Primary Filming Locations Yellowstone
The series Yellowstone was primarily filmed in Montana and Wyoming, with the iconic Yellowstone Ranch represented by the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Additional key scenes were shot at the Yellowstone River corridor and surrounding private ranches in Paradise Valley, Montana. Production also utilized locations in Utah and Idaho for specific sequences, with the main ranch headquarters filmed at the 6,000-acre Chief Joseph Ranch property. The show's creators chose these locations to capture the authentic Western landscape that defines the series.
The production company for Yellowstone is 101 Studios, founded by Taylor Sheridan and David C. Glasser. The studio handles development, financing, and distribution for the Yellowstone franchise, including the prequel 1883 and the spin-off 1924. Filming schedules typically run from spring through fall, with each season requiring extensive location management across multiple states. The production has been credited with boosting local economies in rural Montana and Wyoming through direct spending and job creation.
Economic Impact and Production Data
Montana's film office reported that Yellowstone generated an estimated $300 million in economic impact for the state during its first five seasons. The show's presence increased tourism to filming locations, with the Chief Joseph Ranch receiving thousands of visitors annually. Local businesses in Darby and surrounding areas reported significant revenue growth tied to the series' popularity. The production also created hundreds of temporary jobs and supported local vendors for catering, equipment, and transportation.
Paramount Network, the primary broadcaster for Yellowstone, is owned by Paramount Global, a publicly traded company with its financial results reported through SEC filings. The network's parent company has invested heavily in the Yellowstone franchise, with the series becoming one of its highest-rated original programs. The show's success has influenced Paramount Global's content strategy, leading to increased investment in Western-themed programming. Investors track the franchise's performance as a key driver of subscriber growth for Paramount+.
Streaming and Distribution Strategy
Yellowstone episodes are available on Paramount+ in the United States, with the streaming platform reporting significant subscriber engagement around new season releases. The series is also distributed internationally through Paramount's global network partners, with licensing deals covering over 180 countries. The streaming strategy includes same-day premieres for subscribers and a traditional linear broadcast window on Paramount Network.
The franchise's financial model combines advertising revenue from the Paramount Network broadcast with subscription revenue from Paramount+. Taylor Sheridan's production deal with ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) includes backend participation in the franchise's overall profitability. The show's ratings consistently rank among the top for cable television, with the Season 5 premiere drawing over 12 million viewers across platforms. This performance has made Yellowstone a benchmark for franchise profitability in the streaming era.
