The Real Cost of Yellowstone: How Much Does It Really Take to Make a Hit?

Yellowstone by Paramount Network has impressed people with its beautiful scenery and dramatic storylines, however much money has gone into making this reality. A recent Wall Street Journal report gave us an insight into the high production cost of the hit series and how much money is spent on creating an episode and the amount of funding put into the expanding universe of Taylor Sheridan.

From Millions Per Episode to Hundreds of Millions Overall

The numbers are truly impressive. Paramount has invested more than $500 million into the shows of Taylor Sheridan, including Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and the upcoming Special Ops: Lionness. But let's break down the costs specifically for Yellowstone:

The numbers are truly impressive. Paramount has invested more than $500 million into the shows of Taylor Sheridan, these include; Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, Mayor of Kingstown, Tulsa King, and the upcoming Special Ops: Lionness. But let's break down the costs specifically for Yellowstone alone.

• Initial Investment: The first season had a budget of $7 million per episode for 10 episodes. However, due to script and production delays, the season, which ultimately aired only nine episodes, exceeded budget by $20 million.
• Season 5 Spending: The budget for each episode of season 5 was set at $12 million, but many episodes exceeded this figure.

"Paramount has invested over $500 million across all of Taylor Sheridan’s shows."

Where Does the Money Go?

The WSJ report provides some fascinating details about specific expenses:

• Overtime and Props: One episode, “Tall Drink of Water,” went over budget by $75,461 due to meal-related overtime fees. In another instance, prop rentals doubled from the projected $36,000 to nearly $68,000.
• Ranch Fees: Paramount pays Taylor Sheridan significant sums to use his ranches, including the famous Four Sixes Ranch, which his investment group acquired in 2022. These fees can reach up to $50,000 per week.
• Livestock and Props: The show requires a substantial number of animals and props. A cattle wrangler costs at least $3,000, while the cattle themselves are $25 per head. The production also acquired 24 Royal Canadian Mounted Police-style saddles, valued at a staggering $23,519.19 each.
• Cowboy Camp: To better get into their cast roles, the cast is sent to ‘Cowboy Camp‘. The fifth season of Yellowstone cost Paramount $214,979.61 per week, with $33,000 for catering and $2,000 ‘per horse’ for the animals on Sheridan’s ranch.

"The production also acquired 24 Royal Canadian Mounted Police-style saddles, valued at a staggering $23,519.19 each."

A Worthwhile Investment?

Despite these substantial costs, Paramount sees the investment as worthwhile. The company told WSJ Sheridan's shows are "among our most successful and profitable." Yellowstone's massive viewership and cultural impact and spin-offs clearly justify the hefty price tag. The show's success has spawned a franchise, proving the value of investing in high-quality storytelling and production.