In a competitive situation with multiple outlets bidding, Paramount Network has handed out its first straight-to-series to drama Yellowstone created by Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan (Hell or High Water, Sicario). The order is for 10 episodes, which will debut in Summer 2018.
The drama revolves around the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., under constant attack by those at its borders: land developers, an Indian reservation and America's first National Park. The series is described as a study of a violent world far from media scrutiny - where land grabs make developers billions, and politicians are bought and sold by the world's largest oil and lumber corporations. Where drinking water poisoned by fracking wells and unsolved murders are not news, but a consequence of living in the new frontier. It is the best and worst of America seen through the eyes of a family that represents both.
Sheridan will write and direct the series. He executive produces with Harvey Weinstein, David Glasser, John Linson and Art Linson. The Weinstein Company produces.
"Yellowstone exemplifies what a Paramount Network original dramatic series will be with premium storytelling, high production values, compelling characters and the best talent behind the camera and in front of it," said Keith Cox, President of Development and Production, Paramount Network.
"I've been fortunate to work with partners like Weinstein and John and Art Linson in developing Yellowstone and am grateful that it has found a home in the Paramount Network," said Sheridan. "The show is both timely and timeless. As much as it explores themes painfully relevant to the world today, it explores the very essence of family, and how the actions of one member can alter the course of generations."
