Kevin Costner Labels Yellowstone a “Soap Opera” — And Doesn’t Pull Any Punches
Even for someone who helped launch Yellowstone into global prominence, Kevin Costner’s latest remarks reveal a refreshing willingness to comment on his former show with candid honesty. While promoting his new projects — including the upcoming Horizon: An American Saga — Costner opened up about his time on Yellowstone, offering both praise and pointed critique.
Modern-Day Ranching… With Soap-Level Drama
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Costner described Yellowstone as effectively “modern-day ranching,” beautifully realized on screen. But he wasn’t shy about acknowledging the dramatic intensity that makes the series so compelling — and occasionally over-the-top.
“I mean, it’s a bit of a soap opera,” Costner mused, referencing the show’s high-stakes drama, betrayals, and emotionally charged plotlines hellomagazine.com+14soapcentral.com+14screenrant.com+14.
“I mean, we all should be in prison,” he added, alluding to the characters’ run-ins with violence and law-breaking screenrant.com+2soapcentral.com+2themix.net+2.
By framing it that way, he recognized the show’s addictive nature — the intertwining relationships, cliffhangers, and moral complexity — even while poking fun at its melodramatic aspects.
Inside the ‘Soap Opera’ Label
Calling Yellowstone a “soap opera” isn’t entirely derogatory. On the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, Costner admitted he knew exactly what kind of show he was signing on to — a bold, sometimes ruthless drama with emotionally charged twists. He said:
“I knew it was a soap opera. I knew we should all be in jail. We’ve all killed people there and so you throw logic out the window a little bit” the-express.com+3etonline.com+3whiskeyriff.com+3.
Costner praised co-creator Taylor Sheridan’s writing while noting the show’s indulgent, dramatic pace — a hallmark of the soap style, especially when every character is embroiled in betrayal, power plays, and emotional clashes.
Echoes From Hollywood’s Elite
Costner isn’t alone in this take. Legendary director Quentin Tarantino echoed the sentiment on The Joe Rogan Experience, calling Yellowstone engaging but “just a soap opera.” Tarantino praised its compelling interconnected drama but noted that, unlike feature films, he didn’t find it as memorable long-term southernliving.com+15decider.com+15ktvb.com+15.
Their shared perspective shines a light on how Yellowstone blends cinematic scope with soap‑style emotional storytelling — a blend that keeps audiences hooked week after week.
From Praise to Parting Ways
Despite this critique, Costner’s affection for Yellowstone is clear. He described the world Sheridan created as something he “just believed in,” and credited the writing for making the series engaging enough to sustain five seasons .
His departure, widely publicized in 2024, stemmed from logistical and creative conflicts — including tough contract negotiations and the demands of timing new projects like Horizon the-express.com+6hellomagazine.com+6gazettely.com+6. Yet, even after stepping away, he remained open to returning if the right scripts came along.
Why This Matters — And What It Shows
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It underscores the soap opera DNA in modern “prestige” dramas.
Despite big budgets and cinematic visuals, Yellowstone leans heavily into interpersonal conflict and emotional stakes — core traits of traditional soaps. -
It spotlights Costner’s evolving creative journey.
By framing Yellowstone this way, he distances himself just enough to highlight Horizon as a more serious artistic pursuit — while acknowledging the compelling storytelling that kept him invested. -
It throws fresh light on TV evolution.
Where prestige TV once held itself above the melodrama of soaps, today’s hit shows often build on that foundation — wrapping intense emotion into epic narratives.
✅ Bottom Line
Kevin Costner’s “soap opera” remark isn’t a harsh dismissal — rather, it’s a nod to the genre-blending brilliance of Yellowstone. The series draws you in with its sweeping landscapes and cowboy grit, but it’s the interpersonal dramas that make it addictive.
Costner’s point: yes, it’s jam-packed with conflict, but it’s also these very elements — the betrayals, the alliances, the family feuds — that made him sign on for five seasons in the first place.
And while he’s moved on to new projects, his commentary highlights Yellowstone’s dual identity: cinematic Western, emotional soap — and the mashup that continues to captivate millions worldwide.
