Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone’s raw, sprawling saga, just dropped a bombshell that’s left fans reeling: he admits the show “makes no sense” and confesses to hating its ending. As the Dutton dynasty wrapped its final season in December 2024, Sheridan’s candid revelations about the show’s chaotic legacy, messy storytelling, and his own conflicted love for it have sparked heated debates. Is Yellowstone a flawed masterpiece or just a “horse opera”? Let’s unpack Sheridan’s jaw-dropping interview and what it means for the franchise’s future.
In a recent Variety interview, Sheridan called Yellowstone “nonsensical,” dubbing it his “horse opera” with a nod to writer Gretle Erlick. “It’s not trying to make sense,” he said, embracing its wild, soap-opera-like twists. For fans who’ve scratched their heads at plotlines veering into absurdity—like Beth’s endless vendettas or Jamie’s bizarre arcs—this confession stings but explains plenty. “It’s a punk-rock, rebellious teenage middle finger at TV,” Sheridan added, describing a mix of “pandering, horse porn at sunset, and Benny Hill.” Fans on X are split:
@DuttonRanch4eva
groaned, “Horse opera? Really, Taylor?” while @YellowstoneFan22 cheered, “Love the chaos!” What’s your take—does the label fit?
Sheridan’s honesty doesn’t stop there. He claims he saved Yellowstone from disaster starting in Season 3, a bold statement that’s raised eyebrows. “The scripts were so bad, the actors were mutinying,” he revealed, recalling a crisis when writers’ room drafts flopped. Sheridan stepped in, writing episodes solo every Saturday while directing a film in New Mexico. “I saved the show,” he insisted, arguing Seasons 1 and 2 were flawless under his pen, but Season 3 needed his rescue. Yet, many fans, myself included, adore Season 3’s intense Market Equities battle and Rip’s growth. Do you buy Sheridan’s claim, or are Seasons 4 and 5 the real weak links? Share below!
Despite his gripes, Sheridan’s passion for Yellowstone is undeniable. He calls it “divine,” comparing writing to a religious experience. “Four and a half hours later, I’d written half the script, unaware my wife was standing over me,” he shared. This intensity birthed a Western revival, filling a TV void with rugged romance and brutal beauty. “A Western done well is universally loved,” he said, capturing America’s thirst for freedom and vastness. His camera’s “loving nature” sells Montana as an idyllic yet savage paradise, hooking 15 million viewers at its peak, per Nielsen data.
But Sheridan’s relationship with Yellowstone is fraying. The Kevin Costner feud, production delays, and a divisive Season 5 finale—criticized as rushed on Rotten Tomatoes (62% rating)—have left scars. Sheridan’s focus has shifted to his empire: 1923, Tulsa King, Landman, and the upcoming 1944. “I’m not that unique,” he shrugged, suggesting he’s emotionally checked out from preserving Yellowstone’s legacy. With the Beth and Rip spin-off still unconfirmed and Cole Hauser debunking rumors, fans fear Sheridan’s heart lies elsewhere. Posts on X like
@BethDuttonVibes
lament, “If Taylor’s done, what’s left for us?”
Yet, Sheridan’s brutal honesty is oddly refreshing. He knows Yellowstone breaks storytelling rules, and he owns it. From John Dutton’s improbable survival to Beth’s cartoonish vengeance, the show’s flaws are part of its charm. As he juggles new projects, his “I hate the ending” quip might reflect exhaustion rather than disdain. Still, with Yellowstone’s cultural grip—spawning prequels and a $200 million Paramount+ budget, per Forbes—its legacy endures, messy or not.
So, where do fans go from here? If Sheridan’s moving on, should we cling to the Duttons or embrace his new stories? Tell us: Does his “horse opera” jab change how you see Yellowstone? Like, follow, and check the video on your screen for more Yellowstone universe updates!
