‘They Should All Be in Prison’: Kevin Costner’s Brutally Honest Take on Yellowstone
Kevin Costner May Be Done With Yellowstone, But He’s Not Wrong About Its Characters
Kevin Costner may have parted ways with Yellowstone under less-than-perfect circumstances, but he still speaks highly of the show — at least when it comes to its portrayal of the West. He’s praised its depiction of “modern-day ranching,” and rightfully so. But Costner is also not afraid to call things like he sees them. In a recent interview, he didn’t hold back: Yellowstone is “a bit of a soap opera,” and, in his words, “we all should be in prison.”
And honestly… he’s not wrong.
While Costner has moved on from Yellowstone, he’s remained loyal to the Western genre. Reflecting on his time working with Taylor Sheridan and the show’s gritty storytelling, he noted how Yellowstone manages to blend the harsh realities of ranch life with heightened drama. But that drama often crosses into full-blown criminal territory.
Let’s break it down.
The Duttons have a place called The Train Station — not a real station, but a literal dumping ground for bodies. Nearly every main character — Kayce, Beth, Jamie, Rip — has killed someone. In the series finale, Beth murders her own brother. Sure, he arguably had it coming, but that doesn’t make it legal.
Rip has taken out more people than we can count — many ending up at the Train Station. Jamie killed his biological father and a journalist. Kayce is practically a one-man SWAT team. And that’s just the violent crimes. There are also assaults, coverups, and probably some light (or not-so-light) white-collar crimes thrown in for good measure.
Then there’s the infamous “Y” brand. Often applied without consent, it’s a violent, scarring act meant to bind people to the ranch and its secrets. If that’s not a criminal offense, it’s definitely morally questionable.
Still, this isn’t a dig at Yellowstone. The over-the-top drama is part of what makes the show so compelling. It’s gripping, messy, and intense — and that’s exactly why fans love it. But when Costner says everyone should be in prison, he’s not exaggerating — he’s just pointing out the obvious.
Even when you look at the Dutton family history through spin-offs like 1883 and 1923, it’s clear this family has a long legacy of doing whatever it takes to survive — legal or not. And their enemies? Just as bad, if not worse.
So yeah, Kevin Costner has a point. Yellowstone is a masterclass in modern Western storytelling, but if we’re playing by real-world rules… everyone’s guilty.
