Speaking in an interview, Sheridan explained that in the early days, when he was trying to find a home for Yellowstone, HBO, after giving him the greenlight, made demands to dial back Beth Dutton, whom Kelly Reilly eventually portrayed. Apparently, the execs believed Beth was far too intense, making her a character that they expected women wouldn’t be able to relate to. Sheridan recalled:

“‘We think she’s too abrasive. We want to tone her down. Women won’t like her.’ They were wrong, because Beth says the quiet part out loud every time. When someone’s rude to you in a restaurant, or cuts you off in the parking lot, Beth says the thing you wish you’d said.”

With that, the prolific creator knew things wouldn’t work with HBO, as he shared, “So I said to them, ‘OK, everybody done? Who on this call is responsible for a scripted show that you guys have on the air? Oh, you’re not? Thanks.’ And I hung up. They never called back.” That was HBO’s loss, of course, as the Yellowstone franchise, which ultimately found a home on Paramount, has since expanded with old and upcoming spin-offs centered on the Dutton family.

‘Yellowstone’ Has Spawned An Extensive Franchise

Speaking of Yellowstone’s expansion, its first two prequels are 1883 and 1923. 1883 spanned ten episodes and was released on Paramount+ from December 19, 2021, to February 27, 2022. 1923, on the other hand, ran for two seasons of eight episodes each, between December 18, 2022, and April 6, 2025. Also, following the conclusion of 1923, 1944 was reported to be in active development. Meanwhile, some other spin-offs in the franchise include The Madison, which began production in August 2024; Y: Marshals, set to air on CBS early this year and focused on Kaycee Dutton becoming a U.S. Marshal; and 6666, set in Texas on the Four Sixes Ranch.

All seasons of Yellowstone are streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for more Taylor Sheridan news.