As expected, the mostly-made-in-Utah TV series “Yellowstone” has been renewed for a second season.
Which is good news for the local economy. According to the Utah Film Commission, the production will spend an estimated $28 million in the state during production of Season 2 — which will begin shortly — and employ about 320 Utahns as members of the cast and crew.
(Photo: Paramount Network) Dave Annable (left) as Lee Dutton, Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton and Kevin Costner as John Dutton in “Yellowstone.”
“‘Yellowstone’s’ return to Utah is a strong testament for our professional crew and our beautiful scenery,” said Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce. “The economic and cultural impact of a show this size and stature will have a lasting effect on our industry reputation.”
The film commission also announced that the Governor’s Office of Economic Development Board has approved a state film incentive — up to 25 percent of the local production costs — for Season 2.
Oscar nominee Taylor Sheridan — who co-created, wrote and directed all 10 hours of Season 1 — will return as showrunner. Although the series is set in Montana, about two-thirds of Season 1 was filmed in Utah — a percentage that could be higher in Season 2, according to Sheridan.
Season 1 of the hourlong drama is currently airing Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on the Paramount Network cable channel. Kevin Costner stars as the patriarch of the family that owns the largest contiguous ranch in the United States. He's a powerful figure who does battle with land developers and the adjacent Indian reservation — battle that has turned deadly.
Season 2 of “Yellowstone” is expected to air in 2019.
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