‘Yellowstone’ TV Series Includes Bitterroot Scenes
For the last year, film crews have been spending time in the Bitterroot Valley, scouting and filming locations for a new television series, "Yellowstone." The 10-part series, starring Kevin Costner, will premiere Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m. Mountain Time on the Paramount Network. The dramatic series follows the operation of a huge ranch owned by the fictional Dutton family with patriarch John Dutton, played by Costner. The show was filmed in Montana and Utah and, as the press release says: "Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds and hard-earned respect - the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders - an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America's first national park."
Published reports say the series has already been picked up for a second season and possibly a third. The series is written, produced and directed by Taylor Sheridan and includes a large cast: Wes Bentley, Kelly Reilly, Luke Grimes, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Dave Annable, Danny Huston, Gil Birmingham, Josh Lucas, Jefferson White, Gretchen Mol, Jill Hennessey, Patrick St. Esprit, Ian Bohen, Heather Hemmons, Denim Richards and Michael Nouri.
Kevin Costner has a long list of successful movies, including Dances with Wolves, Silverado, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, The Bodyguard, The Untouchables, Wyatt Earp, Molly's Game and Hidden Figures. The Oscar and Emmy-winning actor has been seen several times in the Bitterroot Valley during the production, apparently enjoying his time in the rural Montana West. In a recent appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Costner talked about spending quality time around the campfire in Montana.
By the way, if you have Dish or Direct TV, Paramount (formerly Spike TV) is on channel 241 and on Charter, it's on channel 20.