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💡 TLDR
Plot twist: Sam Elliott actually thinks *Yellowstone* is just a "cowboy soap opera" he can't stand! He only joined the Taylor Sheridan universe because he fell in love with the gritty vibe of *1883* instead.
Sam Elliott has been a Western legend forever, appearing in classics like Tombstone and The Sacketts, so you’d think he would have loved the massive success of the Dutton drama. Plot twist: he actually couldn’t stand it. When speaking to Howard Stern on The Howard Stern Show earlier this year, creator Taylor Sheridan revealed that Elliott was never interested in joining the main franchise because he had zero love for the vibe.
From Cowboy Soap Opera to Masterpiece
Sheridan recalled that when they first spoke, Elliott wasn’t shy about his opinion on the flagship show. “I don’t like that ‘Yellowstone.’ That’s a cowboy soap opera,” Sheridan recalled Elliott telling him. But instead of trying to force him into the Kevin Costner-led series, Sheridan played it smart by pitching him something completely different: the miniseries 1883. He pitched the story of Shea Brennan, a former Union captain leading a westward wagon train, and Elliott was immediately sold.
💫 "I don't like that 'Yellowstone.' That's a cowboy soap opera," Sheridan recalled Elliott telling him.
Even though the show became a huge hit, Elliott stayed firm on his stance regarding the brand. Speaking to Taste of Country, he explained that while 1883 stands alone as its own thing, there is an issue with how everything is perceived now. He noted that “we’re tainted by ‘Yellowstone,’ which, on some level, I can’t stand.” Honestly, we have to stan a legend who stays true to himself even when a show is literally everywhere.
A New Era of Collaborations
Filming that historical Western left him a bit worn after sustaining some injuries, but working with Sheridan clearly hooked him. The actor eventually picked up the phone when Sheridan called about a new project, this time an oilman drama titled Landman. In this series, Elliott plays T.L. Norris, the father of Billy Bob Thornton’s character Tommy Norris (even if they have a real-life 11-year age difference). While he told Variety that it isn’t quite like being out in the elements constantly like he was in 1883, he found something in the role that aligns with what he values personally.
While Paramount has only officially renewed Landman for a third season, Elliott told the Television Academy that he is already committed to the show through a fourth season. It’s safe to say the Sam Elliott and Taylor Sheridan era is just heating up.
Do you agree with Sam Elliott that Yellowstone feels more like a soap opera, or are you obsessed with the Dutton drama?
❓ People Also Ask
Why does Sam Elliott dislike the Yellowstone television series?
Sam Elliott dislikes Yellowstone because he views the flagship show as a cowboy soap opera rather than a traditional Western. While the series has achieved massive success, Elliott expressed that he has zero love for the vibe of the main franchise. He even noted that the popularity of the brand has somewhat tainted the perception of other Western projects. Despite his personal dislike for the Dutton drama, he found a way to work with creator Taylor Sheridan through different storytelling formats.
How did Sam Elliott end up working with Taylor Sheridan?
Sam Elliott began working with Taylor Sheridan after being pitched the miniseries 1883 instead of the main Yellowstone franchise. Although Elliott was initially uninterested in the flagship show, he was immediately sold on the story of Shea Brennan, a former Union captain leading a westward wagon train. This successful collaboration eventually led to more projects, including the oilman drama Landman. By offering a different type of historical Western, Sheridan was able to build a working relationship with the legendary actor.
What character does Sam Elliott play in the series Landman?
Sam Elliott plays the character of T.L. Norris in the oilman drama Landman. In this series, his character serves as the father to Tommy Norris, a role portrayed by actor Billy Bob Thornton. Although the two actors have an eleven-year age difference in real life, their characters share a familial connection on screen. Elliott has expressed that while the role differs from his work in 1883, he finds the character aligns well with his personal values.
For how many seasons is Sam Elliott committed to Landman?
Sam Elliott is currently committed to appearing in Landman through its fourth season. While Paramount has only officially confirmed a renewal for a third season, the actor has already secured his involvement for the following year. This long-term commitment highlights the growing partnership between Elliott and creator Taylor Sheridan. His participation ensures that his character, T.L. Norris, will remain a part of the evolving oilman drama for the foreseeable future.
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📰 Source: TVLine