-binge the series….shame if it goes but…it had a good run and seems the spinoffs can keep coming..hope fans… I’ll enjoy them as much
There has been many reports that Costner s wife is the cause of this. She has stated leaving him if he isn’t home more. Because of her selfishness is why this is happening. If he gives in to her then the network just needs to replace him. That simple.
I love Kevin Costner and have never missed an episode of Yellowstone, but the question is, how long can ANY TV series continue without eventually losing its freshness? I can see how Mr. Costner might want to do other things.
i thought it was already ending with season 5 this summer
This!! Wasn’t the show supposed to end this summer. I’m so confused
If so, Costner should suck it up and finish up the show.
He’s 68, I know where he’s coming from, but he must know there’s a fan base that’ll really be pissed off if he causes it to be canned, and I love the programme and I’m 65!
Kevin already said he does not care about the fans and what we think. He doesn’t have to work. I love the series Taylor Sheridan puts out.
Um, Kevin has been in television and movies his entire career. He knows that is completely unreasonable and ridiculous. A week for 8 hour long episodes? Try 3 months at the minimum. Sounds like he’s done and doesn’t care about tanking the show. Yikes.
There is a difference in schedules for television versus movies. I think this is the only television show that Costner has starred in with multiple episodes (not counting the Hatfield and McCoys miniseries). Even Tulsa King was questionable about having a Season 2 because Sylvester Stallone said that filming schedule was brutal for television versus for movies and he wasn’t certain he wanted to continue it. Thankfully, he is coming back for a season second.
What?! I hadn’t heard that. I’m glad he’s decided to do a 2nd season. Love that show.
Yep. There was some uncertainty about his returning. He gave a few interviews saying how harder it was in television versus film. “n an interview with Variety, the “Rocky” star reiterated how difficult working on television was compared to film, calling it “beyond tough.” He went on to say, “I can’t believe some people have done this for four, five, or six seasons. It’s brutal, compared to filmmaking … [Film is] a vacation compared to this!”
Even if they had reduced the number of episodes for a second season, I would have been happy as long as Stallone returned. I watched it for him. He made that show, although I do like the rest of the ensemble cast. I love Tulsa King and Stallone does not look like he is 76 years old.
I don’t think you understand TV shows. Most dramas are filmed in a week, however they might work 16 hour days.
I’ve been on the ‘set’ of a huge comic book movie for a few hours. They filmed next to nothing and took a 2.5 hour lunch. The main stars weren’t even in town for the pieces they were filming, it was stunt doubles and extras.
He’s developing a series of movies
He’s had a passion project in the works for a long time, and it’s time for it to film. That’s why a year ago he said Season 5 would be his last. But then he started getting more vague and it seemed like they were trying to work out managing the schedules with him, to not lose him completely. They’ve known for over a year and have had plenty of time to figure it out with him. This is likely more rumor to create some sort of result. But I think it’s straightforward, they’ve known for a long time, so either figure out how to work it out or write him off. But someone pointed out the point about reimagining on Paramount+ only, so that may be an objective here too but they’re making it about Kevin.
They usually film his stuff in 65 days, the article clearly says that.
It feels like Paramount is throwing in the towel very easily. Maybe it has to do with the fact that they don’t own the streaming rights to Yellowstone and Peacock even declined to sell them back to them? At least with a new version they will keep all rights in-house.
Paramount v. Peacock was my initial thought too.
Just kill off John, and continue the show without him.
Exactly. I truthfully cannot stand the character. I would like to see more scenes with the bunkhouse crew. And think of the interesting storylines of how the ranch would be run with Beth, Jamie and Kayce at the helm along with Rip.
They don’t want to continue the Yellowstone show. If they end Yellowstone, and restart it under a new title, than it can 100% go to Paramount+.. like the other offshoots are. As it is.. Yellowstone is shown on the Paramount Network and reruns are on Peacock.
I have no doubt that eventually there will be nothing on Network except game shows and everything else will be streaming.
I completely agree with you. He knows this would tank the series and he’s just being stubborn. I can’t believe he would do that to his cast mates. I thought more of him than this.
I think that there are enough strong characters in Yellowstone that “John” could have a heart attack and then the show continues on without him. My favorite character is Rip. He amazes me how well he understands and accepts his wife, even when she loses it. The show could continue with them being the prime characters running the ranch. I understand that Kevin is getting up there in years and filming is tough, but don’t hold the show’s future in a vise. If you want to quit, than quit. Don’t spoil a great show for all the other actors and fans. Shows such as Law and Order:SVU have been filming for more than 15 years.
He’s not being a diva. He’s had a passion project in the works for a long time, and it’s time for it to film. That’s why a year ago he said Season 5 would be his last. But then he started getting more vague and it seemed like they were trying to work out managing the schedules with him, to not lose him completely. They’ve known for over a year and have had plenty of time to figure it out with him. This is likely more rumor to create some sort of result. But I think it’s straightforward, they’ve known for a long time, so either figure out how to work it out or write him off. But someone pointed out the point about reimagining on Paramount+ only, so that may be an objective here too but they’re making it about Kevin.
