Sam Elliott’s Surprising Disdain for Yellowstone Revealed

Sam Elliott’s unmistakable presence—gravelly voice, iconic moustache, and all—has long been a fixture in Western cinema. Whether he’s dispensing cryptic wisdom in a cult classic or riding the range as a grizzled cowboy, Elliott’s screen persona is as rugged as they come. His recent turn in the television drama 1883 saw him return to familiar territory, portraying a battle-scarred Civil War veteran leading a perilous journey westward. The role marked a significant comeback, earning him widespread acclaim and a Sag Award for his efforts.

What might come as a surprise, though, is Elliott’s candid opinion of Yellowstone, the blockbuster series from which 1883 spun off. While the two shows share a universe and even a family lineage—Tim McGraw’s character in 1883 is the ancestor of Kevin Costner’s in Yellowstone—Elliott himself is far from a fan. In a rather blunt admission, he remarked,

“I’m not a Yellowstone fan. I don’t watch Yellowstone. I love Costner, there’s a lot of good people on the cast, a few of them I’ve worked with before, nothing against any of them, but it’s just too much like fucking Dallas or something for me.”

Western Tropes and Modern Tastes

Despite a general decline in the popularity of Westerns, Yellowstone has managed to capture the public’s imagination, spawning a host of related series. Yet, not everyone is convinced by its approach. Critics have pointed to its reliance on familiar tropes and melodramatic family feuds, drawing comparisons to the soap opera stylings of Dallas—a show that once dominated television but now feels rather dated. The phrase ‘oat opera’ has even been bandied about, suggesting that Yellowstone is more about spectacle than substance.

Elliott’s comments reflect a certain purist attitude towards the genre. He’s not shy about voicing his opinions, even when it comes to projects that have contributed to his own success. His forthrightness has landed him in hot water before, notably when he criticised Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog. On that occasion, he questioned the director’s authority to tackle themes of the American West and expressed discomfort with the film’s depiction of sexuality, remarks for which he later apologised.

Persona Versus Reality

There’s a sense that Elliott sees himself as a guardian of Western authenticity, though his own background is far removed from the frontier. Raised in Portland, Oregon, he’s no more a cowboy than the next actor donning a Stetson for the cameras. Still, his commitment to the role is undeniable, and his opinions—however divisive—carry weight among fans of the genre.

It’s a curious position to take, criticising a franchise that’s helped revitalise his career. Yet, Elliott’s history of outspoken remarks suggests he’s unlikely to hold his tongue for the sake of diplomacy. For all his gruff exterior, he’s as much a performer as anyone else in the business, playing at being a cowboy while the real West remains a distant memory.