In a captivating twist of fate, Kevin Costner, the iconic face of the neo-Western television phenomenon Yellowstone, is making a triumphant return—not to the fictional Dutton Ranch, but to the very real and rugged landscapes that inspired it. Costner is set to host and executive produce Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner, a compelling three-part docuseries premiering on Fox Nation on February 8, 2025. (Screen Rant)
This new venture marks Costner’s second collaboration with Fox Nation, following the success of Yellowstone: One-Fifty in 2022. In Yellowstone to Yosemite, Costner embarks on a journey retracing the historic 1903 expedition of President Theodore Roosevelt and naturalist John Muir through the breathtaking terrains of Yosemite. The series delves deep into the environmental and political significance of this pivotal journey, highlighting how it led to the establishment of the National Park System and the preservation of over 230 million acres of American wilderness. (collider.com, Screen Rant)
Through stunning visuals and insightful narration, viewers will explore the rich Indigenous American legacy of the region, the serendipitous arrival of outsiders in 1850, and the evolution of John Muir into a crusader for America’s wildest places. Costner’s exploration offers a profound reflection on the struggles and triumphs that shaped the American frontier.(Screen Rant)
While Costner’s return to the Yellowstone universe is through a documentary lens, fans continue to speculate about the future of the fictional Dutton family. The original series concluded in 2024 after five seasons, three seasons earlier than planned, due to reported conflicts between Costner and series creator Taylor Sheridan. Despite the early ending, the Yellowstone universe is expanding with new spinoffs, including Dutton Ranch, starring Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly as Rip and Beth, expected to premiere in fall 2025, and another series featuring Luke Grimes as Kayce, scheduled to air on CBS in 2026. (Cinemablend)
Costner has expressed openness to returning to the Yellowstone narrative under the right circumstances, stating, “I would love to come back and do it, but it really depends.” However, as of now, there are no confirmed plans for his character, John Dutton, to reappear in the franchise’s future installments.(Empire, Southern Living)
In the meantime, Yellowstone to Yosemite offers fans a chance to reconnect with Costner’s enduring passion for the American West. The docuseries promises to be a poignant exploration of the landscapes and histories that have long captivated the actor and his audience alike.(collider.com)
Yellowstone to Yosemite with Kevin Costner premieres on Fox Nation on February 8, 2025, with subsequent episodes releasing weekly. The series is a must-watch for those eager to delve into the real-life inspirations behind one of television’s most beloved sagas.