I sure hope they can get this ironed out and keep Kevin Costner working on Yellowstone! I really love this show, and Costner is the soul of Yellowstone. If he was to leave, however, I guess I could see it going on with KC being the new patriarch, running the ranch with Beth & Rip. Also, I’m really not fond of Matthew McConaughey, so I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t watch any spinoff if he were the main character.
Kill off his character then and continue the show. I love Kevin but if he is causing these issues, there is no reason why others should lose their jobs over it. The show can flourish without him.
They’ll probably do that, but change the name, so it’s a “new” series and they can end the Peacock deal.
So he’s caving to his wife’s selfish demands. No reason they can’t compromise. That’s what successful couples do.
As opposed to your selfish demands? I actually think Kevin Costner is an adult who is capable of making his own decisions and one may be that he doesn’t have to work as hard as he has to with his current schedule in Yellowstone. It isn’t necessarily the “evil” wife making him do it.
This is why we can’t have nice things. People don’t appreciate them. Let Kevin go. He’s only going to grow more and more unhappy with the situation. And do another spin-off. But keep Beth and Rip. They are the best reason to watch.
Kill off his character in a fiery crash and have the three kids battle for control.
Kill off Costner and have Casey step up. Luke Grimes needs more air time. Tate can become a main character in preparation of learning and taking over the ranch!
Too big for his britches. Not the first time Costner has exhibited selfish behavior.
That official reply is quite telling!
I think we should talk to the horse’s mouth…not its tail.Aren’t these all rumours?I love all of it as it is and hope it will go on for a long time yet.Love the spin-offs too.Kevin is the one that makes it all twinkle for me…but everything else about Taylor’s writing and characters is captivating too.
Compromise would seem to be a way forward so no-one is hurt-the viewers or the actors. ..if any of this is true….
Kill him off then. He’s the big name but the show is popular enough I don’t think he’s essential anymore.
For all the kill him off suggestions, John is the only one that understands what the ranch means and what it meant to his father and isn’t caught up in the making a fast buck off of selling it. Beth has said numerous times that when her father is gone she will sell the entire thing and then what? Rip isn’t a city guy – he’s going to ranch somewhere else and how long before Beth gets tired and does a runner again. John is the heart of the show – despite everything he is needed to ground the characters around him and give the whole owning the ranch meaning that isn’t about making a quick buck. If he’s gone at the end of this season then I would probably be too. I like Beth but she became too much this past season. I get her anger towards Jamie but to threaten a child was a step too far and there is a point when she needs to get that he was a child doing what he thought was the only option for her at the time. Jamie has his moments but he is going to come out a loser again at the other end of this turf war with Beth and John. If the quality of the show doesn’t improve on the first half of season 5 then maybe it is time to wrap it up.
“Beth has said numerous times that when her father is gone she will sell the entire thing and then what? ”
Then Matthew Mcconaughey’s new character will own it, Rip and the others will stay…etc.
That is just my assumption on where it would be headed IF Kevin Costner moves on.
Maybe it would work but I can’t help think of Billions currently in the news today. When Damian Lewis left, the show just wasn’t the same again. This kind of gives me the same vibes. It can sometimes be hard to replace that connection that was originally there. I like McConnaughey but everyone is centered around his character – from a political and the everyday ranchers point of view. Think of this most recent season when the old rancher died. That scene when he told his wife brought a tear to my eye. Hard to see how you replace that connection with someone new.
his character = John’s character
Well he’s currently in production on a massive TV show that he’s the show runner for. So I can see that his interests are shifting.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt17505010/?ref_=nm_flmg_unrel_1_act
Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.
What possible quality scenes for a whole season can you get in a week? His character in a coma?
What does Matthew McConaughey have to do with this? Did I miss something? If it’s an either/or situation- bring on Matt! haha
I also don’t recall anything about McConaughey!
I think they were fan-suggesting a replacement.
Stop with the rumors, please. If it’s not a done deal, don’t print it. Not just about Yellowstone, but all the series you all cover. If Costner wants to change the rules, in the case of Yellowstone, it will be remembered the next time he begins a new series. I know that I’ll remember that he alone pulled the plug on Yellowstone after I invested five years of my life on the Dutton’s. Personally, as long as Kayce remains…
Investing 5 years of your life? It’s on one hour of one night a week over a period of 3 months a year, at most. That’s 45 hours of your life up to this point, not 5 years. Stop with the exaggerations, please.
He’s working on his new show Horizon which is supposed to take a long time to film. So I’m sure his priorities have shifted since he is the show runner. Looks good to.
Chronicles a multi-faceted, 15-year span of pre-and post-Civil War expansion and settlement of the American west.
Matthew ain’t no Kevin in a million years…..don’t mess with what has been an award-winning ,totally captivating and breath-of-fresh air series.And don’t mess with its award -winning lead actor….compromise with Kevin and give Matthew a new role…if you must!
Next for Sheridan will be 2223, the ranch set in the future – will there be flying cars? or maybe flying horses perhaps?